Instructional Coaches - Who can Help Me?
Instructional coaches offer critical services within schools and school districts. They operate on the front lines with the teachers and with administrators at the top. In doing so, they are a key bridge for information, initiatives, implementation, feedback, and much more.
What does this mean for you?
As an educator, or even educational leader, your teachers are looking for support. The problem is that there is only one person, or potentially no one at all, to provide this necessary service. If you're looking for instructional practices, feedback for growth, or information on district initiatives, this forces you to turn to either administration or your peers.
Sadly, they are most likely spread just as thin as you are. So, without an instructional coach, how are districts meant to provide ongoing support for their teachers, where can teachers turn to for guidance, and how are initiatives being communicated?
Living in Limbo
The truth is, that often the initiative, or push, comes in the form of professional development or in-service at the beginning of the school year. Then, little else is done due to a lack of hands, time, and resources. A plan of action, new strategy, or required implementation is presented to staff. Then, staff are tasked with implementing this on their own. Admin will then perform their regular observations and score staff members on this. Some feedback may come as a result but often very little outside of everyone involved checking a box.
The underlying problem
Teachers are not being properly supported, time is being wasted on implementing new initiatives, and money is being lost by continuously purchasing new strategies to bandage the school along. As a result the students end up suffering as well because, no matter how amazing the new program or strategy may be for educators, there isn't a proper system in place for it to reach them.
The solution
There needs to be a solidified system in place that addresses the following:
1. Who is responsible for the initiative?
2. How is this initiative/strategy being implemented?
3. How will we ensure this is being implemented?
4. Will there be staff on boarding provided?
5. Will there be ongoing training provided?
6. Where can staff go for support?
7. How will this impact instruction and students?
When a system is in place that addresses these, each party feels appropriately supported, the implementation runs much smoother, the utilization rate increases dramatically, and school time and money is more properly aligned.
Dynamic K12 can help your school or district succeed. Schedule a free consultation with our team to explore how we can act as your instructional guides and provide ongoing support for your teachers.