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Defining the Role of an Instructional Coach

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Defining the Role of an Instructional Coach

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The article by Diane Sweeney emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the role of an instructional coach to ensure its success in schools. It highlights three key approaches:

1. Clarify the Relationship Between Principal and Coach: The principal sets the vision and expectations, while the coach supports teachers in achieving those goals.

2. Articulate What Coaching Is and Isn’t: Consistent communication is crucial to prevent misunderstandings about the coach's role, especially when transitioning to a student-centered model.

3. Avoid Walkthroughs: Coaching should focus on support, not evaluation. Instead of coaches conducting walkthroughs to assess teachers, collaborative development of instructional "look-fors" is recommended to maintain clarity and trust.

In conclusion, the article stresses that everyone in the school community must understand the purpose and practices of coaching for it to be effective.

I chose this article because I agree that districts often use instructional coaches to assess the teachers in walkthroughs instead of being a support system for teachers. I do not believe that instructional coaches should assess a teacher; they are there to identify areas of strength and weakness and assist teachers in finding success. Instructional coaches are not coming in the room to "catch" the bad; they are there to find the great and build on the good.

Reference

Sweeney, D. (2023, January 7). Three ways to define the role of an instructional coach. Student-Centered Coaching. https://www.dianesweeney.com/three-ways-to-define-the-role-of-an-instructional-coach/

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​ The document "The Ten Roles of Coaches" by Joellen Killion outlines ten key roles that instructional coaches play to support and enhance teaching practices. Collectively, these roles contribute to a comprehensive support system aimed at enhancing teacher effectiveness and student achievement.

I like this article because it explains what roles an instructional coach could take on. I have recently had to explain the role of an instructional coach to my superintendent and express the necessity of hiring an instructional coach solely for that position, not combined with another. This article helped me outline the variety of support an instructional coach can offer the district and teachers.

References

Killion, J. (n.d.). The ten roles of coaches. https://pacareertech.org/content_documents/9/TheTenRolesofCoaches.pdf

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Communicating as an Instructional Coach 

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Communicating as an Instructional Coach 

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The article, "Navigating Challenging Communication as an Instructional Coach," by John Schembari discusses strategies for instructional coaches to engage in difficult conversations with teachers effectively. It emphasizes the importance of clear, honest, and respectful communication to foster change in the classroom. Key approaches include being curious before providing feedback, framing observations without judgment, and collaborating with teachers to identify areas for improvement. The article also highlights the value of empathy and sharing personal experiences to build trust and promote open dialogue .​

I chose this article because it provides practical advice for how to handle those hard-to-have conversations while building trust, respect, and providing opportunities for growth.

Reference

Schembari, J. (2023, October 4). Navigating challenging communication as an instructional coach. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/challlenging-conversations-instructional-coaching/

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​ The article "Effective Communication Techniques Increase the Impact of Instructional Coaching" from Steve Barkley's blog offers practical strategies for instructional coaches to enhance their communication with teachers. It emphasizes the importance of word choice, question framing, and active listening to foster trust and promote professional growth. By implementing these techniques, instructional coaches can create more effective and supportive dialogues with teachers, ultimately improving teaching practices and student outcomes.

I chose this blog because it is an excellent example, as it gives clear, valuable tips for how instructional coaches can communicate better with teachers. It shows how small changes in language, like asking better questions or listening more actively, can make a big difference in building trust and helping teachers grow.

Reference

Barkley, S. (2020, January 17). Effective Communication Techniques in instructional Coaching | Barkley. Steve Barkley. https://barkleypd.com/blog/effective-communication-techniques/

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This article by Steiner, Bell, and Wilcoxen (2022) is a great read for any instructional coach because it highlights the power of blending mentoring with coaching to support real teacher growth. It breaks down how combining relationship-building (like in mentoring) with goal-driven strategies (like in coaching) creates a more personalized and effective support system for teachers.

As a coach, this helps me reflect on how I’m not just offering advice, but also building trust and walking alongside teachers as they grow. It’s a reminder that coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about meeting teachers where they are and growing together.

Reference

Steiner, A., Bell, J., & Wilcoxen, C. (2022). Mentoring Blended with Coaching: A Recipe for Teacher Growth. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 88(3), 27–34.

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If you're an instructional coach looking to grow in your role and make a bigger impact, this article is definitely worth a read. "Instructional Coaching as a Tool for Professional Development: Coaches' Roles and Considerations" breaks down the different hats coaches wear, like being a supporter, a guide, or even a cheerleader, and how those roles can shift depending on the situation.(Kho, et. al., 2019) It dives into what makes coaching effective, from building trust with teachers to adapting your style based on their needs. The article offers some great takeaways on how to be more thoughtful and flexible in your approach, which is super helpful if you're trying to take your coaching to the next level.

