What is a coach? I bet our first image is some former gym teacher or social studies teacher who put on a hat and whistle and began barking out instructions during practice.
Those coaches of our past had some similar qualities. In order to be successful they had to have a vision. They were committed. Their teams were disciplined. Their passion was demonstrated by the way their teams performed.
Those same qualities are shared by effective instructional coaching in educational settings. A good instructional coach works with administration to establish a common vision for the coach. Instructional coaches are committed to improving curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Instructional coaches are disciplined to reach a standard of excellence. Their example is contagious and should spread among the faculty. No coach can be effective without passion.
Values guide any coach. Honesty, integrity, determination must be a part of any coaching. Coaches must believe that all on the team (players or students) can get better. All can improve. All can learn.
Coaches have purpose. They work with their team, the teachers. Coaches may gather resources, co-teach, model, or just brainstorm. An effective coach is an effective resource. An effective coach utilizes a multitude of strategies to fulfill their purpose.
A coach wants to lead and win. Instructional coaches lead by example. When instructional coaches win, students benefit due to more effective teaching.
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