The Power of Coaching to Drive Real Change

As we know, the demands on our classroom teachers have increased tremendously over recent years. Consequently, teachers are required to provide high-quality instruction for a multitude of students with varying social/emotional, academic, language and neurodiverse needs. They are expected to produce highly competent learners who meet 21st century demands. Providing teachers with coaching is a most effective method to support teachers by successfully meeting these demands. “Efforts to improve student achievement can succeed only by building the capacity of teachers to improve their instructional practice and the capacity of school systems to promote teacher learning.” (Darling-Hammond et al., 2009).  Fortunately, administrators of school districts have come to realize the positive gains that in-school coaching provides. Gone are the short-sighted theories that professional development only requires one day to be effective. https://youtu.be/jUc33m8pTis?si=bvEMINgDLk4OlZdI

Research has supported the efficacy of mentoring/coaching as an effective means of support for teachers. Coaching provides teachers with emotional support, pedagogical methodologies, classroom management and self-efficacy, all of which will increase the probability of greater teacher retention and higher student achievement. In addition, research has shown that “coached teachers are more likely than non-coached teachers” to transfer newly acquired teaching practices into classroom use.” (Cornett and Knight, “Research on Coaching,” p.198)

In addition, a shared responsibility and collegiality between the coach and the teacher(s) can make necessary adjustments in instructional methods where needed. Coaches help teachers to identify areas of concern, observe the teacher in the classroom setting, discuss ideas to target instruction, review data and demonstrate methods to set up a system for evaluating the outcomes. Coaches provide teachers with a sounding board to share their ideas, reflections and questions about their teaching. https://youtu.be/ZNRX4tB7dU

Premier Coaching Model Educational Support Teachers (EST)

Darling-Hammond, 2009