What is an Instructional Coach?
An instructional coach is someone who provides teacher support in the classroom with a helping hand and a loving heart.
They are many things:
- Resource Provider
- Data Coach
- Curriculum Specialist
- Instructional Specialist
- Mentor
- Classroom Supporter
- Learning Facilitator
- School Leader
- Catalyst for Change
- Learner
What makes an educator a good instructional coach?
To me a good instructional coach first establishes a relationship with
the teacher or teachers they are working with. If you want someone to
listen to the ideas and suggestions you have, they have to know that you
care and are there for them throughout the entire process. A good
instructional coach listens to the teacher's needs and finds the best
possible student tested resources that will work. The coach models the
lessons and provides support to the teacher even if its just to be there
for moral support.
Also a good coach will admit they do not
know the answer if they do not know, but will find out the information
instead making up false information. There is nothing wrong with not
knowing everything...we are all humans. If you get caught making up
information, you have lost all respect.
Collaborate together
as you will find learn so much from each other. The experience is very
rewarding and beneficial to our growth as educators.
Never treat a teacher like you are better than them. We are all in this together. Singleness of Purpose
Patience is key! Put yourself in a situation where you were told you
needed to do something right now, but you had no clue how to do it.
Would you want someone talking down to you? I bet not. Be there and
remember to smile!