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Instructional Coaches Day: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Education
Introduction:
Are you ready to celebrate the unsung heroes of education—the instructional coaches? This comprehensive guide dives deep into Instructional Coaches Day, exploring its significance, origins, and how to best honor the incredible contributions of these dedicated professionals. We'll uncover the vital role instructional coaches play in boosting student achievement and teacher effectiveness, and offer practical ideas for celebrating their hard work and dedication. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or simply someone who appreciates the power of excellent teaching, this post offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to make Instructional Coaches Day truly memorable.
What is Instructional Coaches Day?
While there isn't an officially recognized, globally celebrated "Instructional Coaches Day," the spirit of acknowledging and appreciating instructional coaches exists across many educational institutions. This post aims to highlight the importance of recognizing their contributions and provides ideas for creating your own dedicated day of appreciation within your school or district. The core concept is about fostering a culture of gratitude and celebrating the impact these professionals have on both teachers and students.
The Vital Role of Instructional Coaches in Education
Instructional coaches are educational leaders who work directly with teachers to enhance their teaching practices and ultimately improve student learning outcomes. They are not just mentors; they are collaborators, facilitators, and experts in pedagogical strategies. Their roles encompass a wide range of responsibilities:
Curriculum Development and Implementation: Coaches work with teachers to align curriculum with standards, implement new instructional methodologies, and ensure effective lesson planning. They help teachers adapt curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students.
Data-Driven Instruction: They analyze student data to identify areas for improvement, guide teachers in using data to inform instructional decisions, and help them track student progress.
Professional Development: Coaches provide ongoing professional development opportunities, both individually and collectively, helping teachers stay updated on best practices and educational research. This may include workshops, mentoring, or coaching sessions tailored to specific teacher needs.
Technology Integration: Many coaches assist teachers in integrating technology effectively into their classrooms, leveraging digital tools to enhance student engagement and learning.
Classroom Observation and Feedback: They provide constructive feedback to teachers through classroom observations, focusing on strengths and areas for growth in a supportive and collaborative manner. This feedback is crucial for continuous improvement.
Building Teacher Capacity: A key element of the coach's role is empowering teachers to become more self-sufficient and reflective practitioners, ultimately building their capacity for ongoing professional growth.
Collaboration and Leadership: Instructional coaches often foster collaboration amongst teachers, creating a culture of shared learning and mutual support within the school. They also play a leadership role in promoting innovative teaching practices.
Ideas for Celebrating Instructional Coaches Day
Here are some ideas to create a meaningful celebration:
School-wide Appreciation: Organize a school-wide assembly or gathering to publicly acknowledge and thank your instructional coaches. Students can create thank-you cards or presentations.
Teacher Testimonials: Collect heartfelt testimonials from teachers who have benefited from the support of their instructional coaches. Sharing these publicly showcases the impact they've made.
Dedicated Lunch or Breakfast: Host a special lunch or breakfast for instructional coaches, providing a chance for them to relax, connect with colleagues, and feel appreciated.
Professional Development Opportunity: Gift your instructional coaches with a professional development opportunity—a conference, workshop, or online course related to their area of expertise.
Personalized Gifts: Small, thoughtful gifts can go a long way in showing appreciation. Consider gift cards, personalized stationery, or items related to their hobbies or interests.
Social Media Shout-Out: Use social media platforms to highlight the achievements and contributions of your instructional coaches. Share photos and positive testimonials.
Collaborative Planning Time: Provide dedicated time for instructional coaches to collaborate and share best practices, fostering professional growth and teamwork.
Mentorship Program: Initiate a mentorship program where experienced instructional coaches mentor newer ones, facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering a sense of community.
Time for Reflection and Recharge: Allow time for coaches to reflect on their accomplishments and engage in self-care activities, recognizing the importance of their well-being.
Sample Instructional Coaches Day Celebration Plan:
Name: Shining a Light on Our Instructional Coaches
Introduction: Acknowledge the vital role of instructional coaches and the purpose of the celebration.
Chapter 1: Appreciation and Recognition: Share testimonials from teachers, students, and administrators. Present awards or certificates of appreciation.
Chapter 2: Professional Development and Growth: Offer a relevant professional development workshop or opportunity for collaboration and reflection.
Chapter 3: Celebration and Socializing: Enjoy a catered lunch or informal gathering to foster camaraderie and celebrate their contributions.
Conclusion: Reinforce the appreciation for instructional coaches and their continued commitment to improving education.
Detailed Explanation of the Sample Plan:
The "Shining a Light on Our Instructional Coaches" plan emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to showing appreciation. The introduction sets the tone, highlighting the importance of the coaches' work. Chapter 1 focuses on public acknowledgment through testimonials and awards, publicly recognizing their contributions. Chapter 2 provides a concrete way to support their professional growth through targeted professional development. Finally, Chapter 3 emphasizes the social aspect, allowing for relaxation, connection, and celebration. The conclusion reiterates gratitude and emphasizes the ongoing partnership between coaches and the school community.
FAQs
1. Why is it important to celebrate Instructional Coaches Day (or a similar event)? Celebrating these professionals helps foster a culture of gratitude and reinforces the importance of their contributions to student success and teacher development.
2. How can I involve students in celebrating Instructional Coaches Day? Students can create thank-you cards, write poems, or perform short skits expressing their appreciation for the support their teachers receive.
