FAQ
As Instructional Coach, I am here to be part of your support system and help you!
The chief responsibility of an instructional coach is to support the teachers with the shared goal of supporting students. Coaches examine data, do research, and work alongside teachers to increase student achievement. The teachers will be always be the experts in the classroom. The coach isn't there to judge or "fix" anyone. Instead, the coach mentors new teachers, does research and disseminates it, creates professional development, assists in learning and implement new curriculum, and more! Coaches might be new to our school district, but the idea has been around for much longer. Jim Knight, who I consider to be the guru of coaching, has been studying and writing about coaching for over 20 years. He has written eight books on the topic, and continues his research at The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning and the Instructional Coaching Group. My other go-tos include Diane Sweeney, Elena Aguilar, Nicole S. Turner (she has great resources for teachers too), and the Chicago Coaching Center (they have a great podcast).
WHAT IS A COACHING CYCLE?
Coaching models have two things in common; they utilize coaching cycles and the objective is student learning. The most common coaching models are relationship-driven, teacher-centered, and student-centered. Each consists of identifying an area of need, choosing a shared focus, using data to determine next steps, applying research-based strategies, measuring results, and shared reflection. The intention of a coaching cycle is to set a shared purpose and evaluate outcomes. The coaching cycle establishes expectations and demonstrates its impact on student learning. A coaching cycle also narrows the field of focus. The coach is able to focus on a small group of teachers for a specific purpose, and thanks to the cycle, all parties know what to expect. That does not mean that a coach isn't available to help others, of course. It only mean that the coach isn't pulled in so many directions that she isn't available when needed.
WHAT IS STUDENT-CENTERED COACHING?
A Student-Centered Coach collaborates with the teachers to design instruction that targets student achievement. Coaches never judge a teacher or try to "fix" them. The focus is always on developing systems and structures to support teacher development and encourage a culture of growth. The coaches spent the summer studying Diane Sweeney's book, Student-Centered Coaching, and learning how to get started. Diane and her co-author, Leanna Harris, even kicked off our very first coaches meeting by joining us for our Zoom.
