Western Educational Equity Assistance Center

Teacher Workforce

The Coaching Cycle: How Coaches Can Support Teachers and Improve Student Outcomes

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.

Defining Effective Coaching Practices to Support Teachers and Improve Student Outcomes

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.

Native Voices Highlight Five Major Opportunities to  Support Indigenous Communities, Educators, and Schools 

Native leaders and practitioners serving Native students identified key opportunities for education organizations at all levels to open critically important pathways for Indigenous teachers and schools to serve as Native Nation builders. Five actionable thematic takeaways emerged.

1. Institutions of higher education and teacher preparation programs have an opportunity to partner with Tribes to design professional learning.
2. Districts and schools can adapt educational systems to integrate Native lifeways and practices that sustain tribal communities.
3. States, districts, schools, and teacher preparation organizations can support Indigenous educators through growing networks with other Indigenous teachers and leaders.
4. Policymakers, states, districts, and schools can open up critically important Indigenous educator pathways.
5. States and advocates can leverage ESSER, ARP, and CARES Act funds to support Indigenous educators.

 

 

Indigenous Educator Pathways II

Session II in a three-part series, Making a Difference for American Indian and Alaska Native Students: Innovations and Wise Practices

February 14, 2023

American Indian and Alaska Native Educators comprise 0.5 percent of the teacher workforce in the United States. Recruiting and sustaining this educator population in both urban and rural settings is a persistent challenge throughout the country. This session focuses on systemic efforts and innovations that prepare, place, and sustain American Indian and Alaska Native educators, including alternative licensure pathways.

Video recording:
https://vimeo.com/833376212?share=copy

Indigenous Educator Pathways

Session I in a three-part series, Making a Difference for American Indian and Alaska Native Students: Innovations and Wise Practices

December 14, 2022

American Indian and Alaska Native Educators comprise 0.5 percent of the teacher workforce in the United States. Recruiting and sustaining this educator population in both urban and rural settings is a persistent challenge throughout the country. In this session, participants explore systemic efforts and innovations that prepare, recruit, and sustain American Indian and Alaska Native educators.

Video recording:

https://vimeo.com/826980509?share=copy