Instructional Coaching Overview

"Instructional Coaching" Defined

Coaching is an essential component of an effective professional development program. A coach can foster conditions in which deep reflection and learning can take place, where a teacher can take risks to change practice, where powerful conversations can take place, and where growth is recognized and celebrated. (The Art of Coaching - Elena Aguilar, pg. 8)

A coach's responsibility is to support teachers and leaders to be autonomous, self-sufficient, empowered decision makers. (The Art of Coaching - Elena Aguilar, pg. 278)


Types of QCSD K-12 Instructional Coaching Support Activities
There are many different ways QCSD K12 Instructional Coaches can offer support to teachers. Below are a few ideas.

  • strengthen instructional practice
  • partner with teachers to create formative and summative assessments
  • explore flipped classrooms with teachers
  • help implement new technology into instruction
  • co-plan a lesson or unit
  • develop student engagement strategies
  • review classroom management practices
  • analyze student data together with teachers
  • facilitate customized job-embedded PD for departments/teams/grade levels
  • help teachers find resources for the classroom
  • find solutions to general teacher concerns (resources, technology, networking, etc.)

Essentially, QCSD K-12 Instructional Coaches can help be a second set of eyes to talk with and bounce ideas off of while teachers plan and teach, suggesting input where asked and validating sound teaching practice. Additionally, QCSD K-12 Instructional Coaches can help teachers explore new approaches too.

Serving All Teachers
A QCSD Instructional Coach can work with new and veteran teachers alike. K-12 Instructional Coaches are an ongoing, job-embedded support for all practicing QCSD teachers. QCSD K-12 Instructional Coaching typically is a very individualized process, but it can also take place in groups such as elementary grade levels, middle school teams, or high school departments.

New Teacher Support
K-12 Instructional Coaches also lead the QCSD Three-year New Teacher Academy program. Read more about NTA and coaching practice here.

The Process
QCSD K-12 Instructional Coaches use the BDA (before, during, after) cycle for planning, viewing, and reflecting. Click here to read more about the BDA cycle.  BDA coaching cycles are not shared with supervisors.

Our Trust. Your Confidence.
All QCSD K-12 Instructional Coaches are teachers. What is shared, explored, and discussed between coach and coachee in the BDA process is not shared with a coachee's supervisor. All support from a QCSD K-12 Instructional Coach is non-evaluative. We listen to your needs, and we support you confidentially.

Instructional Coaching Information and Research Links (click on the links below)

Does Instructional Coaching Work?
Click here to read more about the data below, Instructional Coaching effectiveness, and what research has found..

  • 91% of teachers coached regularly stated that coaches helped them understand and use new teaching strategies.
  • 79% of teachers coached regularly said that their coach played a significant role in improving their classroom instruction and practice.
  • Teachers who were regularly coached one-on-one reported that:
    • They made significant changes in their instructional practice.
    • Their students were more engaged in the classroom and enthusiastic about learning.
    • Attendance increased dramatically in their classes.

Past to Present
Over the past 10 years, instructional coaching in QCSD has taken many forms. Primarily though, the goals have not changed. And as per the core beliefs of the Office for Teaching and Learning:

Professional development is most successful when it is personalized and job-embedded.

If you are interested in exploring your teaching through this lens, please reach out to any of the instructional coaches below.

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