3. What is the budget for celebrating Instructional Coaches Day? The budget can be tailored to your resources. Simple gestures of appreciation, like a handwritten card or a small gift, can be just as effective as more elaborate celebrations.
4. How can I make Instructional Coaches Day inclusive and accessible to all coaches? Ensure that your celebration is accessible to all coaches, considering dietary restrictions, physical limitations, and other individual needs.
5. How can I get buy-in from school administration for Instructional Coaches Day? Highlight the positive impact instructional coaches have on student outcomes and teacher morale. Present a well-planned event that demonstrates value for money.
6. What if I don't have a large budget for a celebration? Even small, heartfelt gestures, like a handwritten thank-you note or a small gift, can be deeply appreciated.
7. How can I measure the success of my Instructional Coaches Day celebration? Gather feedback from coaches about their experience and satisfaction. Consider using a short survey or informal feedback session.
8. What if my school only has one instructional coach? A small, intimate celebration can be just as meaningful as a large-scale event. Focus on personalized appreciation and support.
9. How can I make Instructional Coaches Day an annual event? Plan the event early, securing budget and administrative support. Evaluate and improve upon the event each year based on feedback and participation.
Related Articles:
1. The Impact of Coaching on Teacher Retention: Explores how effective coaching can contribute to teacher retention and reduce teacher burnout.
2. Effective Strategies for Instructional Coaching: Provides practical strategies and techniques for successful instructional coaching.
3. The Role of Data in Instructional Coaching: Highlights the importance of data analysis in informing coaching decisions and improving student learning outcomes.
4. Building a Collaborative Culture through Instructional Coaching: Focuses on how coaching can foster collaboration among teachers and improve school climate.
5. Instructional Coaching and Student Achievement: Examines the direct link between effective instructional coaching and improved student performance.
6. Overcoming Challenges in Instructional Coaching: Addresses common challenges faced by instructional coaches and provides strategies for overcoming them.
7. The Future of Instructional Coaching: Explores emerging trends and future directions in instructional coaching.
8. The Essential Skills of an Effective Instructional Coach: Highlights the key skills and competencies required for effective instructional coaching.
9. Measuring the Effectiveness of Instructional Coaching Programs: Provides methods for evaluating the effectiveness of instructional coaching initiatives and demonstrating their impact.
| instructional coaches day: Everyday Instructional Coaching Nathan D. Lang, 2018 In his exciting new book, Engaging the Disengaged Teacher, author Nathan D. Lang explores the psychology and education research that support the need for instructional coaching, and he offers seven drivers readers can use to improve their own coaching daily practices. These drivers will challenge readers to re-examine their understanding of who can be an instructional coach and highlights the connection between the teacher and his or her modes of thinking and acting in the classroom. Each of the book's seven chapters highlights, defines, and offers tips for implementing a single driver. Readers will access research, stories, and free reproducibles (like a survey, audit tool, guides, and templates, to name a few) to start the process of evaluating, refining, and executing their instructional coaching-- |
| instructional coaches day: Instructional Coaches and the Instructional Leadership Team Dean T. Spaulding, Gail M. Smith, 2012-08-07 Supercharge school improvement with instructional coaches! For instructional coaches, no two days are ever the same. This unique companion melds theory and practice to show how coaches can seamlessly integrate themselves into the fabric of the school and help teachers improve their practice from day one. Dean Spaulding and Gail Smith address common challenges of coaches and instructional leadership teams, including: Observing classrooms and providing formative feedback Reaching out to the hesitant or resistant teacher Adapting data and analysis into usable information for the team Recruiting, training, and supporting new instructional coaches Journal entries based on the real-life experiences give an inside look at the day-to-day work of an instructional coach and the power of coaching to improve teacher effectiveness. The book also includes field-tested activities, materials, and forms for collecting data, navigating busy days, and organizing information. Instructional Coaches and the Instructional Leadership Team is ideal for those wanting to learn best practices to engage educators and support teacher evaluation reform. This book would have made my life SO much easier. I highly recommend it to new and experienced instructional coaches alike! —Kathy Ferrell, Instructional Coach Excelsior Springs Middle School, MO This is a wonderful resource. Even schools without instructional coaches will benefit from the strategies and suggestions included. It′s an excellent book even for those who shy away from data analysis! —Ann Dargon, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Westport Community Schools, MA |
| instructional coaches day: Instructional Coaching in Action Ellen B. Eisenberg, Bruce P. Eisenberg, Elliott A. Medrich, Ivan Charner, 2017-05-22 Unlike “fix-it” strategies that targeted teachers are likely to resist, educator-centered instructional coaching—ECIC—offers respectful coaching for professionals within their schoolwide community. Evidence-based results across all content areas, authentic practices for data collection and analysis, along with nonevaluative, confidential collaboration offer a productive and promising path to teacher development. Coaches and teachers implement ECIC through a before-during-after—BDA—cycle that includes comprehensive planning between coach and teacher; classroom visitation and data collection; and debriefing and reflection. Drawing on their extensive experience with ECIC, authors Ellen B. Eisenberg, Bruce P. Eisenberg, Elliott A. Medrich, and Ivan Charner offer this detailed guidance for coaches and school leaders on how you and your school can create the conditions for an effective ECIC program, get buy-in from teachers, clearly define the role of coach, roll out a coaching initiative, and ensure ongoing success with coaching. Filled with authentic advice from coaches, Instructional Coaching in Action provides valuable insight and demonstrates how educator-centered instructional coaching can make a difference in teacher learning, instructional practice, and student outcomes. |
