The Many Roles of an Instructional Coach
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Instructional coaches, in their varied functions, can be valuable change agents in school. Here’s how to make the most of this vital resource.
Heather Wolpert-Gawron
Many of the teachers who decide to leave education possess vast stores of knowledge regarding the science of teaching. Whether they’re veterans or newer teachers, when they leave, some of their knowledge inevitably leaves with them.
But some teachers, instead of leaving, are finding new and professionally satisfying pathways within the education system, a move that’s helping to redefine the teaching profession. As teachers put their extensive knowledge to use in these positions, they can become effective change agents for their schools and districts.
One pathway of interest is that of instructional coach. This position is defined differently from location to location—and that’s its biggest challenge and greatest asset. Attempts to standardize the position can undermine its effectiveness. After all, a teacher leader who is granted contracted time to think beyond the position of teacher or to consider an issue in a different light than an administrator can customize solutions for a school, a district, and its students.
The Functions of an Instructional Coach
I’ve been a classroom teacher for 15 years and have become known as someone who enjoys learning new technology and developing curriculum. As a result, I’ve found myself as an unofficial point person for other educators who are curious about implementing alternative strategies. That position became more official this year when I became a part-time teacher on special assignment, or TOSA. I spend part of my day in the classroom and the other part brainstorming with teachers, modeling lessons, curating resources to share with departments, and developing customized curriculum for individual students or special units. In other words, I’ve become an instructional coach.