So what exactly are instructional coaches?

This year, our district has implemented the practice of instructional coaching and many teachers have begun working with a coach in their classroom. So you may be wondering......What exactly is an instructional coach? This question is usually followed by, "What do you do?" While each coach has their area of focus, our main goal is the same: to help you as teachers. Here's a run down of what a coach is, and what a coach is not.

A coach isn't a spy.
While many coaches work with administration, they don't work as a reporter to administration. In fact, coaches often have agreements that what they discuss with teachers is in complete confidence and is not to be shared with anyone else, including principals.

A coach isn't a know-it-all.
In our district, coaches work in an area that is specific to their best area of knowledge, but this still makes us far from knowing every thing there is to know. We recognize (and actually enjoy the fact!) that there is still so much to learn about literacy, technology, math, etc. Getting the answers a teacher needs is important to us, but please know that there are times where we need to look outside our own brains to truly get what is needed. We're learning right alongside you many times.

A coach isn't a supervisor.
Working with us is purely voluntary. You don't have to do what we say and we aren't in charge of "fixing" anybody. Our role as a coach is to work side by side with teachers to help them reflect on areas where they can improve and then support them in getting there.


A coach is a collaborator.
Conversations with a coach will often look and feel casual. A coach is there to engage in dialogue with a teacher, not to lecture or give directives. Coaching works best when two people are working together to find the best answers to questions. Our role is to support and encourage you while working to meet your goals.

A coach is a sounding board.
Been wanting to try something different but a little anxious about it? The role of a coach is to support teachers in trying new things and assist in discovering what works and what doesn't. If you're in need of more information about a particular area, a coach can help dig up the resources you need.

A coach is a supporter of teachers.
The primary purpose of coaches in a school district is to support teachers. All of the coaches in our district come from the classroom. They have been teachers and know first-hand all of the expectations and daily requirements that come with the job. The goal of coaching is to make you feel supported as you teach each day so that you, and your students, can reach full potential.

Next week's post will focus on how teachers can request to work with a coach.