What Do Instructional Coaches Do?

What do instructional coaches do? That’s a question I’ve heard a lot. Why? Because I’ve lived it. Over the course of my career, I’ve served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal, and now, district leader. Each role has shaped me, but stepping into the role of instructional coach allowed me to see beyond …

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Leading Like a Coach

Some leaders manage. Others direct. But the ones who have left a lasting imprint on me are those who coach…not once, not only when asked, but as a way of leading in all they do. This year, I had the privilege of onboarding our new literacy coach. From the outside, her transition from classroom teacher …

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Rolling Up Your Sleeves: Series (Part 1)

Rolling Up Your Sleeves - Series Part 1 “How you walk into a room matters,” is a sentiment Dr. Mary Hemphill shared at this week’s FETC conference. As I listened to her powerful words, I was reminded that leadership isn't just about presence, it’s about intention. Whether you’re leading a team, coaching a colleague, or …

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Creating Learning Ecosystems

Every person deserves the opportunity to thrive in the learning ecosystems designed to meet their needs every day. These spaces should inspire and empower, creating opportunities for growth for every learner. But thriving isn’t just about the systems we design—it’s about the mindset we bring. What does it truly mean to thrive in our learning …

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Defining Moments

We all have moments in our lives that live at the forefront of our memories. Often, it's hard to recognize these defining moments as they unfold. In their book The Power of Moments, Chip Heath and Dan Heath write, “Defining moments shape our lives, but we don’t have to wait for them to happen. We …

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Helping Others Flourish

Coaching is a vehicle to creating lasting impact in educational organizations, especially when districts are fully invested in allowing a coaching mindset to flourish. From my perspective, if you work in an educational setting, you are a coach and an instructional leader for the kids, colleagues, and communities you serve.  What I have come to …

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Leading Through a Coaching Mindset: Practices that Transform Dialogue, Instruction, and Student Growth – Part 1

In the realm of education, leading through a coaching mindset has proven to be a guiding force that gently steers dialogue, instruction, and ultimately, impacts student growth. Leading and learning is a privilege and as I have navigated over eighteen years in education, I have been fortunate enough to be able to explore many roles, …

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