Roles of the Instructional Coaches

The Roles of Instructional Coaches in the Instructional Coaching Model
(roles are not in any priority order)

Role #1: Classroom Supporter

Purpose: To increase the quality and effectiveness of classroom instruction based on using the gradual release model and may include but is not limited to: 
*Collaborating   
*Co‐planning 
*Modeling 
*Co‐teaching 
*Provide descriptive feedback based on teacher requested observation  

Role #2: Instructional Supporter

Purpose: To support the implementation of effective instructional strategies including but not limited to: 
*Assessment for learning
* Differentiation of instruction 
*Standards based grading 
*Building teacher capacity by working with intervention groups for short periods of time in elementary classrooms

Role #3: Curriculum or Content Facilitator

Purpose:  To promote implementation of state standards through adopted curricula including but not limited to: 
*Increasing teacher content knowledge  
*Facilitating a better understanding of the structure of the written, taught, and tested curriculum
*Dissecting standards to guide identification of essential knowledge and skills

Role #4: Data Coach

Purpose: To facilitate conversations using data to drive instructional decisions including but not limited to: 
*Collaborating with teachers to analyze formative and summative student achievement data
*Assisting teachers with the use of data to improve student learning

Role #5: Facilitator for Change

Purpose: To engage teachers in reflective thinking while looking at their own instructional practices critically and analytically including but not limited to: 
*Fostering a safe, trusting environment for teachers  
*Introducing alternatives and refinements for teacher instructional practices

Role #6: Learner  

Purpose: To engage in continuous learning in order to keep current including but not limited to:
*Engaging in professional development opportunities and professional reading 
*Practicing and reflecting about what is learned  

Role #7: Professional Learning Facilitator  

Purpose: To design and facilitate effective professional learning opportunities based on SPS

Professional Learning Framework (see appendix) including but not limited to: 
*Providing professional development  
*Facilitating other forms of professional development (e.g., bringing in consultants)

Role #8: Resource

Purpose: To identify a variety of resources to enhance classroom instruction and student achievement including but not limited to: 
*Identifying instructional and assessment resources requested by teachers  
*Sharing research and instructional best practices

Role #9: School Leader

Purpose: To support and communicate the school and district initiatives with the school community including but not limited to: 
* Involving stakeholders in the implementation of the School Improvement Plan 
*Connecting with community stakeholders by sharing instructional practices that impact students
*Acting as a strong advocate for student learning

What is an Instructional Coach?

"Thinking Partner"

Instructional coaches partner with teachers to help them incorporate research-based instructional practices into their teaching.

The basic role of an instructional coach in education is to increase the instructional capacity of teachers so they can better incorporate literacy or math into their instruction.(Hall, 2004) An instructional coach is one who supports others in building their teaching skills, assists others in applying new knowledge, and provides ongoing professional development.

How do we get excellent instruction in every classroom, everyday, for every student?

The Big Four (Teacher Practices that Coaches Share with Teachers)
1. Classroom Management
2. Content
3. Instruction
4. Assessment for Learning

Instructional Coaching Menu

Best Practices

Menu

Choose from a variety of options, MIX and MATCH to design what is appetizing to you! Note: All dishes are free (but chocolate will be happily accepted as payment! )

Appetizers GATHER RESOURCES – hunt for those hard to find lesson components and ideas,  CO-PLANNING – Through conversation collaboratively plan a lesson or series of lessons that meet best practices.  DIFFERENTIATION SUPPORT – Help design choice assignments or tiered activities or assessments. CLASSROOM COVERAGE – cover your class so that you can observe another colleague in your building.

Main Entrees CLASSROOM ASSISTANT – serve as another pair of hands for a lesson or another pair of eyes to track student concerns.  TEAM TEACHING EXPERIENCE – After planning cooperatively, teach a lesson together.  TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT – Create interactive Mimio lessons, find appropriate apps, or programs that enhance student engagement. DEMONSTRATION LESSON – Demonstrate a lesson in your classroom or an alternate classroom while you observe. DATA CONSERVATION – Collaboratively analyze formative assessment to make instructional decisions.

Dessert REFLECTION – Through conversation and observation, reflect on student learning in your classroom.  COLLABORATION – Help you connect with other teachers in your own building or throughout the district. BRAINSTORMING SESSION – Collaboratively bounce innovative ideas off one another.  LISTENING AND SUPPORT – Lend an open and confidential ear for a topic of your choice.

WARNING!

The chef is NOT an expert, but does gather a wide range of ingredients and serving suggestions from other customers!  

The chef is a "partner for success."

Craving something not listed on the menu?

ORDER IT ANYWAY – The Chef is willing to collaboratively create new items as needed!