About Instructional Coaching

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 90 organizational model?

Instructional coaches are currently housed at various schools in the district and work at all District 90 schools. We work closely with the Curriculum Coordinator to promote district goals. Working in buildings district wide allows for us to collaborate in meaningful and flexible ways. 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 coaching choice board here 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.