| instructional coaches day: Instructional Coaching Jim Knight, 2007-05-01 An innovative professional development strategy that facilitates change, improves instruction, and transforms school culture! Instructional coaching is a research-based, job-embedded approach to instructional intervention that provides the assistance and encouragement necessary to implement school improvement programs. Experienced trainer and researcher Jim Knight describes the nuts and bolts of instructional coaching and explains the essential skills that instructional coaches need, including getting teachers on board, providing model lessons, and engaging in reflective conversations. Each user-friendly chapter includes: First-person stories from successful coaches Sidebars highlighting important information A Going Deeper section of suggested resources Ready-to-use forms, worksheets, checklists, logs, and reports |
| instructional coaches day: The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching Jim Knight, 2021-11-05 Even under ideal conditions, teaching is tough work. Facing unrelenting pressure from administrators and parents and caught in a race against time to improve student outcomes, educators can easily become discouraged (or worse, burn out completely) without a robust coaching system in place to support them. For more than 20 years, perfecting such a system has been the paramount objective of best-selling author and coaching guru Jim Knight and his team of researchers at the Instructional Coaching Group (ICG). In The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching, Knight offers a blueprint for establishing, administering, and assessing an instructional coaching program laser-focused on every educator's ultimate goal: the academic success of students. Organized around ICG's seven Success Factors for great instructional coaching, this book offers * An in-depth guide to the Impact Cycle, ICG's research-based and field-tested model for coaching teachers through issues that matter most to them; * Detailed guidance on how to create a playbook of instructional strategies to share with collaborating teachers—and how to model those strategies under different conditions; * Practical advice on preparing for and engaging in substantive, reflective, and teacher-centered coaching conversations; * Best practices for gathering, analyzing, and responding to data for improved teaching and learning; and * Real-life anecdotes and testimonies from educators and coaches who have reaped the benefits of the Impact Cycle in a diverse array of schools. In addition, each chapter of the book contains a learning map to help orient you and a list of valuable additional resources to complement the text. Whether you're new to coaching or well versed in the practice, The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching will no doubt prove a cornerstone of your coaching library for years to come. |
| instructional coaches day: Instructional Coaches and Classroom Teachers: Sharing the Road to Success Cheryl Jones, Mary Vreeman, 2008-04-14 Coaches and teachers alike will benefit from the research-based, classroom-tested coaching model discussed in this book. This unique look at instructional coaching as a team approach will give both coaches and teachers the tools they need to create a successful partnership and improve classroom instruction. 208pp. |
| instructional coaches day: Compassionate Coaching Kathy Perret, Kenny McKee, 2021-06-29 This resource pinpoints the most vexing challenges teachers and educational coaches face and offers practical advice for overcoming them. |
| instructional coaches day: Instructional Coaches & Classroom Teachers Cheryl Jones, Mary Vreeman, 2008-04-01 Coaches and teachers alike will benefit from the research-based, classroom-tested coaching model discussed in this book. This unique look at instructional coaching as a team approach will give both coaches and teachers the tools they need to create a successful partnership and improve classroom instruction. |
| instructional coaches day: The Impact Cycle Jim Knight, 2017-07-28 Jim Knight introduces an all-new instructional coaching cycle for ensuring teachers and, in turn, their students improve in clear, measurable ways. |
| instructional coaches day: Evaluating Instructional Coaching Sharon Thomas, Jim Knight, Michelle Harris, Ann Hoffman, 2021-10-07 A clear and comprehensive guide to evaluating and supporting instructional coaches and coaching programs, including how to recruit, hire, and retain effective coaches. With sound practices in place to evaluate coaching programs, instructional coaches will become better partners, teachers will become better mentors, and students will become better learners. Few evaluation systems are specifically geared toward coaching roles. Ensuring that school districts have accurate information about both coaches and coaching programs is crucial to guide improvement in supporting classrooms, as well as in ensuring accountability. With sound evaluation processes in place, districts can effectively evaluate instructional coaches and coaching programs and use data to set goals. Advance Praise for Evaluating Instructional Coaching: It has arrived! The ICG team has pulled through again with a much-needed guide, providing a thorough process from how to hire, evaluate, support, and retain instructional coaches. This book will empower school leaders to be partners with instructional coaches by providing meaningful evaluation tools and effective coaching programs. Readers will walk away with ideas on how to help coaches grow to best serve students and teachers in their schools. Thank you, ICG. We needed your research, knowledge, and most of all your humble approach on how best to support coaches and coaching programs! —Kelly Jacobs, District Instructional Coaching Coordinator, Lansing (Mich.) School District Instructional coaches devote their time to growing teachers. One way to support instructional coaches in their professional growth is to ensure an effective evaluation system is in place for them. This book gives leaders several things to consider as they define the coach's role, hire candidates, and put an evaluation process in place. —Michelle Lis, Coordinator, Instructional Coaching, Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools A joint publication of ASCD and One Fine Bird Press. |
