About Instructional Coaching
Some Things You May Be Wondering...
What is an instructional coach?
An instructional coach is, above all, a teacher who partners with teachers in meeting their professional goals. Instructional coaches work side-by-side with teachers planning, co-teaching, and providing feedback to meet the needs of students.
How do instructional coaches fit in the District 50 organizational model?
Instructional coaches are housed at each of the District 50 school sites. Working in a set building or buildings allows for us to collaborate in meaningful and flexible ways with teachers in an ongoing manner. Coaches are paid on the teacher salary schedule and their roles are non-evaluative.
What can I expect from working with a coach?
Think of a coach as another set of eyes and ears in the classroom, as well as a reflective partner in your practice. Coaches can co-plan, co-teach, facilitate lesson study, model lessons, analyze student work, problem solve, and much more. Check out our menu on the homepage for some ideas.
Why instructional coaching?
Research shows that sustainable, job-embedded professional development has a greater impact on instructional practices than one-time events. By connecting with a teacher within the context of his or her classroom, an instructional coach can be the link between knowing and doing: the partner that promotes the transfer of a teacher's ideas into practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coaching cycle ?
Identify
- Get a clear picture of reality (observation, video, student data)
- Set a teacher identified student focused goal
- Identify potential strategies
Learn
- Teacher and coach partner to select a strategy/plan
- Model/practice/coteach/view in action as needed
- Work together to implement plan
Improve
- Teacher and coach work together to monitor effectiveness (data driven)
- Modify or adjust as necessary to be as effective as possible
How can I contact a coach?
The best way to reach your instructional coach is through their email. Each coaches email is listed on the Homepage under their picture and name or through the button marked Coaching Contact Information to the right.
What is the purpose of working with a coach?
Coaches serve as non-evaluative partners who share ideas through back and forth interactions, support classroom initiatives, and provide feedback and reflection. The ultimate goal is increased teacher efficacy which according to Hattie's research will have the largest positive impact on student achievement.
Who can work with a coach?
Any teacher can work with a coach! Both veteran and novice teachers work with coaches to improve their practice. Think about professional athletes, even national champs continue to work with coaches to refine their skills!
Where are the coaches located?
The coaches are located in the school buildings through out the district, check the listing on our homepages to see which coach supports your site.
How can I give feedback to the coaches?
We are so glad you asked! We love feedback and know it will help us identify what is working and how we can better support teachers and students. We offer feedback forms when working with teachers and at the end of most presentations.
How do I request a topic or group PD?
Please reach out to us to discuss how we can support your PLC, grade level groups, or larger building initiatives.