Coaching

CEL’s goal is to provide educators with the information and skills they need to improve the learning of all students.

Content- and Instructional-focused Coaching

The word “coach” has long been associated with athletics.  More specifically, it refers to that person on the sidelines who provides explicit instruction, ongoing and detailed feedback regarding performance, and “in the moment” support to guide a player’s improvement.  This same process of coaching now applies to the field of education.  Schools and districts across the nation are recognizing how powerful it is to have an instructional coach work alongside teachers to improve classroom practice.
 
It is imperative that coaches receive professional development that is designed specifically to support their challenging and important role in improving teaching and learning.  CEL’s coaching workshops utilize videotaped lessons of classroom instruction and coaching in action.  We also provide opportunities for participants to practice engaging in authentic coaching conversations so they can increase their repertoire of skills in working with adult learners.
 
Participants in CEL’s coaching workshops learn how to:
 

• Observe and analyze classroom teaching to identify leverage points for coaching work.
• Consider a range of coaching strategies in relation to an identified purpose.
• Craft coaching schedules for maximum effect.
• Deepen understanding of the important principal-coach relationship and the skills necessary for collaboration.
• Design powerful professional development experiences focused on student learning.
• Facilitate developing a common vision and language around good instruction.

Leadership Coaching

CEL also provides job-embedded leadership coaching to assist district and school administrators as they learn how to structure systems-level support of teaching and learning.  We know when school leaders understand what constitutes powerful instruction they can lead and guide professional development, target and align resources, engage in problem solving, and build the capacity of teachers.  To learn more about how CEL can support leaders with coaching, please contact us.

To read about our coaching work in Washington State Kappan about the Highline School District, click here.

To see our current coaching workshop and course offerings, click here.