| instructional coaches day: Better Conversations Jim Knight, 2015-10-01 Check out The Better Conversations trailer: https://youtu.be/y3FrWTXC8Uw I thought I knew how to have a conversation; I’ve had millions of them. Some were good, others not so much so. But I want to have GREAT conversations, and Jim Knight has taught me how. The proof is in: better conversations are possible and the results are worth the investment. --DOUGLAS FISHER Coauthor of Rigorous Reading and Unstoppable Learning Because conversation is the lifeblood of any school You don’t want this book—you need this book. Why this confident claim? Think about how many times you’ve walked away from school conversations, sensing they could be more productive, but at a loss for how to improve them. Enter instructional coaching expert Jim Knight, who in Better Conversations honors our capacity for improving our schools by improving our communication. Asserting that our schools are only as good as the conversations within them, Jim shows us how to adopt the habits essential to transforming the quality of our dialogues. As coaches, as administrators, as teachers, it’s time to thrive. Learn how to: Coach ourselves and each other to become better communicators Listen with empathy Find common ground Build Trust Our students’ academic, social, and emotional growth depends upon our doing this hard work. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, open our minds, and dare to change for the better of the students we serve. You can get started now with Better Conversations and the accompanying Reflection Guide to Better Conversations. |
| instructional coaches day: The Power of Instructional Coaching in Context Jacy Ippolito, Rita M. Bean, 2024-02-20 From nationally known experts, this book provides guidance for leveraging the power of instructional coaching and helping coaching programs succeed. It addresses the crucial importance of developing practices that align instructional goals (content) with school, district, and community factors that influence the work of K–12 teachers and coaches (context). The authors present a framework and practical tools for embedding coaching into the fabric of school life, in service of creating equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students. Instructive features throughout the chapters include Framing Questions, Voices from the Field vignettes, Stop and Reflect opportunities, and Reflection Activities and Questions. Reproducible planning forms can be copied from the book or downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2 x 11 size. |
| instructional coaches day: Literacy Coaching in the Secondary Grades Jade Wexler, Elizabeth Swanson, Alexandra Shelton, 2021-07-23 Too many adolescent learners still struggle with reading. This much-needed guide shows how to support teachers in providing effective literacy instruction in the content areas, which can be intensified as needed within a multi-tiered framework. Adaptive Intervention Model (AIM) Coaching was created for grades 6–8, but is equally applicable in high school. The book gives instructional coaches an accessible blueprint for evaluating, developing, and reinforcing each teacher's capacity to implement evidence-based literacy practices. User-friendly features include case studies, end-of-chapter reflection questions and key terms, and reproducible tools. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible materials--plus supplemental lesson plans and other resources--in a convenient 8 1/2 x 11 size. |
| instructional coaches day: How to Build an Instructional Coaching Program for Maximum Capacity Nina Jones Morel, Carla Staton Cushman, 2012-04-24 Chart your course for success: A guide for school and district leaders Research supports the value of coaches in improving school culture and facilitating change that leads to staff and student success. This comprehensive resource guides school and district leaders through the journey of developing and sustaining an effective coaching program. The authors engage readers with a nautical metaphor that outlines the planning and implementation process, including how to: Cast a vision for the coaching program Determine desired characteristics of instructional coaches Use data to evaluate and refine the program Communicate the benefits to leaders, principals, and teachers Design appropriate professional training and support |
| instructional coaches day: Improving Teaching in the High School Block Period David Marshak, 2000-12-26 Are you one of the tens of thousands of high school teachers making the transition to block scheduling? With this book, you can learn how to adjust and improve your teaching skills in the block period. Eleven high school teachers in public high schools compiled studies based upon their experiences. The result? Practical research studies that focus on the transition from short periods to block periods, innovative and complex uses of time within the period, structural innovations in programs, and utilizing an instructional coach to improve teaching and learning in block periods. |
| instructional coaches day: The Instructional Coaching Handbook A. Keith Young, Angela Bell Julien, Tamarra Osborne, 2023-02-06 Three instructional coaches share more than 200 of the most helpful problem-solving strategies they've used in their decades-long work with teachers, administrators, and coaches. The Instructional Coaching Handbook is not a new model of coaching. It addresses common hiccups that prevent productive coaching conversations from happening in the first place. From their thousands of annual school visits, the authors recognize that coaches frequently confront similar challenges when helping educators address seven skills and dispositions—and they devote a chapter to each: * Efficacy * Equity * Academic instruction * Social-emotional instruction * Openness to feedback * Lesson planning * Team membership Each chapter features scores of practical, research-based strategies with a history of success. Mix and match them according to your leadership style, the needs of the student or teacher, and the demands of the curriculum. In addition to implementation stories that show what the strategies look like in a range of classroom settings, this handbook includes effective tools and resources that help guide you through the thorniest of coaching conversations. All you have to do is dive into an appropriate chapter; scan for ideas that match your style, the educators you coach, and your unique context; and start making a difference! |
| instructional coaches day: A School Leader's Guide to Leading Professional Development Costa Constantinou, 2024-11-29 Continuing professional development can be a powerful force in any school improvement programme, leading to better student outcomes and making recruitment and staff retention easier. A School Leader’s Guide to Leading Professional Development provides an effective and evidence-based approach to creating a culture of continuous learning in schools. Covering all aspects of CPD including teacher quality, what CPD looks like and how it should develop over time, creating an inspirational culture, CPD design, coaching, and much more, the chapters encourage readers to reflect on how they are currently using CPD and how this could be improved. Appendices provide templates and charts to use in the planning of CPD sessions, as well as questions to guide sessions and evaluations with participants on an individual and whole-school level. Based on the author's experience of implementing CPD programmes as a school leader, well-regarded trainer, and now the head of a leading international educational consultancy, this is essential reading for school leaders wanting to create a ‘culture of learning’ in their school and among their teachers. |
