1. Instructional Coaches in Sheldon ISD

2. What is an instructional coach?
An instructional coach is a partner with teachers to help with incorporating research-based instructional practices in classrooms.
An instructional coach is an on-site professional developer who partners with educators to identify and assist with implementation of proven teaching methods.
Jim Knight

3. Why do we need instructional coaches?
Research has shown that one-shot workshops do NOT improve instruction.
Of all forms of professional development, instructional coaching is the most effective.
Bruce Joyce and Beverly Showers

4. Who are the instructional coaches in Sheldon ISD?
1 at each Early Childhood Academy
2 Language Arts/Social Studies at each elementary and middle school campus
2 Math/Science at each elementary and
middle school campus
1 Math at KHS
1 Science at KHS
1 Language Arts at KHS

5. What instructional practices do coaches share with teachers?
The Big Four
Content
Instruction
Assessment for Learning
Classroom management

6. What does an instructional coach do?
Identify and demonstrate instructional strategies and programs.
Model instructional practices or facilitate the modeling of instructional practices.
Observe instruction in classrooms and provide clear and articulate feedback and advice to the teacher
Assist with the implementation of district curriculum program (CScope)
Identify needed instructional resources and programs
Collaboratively plan with departments and/or teams of teachers
Lead professional discussion groups, study groups, etc.

7. What don’t instructional coaches do?
Evaluate teachers
Serve as a substitute teacher
Conduct intervention groups with students
Discipline students in an administrative capacity
Campus testing coordinator

8. What does a week for an instructional coach look like?
Monday – Thursday
Observe classrooms
Model lessons
Facilitate discussions with teachers
Collaboratively plan with departments or teams
Coach and debrief with teachers
Provide feedback to teachers
Friday
Meet with district Curriculum Specialists for coaching staff development

9. If we have instructional coaches, what is the role of the curriculum specialists?
Coordinate district curriculum and assist campuses in its implementation
Monitor, mentor, and train the instructional coaches
Direct and supervise several programs (GT, Dyslexia, Advanced Placement, Elementary UIL, Spelling Bee, Read 180, Headsprout, Elementary Science Lab, etc.)
Facilitate district assessments

10. What instructional coaching offers is authentic learning that provides differentiated support for professional learning Jim Knight
The instructional coaches on your campus look forward to working with you!