The overall goal of instructional coaching is to strengthen teacher practices and thereby improve student outcomes. 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. Throughout the coaching cycle, instructional coaches apply research supported practices—building relationships using alliance strategies; observing teacher practice; modeling instructional strategies; and providing teachers with performance feedback—to strengthen the implementation of effective instructional strategies.
Coaches can use this tip sheet to learn about the three-step coaching cycle and how to use it to help improve teacher practice and student outcomes. Understanding the steps of the coaching cycle can help coaches, as well as those training or supporting instructional coaches, to best meet the needs of teachers and students.