| instructional coaches day: Unmistakable Impact Jim Knight, 2011 This book describes in simple terms exactly how schools should align and organize professional learning to ensure significant positive change in teaching and student learning. The author's partnership principles-a humanizing approach to professional learning-apply to workshops, intensive learning teams (a focused form of professional learning communities), and instructional coaching. This is the first in a two volume series that is designed to provide a simple (not simplistic) framework and a set of tools for improving teaching in schools. (The second volume, The Big Four, was proposed last year.) |
| instructional coaches day: The Coaching Partnership Rosemarye T. Taylor, Carol Chanter, 2016-03-07 The Coaching Partnership is a systematic approach to continually develop expertise of the administrators, coaches, mentors, and teachers. Through practical application of research-based strategies, inquiry based coaching, and generative thinking all partners will enhance their effectiveness, resulting in improved student achievement. Individual improvement, school improvement, and school district improvement can occur with implementation of the concepts. |
| instructional coaches day: Implementing a Virtual Coaching Model for Teacher Professional Development Myers, Suzanne, Rowland, Amber, Elford, Martha D., 2022-01-14 Over the last two decades, the use of instructional coaching has surged in PreK-12 education settings as one way to support the implementation of instructional best practices in a wide range of disciplines. However, not all educators have access to high-quality instructional coaching due to multiple factors, which typically include isolation (geographic and otherwise), limited financial support, and limited professional development time. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic brought long periods of quarantine and social isolation where educators were scrambling to teach in an unfamiliar medium, and virtual coaching was the only way they could receive professional development. For these reasons, many districts are exploring virtual solutions to provide professional development and coaching support. Implementing a Virtual Coaching Model for Teacher Professional Development addresses how to effectively implement virtual coaching in the field of education and discusses how technology can provide more equitable access to job-embedded and personalized professional learning (through virtual coaching) across all educational institutions. Covering a wide range of topics such as sustainable learning and cognitive coaching, it is ideal for professional development professionals, corporate trainers, education leaders, principals, teachers, researchers, practitioners, academicians, and students. |
| instructional coaches day: Putting FACES on the Data Lyn Sharratt, Michael Fullan, 2022-08-05 When numbers become people, learners thrive Waves of data—indigestible, dehumanized, and disaggregated—are crashing into the education system every day, driving you to distraction. But imagine a world where you’re not being drowned by data, but inspired by it; where that data has a FACE and gives you focused information on how to reach every student. Sharratt and Fullan turn worldwide research into a road map for school leaders to use ongoing assessment to inform instruction and drive equity at the classroom, school, district, and state levels. Inside you will find A fresh look at data to incorporate new learning Updated case studies, figures, and vignettes Insights from more than 500 educators in answering the 3 research questions: Why do we put FACES on data? How do we put FACES on data? and What are the top three leadership skills needed to do this work? An integrated approach to using the 14 Parameters to enhance Deep Learning and critical thinking Tools for committing to equity and excellence FACES is about setting up the conditions for success in every classroom: identifying the right factors, at the right time, with the right resources. Its focus on student-centered data will help you: Increase learners’ growth and achievement improve engagement that results in students, teacher and leader empowerment build cultures of learning drive a learning environment of continuous improvement |
| instructional coaches day: The Job-Embedded Nature of Coaching Sally J. Zepeda, 2018-09-24 The Job-Embedded Nature of Coaching: Lessons for School Leaders is a book for sitting principals, aspiring principals, and teacher leaders. This edited volume includes studies that describe and detail findings from dissertation research conducted by scholar-practitioners in preK-12 schools. This book makes unique contributions to the field of practice and understanding of coaching (instructional and peer coaching) as forms of job-embedded learning, most especially for teachers in the beginning years in the profession. Each chapter examines very specific aspects of coaching that school leaders need to have understanding about to be able to create systems that support teachers in the work they do to teach students, interact with colleagues, etc. Conclusions and recommendations are offered for school leaders to support an environment and culture that embraces coaching and job-embedded learning as an integral part of the school’s foundation for building capacity. The messages across the chapters point to the primacy of coaching to promote teacher engagement and its value as job-embedded learning. |
| instructional coaches day: Empowering Teachers and Democratising Schooling Keith Heggart, Steven Kolber, 2022-09-13 This edited book brings together teachers and education academics who are committed to education about, for and through democracy. It presents a diverse range of viewpoints about the challenges facing educators working across different sectors and discusses ways to challenge issues like neoliberalism, excessive managerialism and accountability and privatisation. It also engages with the times that education has, and continues, to fail students. This book outlines both logistical and ideological challenges which educators committed to democracy face and describes innovative approaches they have adopted, including networking, the use of social media and digital tools and extending their reach beyond their local communities to international audiences. It encourages conversations about how educators and academics might re-commit to education for democracy and generate further avenues for discussion and action by educators and academics. |
