What is an Instructional Coach?
The overarching purpose of an Instructional Coach is to increase student achievement by providing ongoing teacher support in the implementation of best-practices instructional strategies.
Coaching combines the complex skills of creating partnerships, establishing trusting relationships and facilitating instructional growth. Coaches are partners with classroom teachers and principals in the rewarding work of teaching students (adapted from Improving Instruction Through Coaching CSTP-Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession).
We currently have three Coaches in the District who cover science, literacy and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Read more about ASD and what a Coach and her team can help you accomplish.
Meet our Instructional Coaches within the Olympia School District.
What Can a Coach Do for You?
Teacher/Classroom:
- Model lessons Collaborate on curriculum Observe and provide feedback Support teachers as they implement new instructional practices
- Collaborate on curriculum
- Observe and provide feedback
- Support teachers as they implement new instructional practices
Principals:
- Facilitate implementation of a School Improvement Plan (SIP)
- Provide common understanding of student achievement data
- Develop common rubrics with teachers for standards-based instructional units and assessments
District:
- Provide professional development activities for teachers
- Facilitate curriculum alignment and instructional strategies within and across grade levels
- Facilitate professional learning activities such as lesson study groups, literature circles and analysis of student work teams
For for information, please contact:
Instructional Coach Vicki Horton
Instructional Coach Jen Brotherton
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Instructional Coach Kelli Ehresmann
Math Instructional Coach Ruth Chamberlin