Unbox Your Coaching Toolkit: 3 Essential Skills for Lasting Teacher Growth

by Katie Maciulewicz

It’s a tale as old as time, or at least as old as the last professional development session: you walk away feeling inspired, ready to implement all the new strategies, and then… life happens. The demands of the classroom kick in, and those brilliant new ideas slowly fade into the background. 

As instructional coaches, we’ve all seen it. We pour our energy into working with teachers, seeing those “aha!” moments, only to sometimes wonder if the changes truly stick. We don’t want one-hit wonders; we want chart-toppers that keep playing on repeat! 

This is where sustainable change comes into play, and it's a core pillar of effective instructional coaching. We can’t simply introduce a new idea to teachers; we need to cultivate an environment where those new practices flourish, take root, and become an integral part of a teacher's repertoire, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes. 

The Core of Coaching Framework offers a fantastic lens through which to view our role in fostering this kind of lasting impact. While the entire framework is a powerhouse, Domain 2, "Sustainable Change in Teacher Practice," really gets to the heart of how we move beyond fleeting improvements to truly embed new strategies. 

So, what does this look like in practice? Let’s break down the key skills and critical behaviors that will help us, as coaches, drive sustainable change in teacher practice.

Data Analysis & Goal Setting: The GPS for Growth

Before embarking on any journey, you need a destination and a map. The same goes for instructional change. Our role here is to collaboratively work with teachers to use data to pinpoint areas for growth and then set achievable, measurable goals. 

How we can support:

• Co-create, don't dictate: Instead of telling teachers what to work on, engage them in a conversation about their student data. Maybe it’s an exit ticket analysis or perhaps student engagement observations. What story is the data telling them? Help them identify areas they genuinely want to improve.
• Keep it real: Help teachers set goals that are challenging but not overwhelming. We’re aiming for growth, not perfection. And let's be honest, trying to juggle everything at once is a recipe for burnout, especially for new teachers who might already be feeling overwhelmed.
• Regular check-ins: Think of yourself as their accountability buddy. Regularly checking in on goal progress isn't about micromanaging; it's about providing consistent support and celebrating those small wins that keep motivation high. 

Content Knowledge & Instructional Strategies: Your Coaching Playbook

This one might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: to effectively coach, we need a deep understanding of effective teaching practices. We’re not just cheerleaders; we’re also a repository of knowledge and strategies, and we should be able to model and scaffold these strategies for teachers. 

How we can support:

• Be a model: Sometimes the best way to teach is to show. This might mean co-planning a lesson and then co-teaching it, demonstrating a new tech tool in action, or simply talking through your thought process as you approach a teaching challenge. Remember, technology is a tool, not a strategy, so we should be just as comfortable modeling a no-tech solution like a "Think-Pair-Share" as we are demonstrating an interactive presentation tool.
• Differentiated support: Just like teachers differentiate for their students, we need to differentiate our support for teachers. Some might need more hand-holding, while others are ready to run with a new idea. Our coaching should move from direct modeling to collaborative implementation and then to independent teacher application. 
• Resource curation: Don't just throw everything at them! Provide targeted resources and strategies that directly address their goals. If a teacher is struggling with differentiating instruction, maybe it's suggesting a choice board or an adaptive learning platform. And always, always, start with what your district already provides before introducing new (and potentially costly) tools. 

Progress Monitoring & Reflective Practice: The Growth Mindset Engine

Sustainable change isn't a one-and-done deal. It requires ongoing reflection and adjustment. Our job is to help teachers track their progress and encourage them to reflect on their practice. This self-awareness is crucial for continuous growth and refining instructional methods.

How we can support:

• Structured reflection: Provide opportunities for teachers to reflect in a structured way. This could be through coaching debriefs, reflective inquiry techniques, or even guided journal prompts. The goal is to move beyond "how did it go?" to "what did you notice, and what might you try differently next time?"
• Targeted feedback: Observe their classrooms and provide specific, actionable feedback grounded in what you see and the data you've collected. This isn't about judging; it's about providing constructive feedback that helps them refine their practice.
• Celebrate the journey: Remember that rollercoaster of emotions new teachers experience? Progress monitoring also means celebrating successes, big and small. This affirmation and encouragement are vital, especially during those moments of disillusionment. 

Ultimately, driving sustainable change isn’t just about providing strategies; it’s about empowering teachers to become their own instructional experts. By focusing on data-driven goal setting, providing strong content knowledge and differentiated support, and fostering a culture of continuous reflection, we can ensure that the amazing work teachers do today becomes the foundation for even greater success tomorrow. It’s how we make sure those new moves aren’t just a fad, but a timeless classic!

💾 Want more? 

• 📚 Read
• Domain 2 of the Core of Coaching Framework: Relationship Building
• Fourth-Camera Coaching
• 🔊 Listen to the Restart Recharge podcast
• Coaches Checklist to Start the School Year
• Grow Unique Educators! - with Ron Madison
• Building and Sustaining Educator Communities
• 🎬 Watch (EDU Coach Network All-Access Members only)
• ROUNDTABLE: Leading from Within: Coaching for Teacher-Driven Change
• WEBINAR: From Doubt to Powerhouse: Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Broadening Your Coaching Reach