| instructional coaches day: Get Better Faster Paul Bambrick-Santoyo, 2016-07-25 Effective and practical coaching strategies for new educators plus valuable online coaching tools Many teachers are only observed one or two times per year on average—and, even among those who are observed, scarcely any are given feedback as to how they could improve. The bottom line is clear: teachers do not need to be evaluated so much as they need to be developed and coached. In Get Better Faster: A 90-Day Plan for Coaching New Teachers, Paul Bambrick-Santoyo shares instructive tools of how school leaders can effectively guide new teachers to success. Over the course of the book, he breaks down the most critical actions leaders and teachers must take to achieve exemplary results. Designed for coaches as well as beginning teachers, Get Better Faster is an integral coaching tool for any school leader eager to help their teachers succeed. Get Better Faster focuses on what's practical and actionable which makes the book's approach to coaching so effective. By practicing the concrete actions and micro-skills listed in Get Better Faster, teachers will markedly improve their ability to lead a class, producing a steady chain reaction of future teaching success. Though focused heavily on the first 90 days of teacher development, it's possible to implement this work at any time. Junior and experienced teachers alike can benefit from the guidance of Get Better Faster while at the same time closing existing instructional gaps. Featuring valuable and practical online training tools available at http://www.wiley.com/go/getbetterfaster, Get Better Faster provides agendas, presentation slides, a coach's guide, handouts, planning templates, and 35 video clips of real teachers at work to help other educators apply the lessons learned in their own classrooms. Get Better Faster will teach you: The core principles of coaching: Go Granular; Plan, Practice, Follow Up, Repeat; Make Feedback More Frequent Top action steps to launch a teacher’s development in an easy-to-read scope and sequence guide It also walks you through the four phases of skill building: Phase 1 (Pre-Teaching): Dress Rehearsal Phase 2: Instant Immersion Phase 3: Getting into Gear Phase 4: The Power of Discourse Perfect for new educators and those who supervise them, Get Better Faster will also earn a place in the libraries of veteran teachers and school administrators seeking a one-stop coaching resource. |
| instructional coaches day: Handbook of Effective Literacy Instruction Barbara M. Taylor, Nell K. Duke, 2014-07-21 The intent of this handbook is to provide a comprehensive, forward-looking, research-based resource for teachers, teacher-educators, and researchers on the key, inter-connected components of effective literacy instruction. The book is designed so that it is a readily useable resource for pre-service and practicing teachers as well. Every chapter in sections I, II, III, and IV includes substantial suggestions for implementing research-based practices in the classroom and for engaging in professional learning to help teachers increase their effectiveness as literacy instructors. Every chapter in section IV also includes substantial suggestions for fostering collaboration among staff and, when applicable, parents within schools-- |
| instructional coaches day: Improving Student Learning When Budgets Are Tight Allan R. Odden, 2012-02-06 A how-to manual for achieving excellence despite budget cuts How do you stay focused on increasing student learning when budget cuts threaten everything you are striving for? This book offers a comprehensive framework to enhance student achievement in good times and in bad. School reform expert Allan R. Odden outlines a school improvement action plan focused sharply on student learning and then shows how to target resources to implement each strategy in that plan. More than just a theory book, this text describes concrete, specific actions that can be taken immediately. Key strategies include Using data to support boosting student performance Focusing on effective instruction Setting goals to drive resource allocation priorities Establishing priorities for situations that require budget cuts Hiring top teachers and providing ongoing professional development Providing needed technology resources Educators will find a wide range of real-life examples of schools and districts that have implemented these strategies and significantly improved student learning. Also included is research-based guidance for optimizing teacher and principal talent, teacher recruiting and hiring, online learning, and more. This book successfully communicates many years of work and offers well- grounded advice that will help educators move from financial frustration to effective action. |
| instructional coaches day: 10 Strategies for Doubling Student Performance Allan Odden, 2009-08-25 [header tag]Research-based strategies for turning around low-performing schools! With case studies and tools, this companion book to Doubling Student Performance expands on ten research-based strategies for driving significant, measurable gains in student achievement. |
| instructional coaches day: Doubling Student Performance Allan R. Odden, Sarah J. Archibald, 2009-01-12 In my work, I see the power of good schools to change young lives for the better almost every day. This book takes us behind the doors of unusually high-performing high-poverty schools to show us how they do it and where they get the funding. The book is a valuable tool for educators who want to improve their results and a reminder to parents and policy makers that we should never expect less. —Kati Haycock, President The Education Trust Radically reform your school and improve academic achievement using readily accessible resources! At a time when the United States is struggling with far-reaching educational reform, school leaders need a blueprint for dramatically improving student success and supporting those efforts by effectively reallocating and managing available resources. Doubling Student Performance combines the latest research with the authors′ national study of diverse schools that were able to significantly boost student achievement. Strategies focus on reducing class size, promoting professional development, locating necessary funding, and providing academic support to struggling students. School leaders will find: Examples and case studies that include high-minority and high-poverty schools 10 key strategies for dramatically increasing student achievement, such as setting ambitious goals and emphasizing a collaborative culture Clear steps and specific tools to successfully reallocate resources This book is a valuable tool for educators and policy makers who understand that reform is only possible when schools have the human and financial resources to do it. |
