Instructional Coaches
What is an instructional coach?
An instructional coach is an on-site professional developer who partners with educators to identify and assist with implementation of proven teaching methods.
What do instructional coaches do?
Instructional coaches focus on four areas: (1) assisting teachers in instruction, (2) content planning, (3) assessment for learning, (4) classroom management.
Who are District 91’s instructional coaches?
Jenna Briggs – Jenna will concentrate on developing literacy skills. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education Leadership. She also has a certificate in Reading K-12 and as a K-12 principal.
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Angie Lee –Angie has taught in the classroom for 24 years in kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Her strengths are in science and math.
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Stephanie Remsburg - Stephanie has taught in the classroom for nine years in 7th and 8th and 10th – 12th English. She has a bachelor degree in secondary education and a master of arts in teaching. Her strengths include working with struggling students, differentiation and student engagement.
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What is the rationale for adding instructional coaches?
We need to do everything we can to ensure our students are successful and that our teachers have what they need to be the best teachers they can. Coaching is the natural next step to this district’s professional development efforts because it targets implementation of best practices.
How will the instructional coaching program work?
A teacher who is interested in trying new strategies or is looking for help with an instructional practice will call and set up a meeting with an instructional coach. The two will meet, discuss what the teacher needs and mutually agree on a plan, which might involve a classroom visit and a follow-up meeting or an intensive weeks-long program that includes some classroom observation, modeling and collaboration.
How does instructional coaching support building goals?
Our instructional coaches will meet with principals and discuss each school’s instructional objectives. They will support those goals, while working with teachers to develop individualized plans that put best practices to work at solving teachers’ needs. Principals will not be part of those planning meetings, action plans or follow-up discussions.
Can a principal require a teacher to get help from a coach?
No. A principal can suggest that an instructional coach might have the expertise needed to solve a problem, but a principal cannot mandate that a teacher work with a coach.
Will a teacher’s interactions with an instructional coach be confidential?
Yes. Interactions between a coach and teacher are completely confidential.
Will the information from coaching sessions be included in a teacher’s personnel file?
None of the notes, discussions or information from the collaborations between coaches and teachers will be recorded in a teacher’s personnel file.
The instructional coaches are based at the Innovative Center, 335 5th St, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 (208) 524-7810
