WCSD Coaching

Walnut Creek School District has adopted a streamlined coaching model for all our schools, known as Student Centered Coaching. This model is based on the work and findings of Diane Sweeney, the author of Student-Centered Coaching. Using her innovative approach, our coaches support and assist teachers in reaching goals for their students’ learning. The coaches collaborate and partner with teachers in 4-6 week cycles throughout the year. The goal of student-centered coaching is to work with teachers in order to design instruction that promotes a high-level of student learning.

Coaches have participated in extensive professional learning.

• Reading and Writing Institutes, Teacher's College of Columbia University in New York
• Cognitive Coaching strategies, UCLA's Center X
• Student Centered Coaching, Diane Sweeney
• Math Performance Task Analysis, Silicon Valley Math Initiative
• Responsive Classroom Institute
• Mentor Training, CCCOE Teacher Induction Program

The team is looking forward to working alongside teachers as partners in the continuous cycle of reflecting upon and refining instructional practices in order to maximize student learning.

WCSD Coaches

Julie Ellis - Walnut Heights & Walnut Creek Intermediate

Stacy Freeman - Buena Vista

Maria Miller - Indian Valley & Walnut Creek Intermediate

Brittany Rosenstrauch - Murwood

Jill Watson- Parkmead & Tice Creek

Alexandra Thomas , K-8 Math Coach - District-wide