by Tracee Keough 

There is a unique energy that comes with the fourth quarter. We can finally see the finish line, and as coaches, our biggest goal is helping our teachers finish the year with the same passion they started with. But in the rush of spring, it’s easy to fall into the 'Coach Nice' tra...

by Tracee Keough

Let’s be honest: it’s spring. State testing schedules are looming, the weather is teasing us, and if you are anything like me, your desk is currently buried under a mountain of chaotic, pastel-colored sticky notes. You’re likely running on a potent mix of lukewarm coffee, soda and ...

by Tracee Keough 

Let’s set the scene: You walk into a planning meeting with a fantastic, time-saving strategy, but before you can even finish your sentence, you hit the wall.

"We don't have time for that." "The kids are already too checked out." "I'm just trying to survive until Friday."

Sound f...

by Lisa Oldiges

Keeping Momentum by Sharing the Love

It’s February and love is in the air, but some of us coaches may be feeling a little ignored or just plain stagnant. What’s a coach to do to keep up the momentum in these final few months of the school year? Let me share some ways that building ...

by Tracee Keough

Reinvigorating Our Role & Empowering Our Teachers!

Hello Incredible Instructional Coaches!

Can you believe it's already February? The first half of the school year flew by in a whirlwind of learning, growth, and undoubtedly, a few well-deserved coffee breaks! As we dive into this...

by Tracee Keough

Reclaiming Your Weekends: AI in Teaching

I’ve been in the classroom for 17 years. I’ve survived the transition to Common Core, the shift to 1-to-1 iPads, and the whirlwind of hybrid learning. I’ve taught the wiggly, wonderful world of 2nd grade and navigated the high-drama hallway...

by Matthaeus Huelse

 When Coaching Volume Becomes a Challenge

When I first started coaching at an elementary/middle school, my first and primary concern was not having the subject matter expertise needed to be an impactful support for my teachers. As a former German teacher (and also a native spea...

by Torie Mollett

The term “self-care” has made its debut societal pilgrimage from revolutionary self-preservation powerhouse to platitude. In the beginning, I remember the relief that finally, we were recognizing the need to prioritize our own well-being. We were given the gift of saying “no” an...

by Katie Maciulewicz

There’s a lot of talk in education about social-emotional learning in classrooms and teaching the “whole child” – but what about teachers? What about that invisible, yet powerful force that tells teachers that taking a sick day is an act of betrayal? We all know it. It's the...

by Katie Maciulewicz

Picture it. You're running on a potent mix of lukewarm coffee and the sheer will to support one more teacher before the bell rings. Your calendar looks like a game of Tetris, and the little voice in your head is screaming, "My needs are not being met!"

It's a tough truth, b...

Written by Katie Maciulewicz 

Here in the amazing, sometimes wild, world of instructional coaching, you probably jumped in ready to make a difference – helping a teacher rock a new lesson or getting students excited with a new tech tool. And that one-on-one work you're doing is vital – it’s wher...

Ah, SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. It’s a classic for a reason, but let's be honest, it's not always the most inspiring tool. What if we told you there’s something a little more tailored to the unique and complex world of instructional coaching?

This is wh...