Research on professional development shows that teachers need long-term support to improve their teaching. One method for providing that support can be instructional coaching. The National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) defines instructional coaching as a coach working collaboratively with a teacher through a recursive and job-embedded feedback cycle focused on strengthening implementation of effective instructional strategies. However, not every form of coaching is effective. In fact, research links four specific coaching practices to improvements in teaching and learner outcomes. These practices, described in more depth in this tip sheet, include: using alliance strategies (also known as relationship-building strategies), observing, modeling, and providing performance feedback.
Defining Effective Coaching Practices to Support Teachers and Improve Student Outcomes