| instructional coaches day: Reading Specialists and Literacy Coaches in the Real World MaryEllen Vogt, Brenda A. Shearer, 2016-04-29 This theoretical and practical guidebook prepares reading specialists and literacy coaches to develop and teach reading and language arts at the school and district levels. Using current information on the standards for literacy professionals, the text incorporates significant developments in intervention, assessment, adolescent literacy, and multiple literacies. Vogt and Shearer explore the expanding roles and responsibilities of reading specialists and their impact on instructional practice. The full-featured and distinctive Third Edition offers opportunities for flexible teaching approaches as well as substantive coverage and tools such as the function of the literacy coach in Response to Intervention (RtI), guides to needs assessment and two-year plans, the advancement of professional development communities, portfolio and self-assessment projects, and companion materials that include key terms, recommended readings, chapter vignettes, and online resources. |
| instructional coaches day: Co-Teaching for English Learners Andrea Honigsfeld, Maria G. Dove, 2020-09-01 This edited volume examines co-teaching and integrated service delivery for English learners (ELs). Through research and documentary accounts, it explores the collaborative instructional cycle—co-planning, co-instruction, co-assessment, and reflection practices—of co-taught programs for ELs. This volume presents current, classroom-based, practitioner-oriented research related to all aspects of co-taught programs for ELs and offers authentic evidence and practical recommendations that yield positive outcomes for this student population. |
| instructional coaches day: Research, Practice, and Innovations in Teacher Education During a Virtual Age Zimmerman, Aaron Samuel, 2022-11-18 Decades of research have shown that early-career teachers face a number of challenges and hold an increasingly wide set of responsibilities. Teacher educators, therefore, must think carefully about how to prepare early-career teachers for the profession. Additionally, however, the work of teaching and teacher education has become increasingly complex within the context of the current virtual age, including the prominent reality of social media and the significant possibilities of online teaching and learning. Research, Practice, and Innovations in Teacher Education During a Virtual Age makes a significant contribution to the scholarship on teacher education by presenting a variety of evidence-based methods that can be used to develop and improve aspects of teacher education within this virtual age, including the curriculum and pedagogy of online teacher education as well as effective ways to prepare preservice teachers for the realities of online teaching and online learning. Covering topics such as virtual caring, learning material adaptation, and instructional coaching, this premier reference source is a dynamic resource for teacher educators, pre-service teachers, administrators and educators of both K-12 and higher education, government officials, policymakers, researchers, and academicians. |
| instructional coaches day: The Instructional Playbook Jim Knight, Ann Hoffman, Michelle Harris, Sharon Thomas, 2020-11-25 In schools, every day is game day. Every day, teachers need the best resources and forms of support because students deserve the best we as educators can offer. An instructional playbook aims to serve as that kind of support: a tool that coaches can use to help teachers match specific learning goals with the right research-based instructional strategies. Coaches have enormous potential to help teachers learn and implement new teaching practices, but coaches will be effective only if they deeply understand the strategies they describe and their explanations are clear. The Instructional Playbook: The Missing Link for Translating Research into Practice addresses both issues head on and offers a simple and clear explanation of how to create a playbook uniquely designed to meet teachers' instructional needs. The idea of an instructional playbook has caught fire since Jim Knight described it in The Impact Cycle (2017). This book helps instructional coaches create playbooks that produce a common language about high-impact teaching strategies, deepen everyone's understanding of what instructional coaches do, and, most important, support teachers and students in classrooms. “em>A joint publication of ASCD and One Fine Bird Press. |
| instructional coaches day: The IC Toolkit Jim Knight, Jessica Wise, Michelle Harris, Amy Musante, 2024-10-10 Refine the art and craft of instructional coaching. For more than 25 years, Jim Knight and his team at the Instructional Coaching Group have been studying what excellence in instructional coaching looks and sounds like. Their findings—organized around 7 Success Factors for instructional coaches and shared via books, articles, and workshops—have helped many instructional coaches around the world to increase teacher effectiveness and improve outcomes for students. Bringing together for the first time a wealth of resources and practical tools, The IC Toolkit is designed to guide instructional coaches—either individually or, preferably, collectively—through a 36-week journey of practice, reflection, and learning. For instructional coaches who want to improve and leaders who want to set up meaningful learning experiences, the book provides concrete tools—including activities, checklists, case studies, and videos—that you can use every week. Additional features include One-page descriptions of each success factor A needs assessment to gauge your instructional coaching proficiency in the 7 Success Factors Learning paths to guide your use of the resources and enable meaningful exploration of each success factor End-of-chapter reflection questions The IC Toolkit makes it possible for every instructional coach to become highly proficient in the Success Factors. When instructional coaches become highly proficient in their craft, we can see students, teachers, and systems flourish. |
| instructional coaches day: The Art of Coaching Elena Aguilar, 2013-02-22 Hands-on resources for new and seasoned school coaches This practical resource offers the foundational skills and tools needed by new coaching educators, as well as presenting an overview of the knowledge and theory base behind the practice. Established coaches will find numerous ways to deepen and refine their coaching practice. Principals and others who incorporate coaching strategies into their work will also find a wealth of resources. Aguilar offers a model for transformational coaching which could be implemented as professional development in schools or districts anywhere. Although she addresses the needs of adult learners, her model maintains a student-centered focus, with a specific lens on addressing equity issues in schools. Offers a practical resource for school coaches, principals, district leaders, and other administrators Presents a transformational coaching model which addresses systems change Pays explicit attention to surfacing and interrupting inequities in schools The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation offers a compendium of school coaching ideas, the book's explicit, user-friendly structure enhances the ability to access the information. |