I chose this article as a reminder that even though I will wear many hats as an instructional coach, the most important one will be support.

Reference

Kho, S. H., Saeed, K. M., & Mohamed, A. R. (2019). Instructional coaching as a tool for professional development: Coaches’ roles and considerations. The Qualitative Report, 24(5), 1106–1132. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2019.3774​

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This website lists free resources an instructional coach may need.

Ll_Icg. (2024, September 13). [Free Resources] - 15 Free coaching resources - Instructional Coaching group. Instructional Coaching Group. https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/free-resources-15-free-coaching-resources/

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​The Edutopia article "Effective Professional Development for Instructional Coaches" offers valuable insights for instructional coaches aiming to enhance their effectiveness. It emphasizes the importance of tailored professional development that addresses the unique challenges coaches face, such as managing change, facilitating difficult conversations, and building strong relationships with teachers. The article also emphasizes the importance of structured training programs and clear role definitions to ensure that coaches are well-prepared and adequately supported in their roles.

I included this article because it provides a roadmap for instructional coaches to develop their skills and enhance their support of teacher growth and student achievement.

Reference

Tate, C. (2024, September 16). How to plan Effective professional development for instructional Coaches. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/effective-professional-development-instructional-coaches/

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​The NEA article “Why Mentoring Matters” highlights how a structured mentorship program at Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana, is helping retain new teachers amid a national educator shortage. The initiative pairs experienced mentors with new educators, offering consistent one-on-one support and collaborative workshops. The article emphasizes the importance of building trust, providing non-evaluative feedback, and fostering a positive, student-centered approach. This supportive environment not only helps new teachers navigate classroom challenges but also invigorates veteran educators, creating a mutually beneficial dynamic.

I chose to share this article to underscore the critical role of mentorship in teacher development and retention. It exemplifies how intentional support structures can empower new educators, enhance instructional practices, and build a collaborative school culture. By highlighting successful mentorship models, you advocate for similar programs that prioritize continuous learning and professional growth within your educational community.

Reference

Flannery, M. E. (2023, July 20). Why mentoring matters | NEA. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/why-mentoring-matters

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The article “What is Teacher Wellness?” breaks down why taking care of teachers' overall well-being is crucial, not just for their benefit, but also for student success. It examines teacher wellness from all angles, encompassing mental, physical, emotional, and professional aspects. It highlights that burnout is a significant issue in education, surpassing that of most other professions, and that many factors contribute to this, including excessive workload, inadequate support, and a lack of recognition.

I shared this because I know that when teachers feel supported and healthy, they do better work and their students benefit too. This article gives a strong case for making teacher wellness a priority and offers real steps schools can take to improve it. As an instructional coach, you're in a perfect spot to advocate for those changes and support teachers not just instructionally, but as whole people.

Reference

Na, S. (2025, March 12). What is Teacher Wellness? Everything You Need to Know | Catapult Learning. Catapult Learning. https://catapultlearning.com/2024/04/01/what-is-teacher-wellness/

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This article from Student Achievement Solutions breaks down five key strategies that make instructional coaching more effective. At its core, it’s about building strong, trusting relationships with teachers so they feel supported, not judged. Once that foundation is in place, coaches and teachers can collaborate to establish clear, meaningful goals that guide their work. A significant focus is on utilizing student data to inform decisions and pinpoint areas where instruction can be improved. The article also emphasizes the importance of providing specific, helpful feedback and encouraging teachers to reflect on their own teaching practices regularly. It’s all about creating a supportive, growth-focused environment where teachers can thrive.

Reference

Williams, C. (2024, July 26). 5 powerful instructional coaching strategies. Center for Student Achievement Solutions. https://www.studentachievementsolutions.com/5-powerful-instructional-coaching-strategies/

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​The article “How I Transformed My Instructional Coaching Practice” from Instruction Partners shares the journey of an instructional coach who refined her approach to better support teachers and enhance student learning. She began by adopting the Instructional Practice Guide (IPG), a tool aligned with her school's vision for instruction, to provide specific, actionable feedback. By focusing on clear indicators of student engagement, she could more effectively observe and support teaching practices. She also established consistent classroom observation routines, initially concentrating on a small group of teachers to manage her schedule sustainably. Importantly, she emphasized collecting factual evidence during observations and encouraged teachers to reflect and identify their own next steps, fostering a sense of ownership over their professional growth

Reference

Owens, V. (2024, December 19). How I transformed my instructional coaching practice - Instruction Partners. Instruction Partners. https://instructionpartners.org/2024/12/17/how-i-transformed-my-instructional-coaching-practice/