| instructional coaches day: High-Impact Instruction Jim Knight, 2013 Small changes can lead to big results! Best-selling author Jim Knight presents the high-leverage strategies that make the biggest difference in student learning. Featuring checklists, numerous observation tools, and online videos of teachers implementing the practices, this revolutionary book focuses on the three areas of high-impact instruction: Content planning, including using guiding questions, learning maps, and formative assessment Instructional practices such as the use of thinking prompts, effective questions, challenging assignments, and experiential learning Community building, in which you shape a classroom culture that promotes well-being, creativity, learning, and high expectations |
| instructional coaches day: Breaking Down the Monolingual Wall Ivannia Soto, Sydney Snyder, Margarita Espino Calderón, Margo Gottlieb, Andrea Honigsfeld, Joan Lachance, Marga Marshall, David Nungaray, Rubí Flores, Lyn Scott, 2023-09-24 Your guide to culturally and linguistically sustaining practices in your dual language classroom and school. It’s time to set the record straight: Multilingualism is a tremendous asset that must be nurtured and valued and the most effective pathway to multilingualism is dual language education. Despite significant evidence attesting to the cognitive, social/emotional, and economic benefits of multilingualism, the majority of our classrooms and schools are monolingual. Encouragingly, recent shifts in state policies have increased the demand for dual language programming in our schools. This increased momentum brings new challenges, including the need for more bilingually authorized teachers, high-quality instructional resources, and accurate assessment and accountability in the target languages of instruction. With contributions from ten experts in multilingual education, Breaking Down the Monolingual Wall outlines the systemic and pedagogical approaches necessary for successful multilingual and dual language programs. The book supports educators to: Shift the paradigm from one that is subtractive and deficit-based to one that is additive and assets-based Embed culturally and linguistically sustaining practices in their instruction Understand how to promote multilingualism in the context of teaching academic content Develop assessments as, for, and of learning in multiple languages. Lead high-quality dual language schools and programs Recruit and retain highly qualified bilingual educators Offering a comprehensive overview of bilingual policies and historical context all educators should understand, Breaking Down the Monolingual Wall is an invaluable guide to creating dual language learning environments that build on the precious assets of our multilingual students and families. |
| instructional coaches day: The SEL Coach Jennifer E. Rogers, 2022-07-12 Your guide to transforming SEL ideas into actions and practice into process While social-emotional learning (SEL) is regularly identified as a top priority for student well-being and achievement, effective implementation will not happen on its own. That’s what makes the SEL coach critical to success. Effective systems change happens with an SEL coach who has the skills to lead, communicate, analyze, train, collaborate, and innovate. Whether you are brand new to the position or have been an SEL coach for some time, this book will provide you with all the resources and ideas you need to take implementation to the next level. Jennifer Rogers shares the secrets to enriching your coaching skillset, including Data Collection—strategic monitoring of the implementation progress Training—engaging staff in learning and advocating for their needs Communication—listening actively, modeling, and summarizing Team-Leading—creating an environment that is supportive and goal-focused The lessons and examples in this book produce coaching competencies and qualities necessary to transform practices into processes, ideas into action plans, and goals into outcomes. Learn how to be a successful SEL implementor with this strategy-packed guidebook! |
| instructional coaches day: Student-Centered Coaching: The Moves Diane Sweeney, Leanna S. Harris, 2016-11-04 The essential coaching moves that every coach needs to know Student-centered coaching is a highly effective, evidence-based coaching model that shifts the focus from “fixing” teachers to collaborating with them to design instruction that targets student outcomes. But what does this look like in practice? This book shows you the day-to-day coaching moves that build powerful coaching relationships. Readers will find: Coaching moves that can be used before, during, and after lessons An abundance of field-tested tools and practices that can be put to immediate use Original video clips that depict and unpack key moves Richly detailed anecdotes from practicing coaches |
| instructional coaches day: Simply Instructional Coaching Nicole S. Turner, 2022 The role of an instructional coach is fundamental. By providing personalized, job-embedded professional learning and support for teachers, instructional coaches directly contribute to the success of students and schools. In Simply Instructional Coaching: Questions Asked and Answered From the Field, Revised Edition, author Nicole S. Turner opens up about the trials and joys of being a coach, using the latest research and her years of experience in many different educational roles to answer frequently asked questions about coaching. Simply Instructional Coaching provides foundational advice, a practical coaching framework, and opportunities for reflection to help you jump-start your own coaching career-- |
| instructional coaches day: Literacy Coaching Stephanie Affinito, 2018 What does it mean to be an effective literacy coach? Former teacher and veteran literacy coach Stephanie Affinito shares a core set of beliefs about literacy coaching and how it can transform teacher and student learning. While chart paper, sticky notes, and notebooks will always be essential teaching tools, Stephanie shows that by thoughtfully incorporating digital tools into your coaching, you can personalize teacher learning even more and provide greater options to increase motivation and collaboration. In Literacy Coaching, she explores the ways coaches and teachers can incorporate technology to: cultivate and innovate teacher learning communities redesign professional development collaborate to impact and elevate student learning find inspiration for their continued journey. Technology is changing the way we work, learn, and play. It has the ability to expand what is possible for teachers and students. Stephanie offers concrete steps to enhance coaching with both digital and non-digital tools. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen teaching practice and elevate the level of literacy instruction in classrooms and schools. Literacy Coaching is not just about coaching with technology; it's about making teacher learning more meaningful, relevant, and student-centered. Match teachers with the right tools to help bring teaching ideas and goals to life. |
