Coaching

One-on-one, side-by-side, we work with teachers and leaders to improve the quality of education for all students.

Content and Instructional Coaching

The word “coach” has long been associated with athletics. It refers to the observer on the sidelines who provides explicit instruction, ongoing, detailed feedback regarding performance, and “in-the-moment” support to guide a player’s development. This same process of coaching now applies to the field of education. Schools and districts across the nation are recognizing how important it is to move professional development from outside the classroom to a job-embedded model where teachers receive in-the-moment support from content and instructional coaches.



Coaching the Coaches

It is imperative that coaches receive professional development designed to support their challenging and important role in improving teaching and learning, and being as supportive to teachers as possible.  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 to help increase their repertoire of skills in working with adult learners.
 
Services

  • Observe classroom instruction to identify leverage points for coaching work
  • Analyze instruction and coaching in action through videotaped lessons
  • Provide opportunities to engage in authentic coaching conversations
  • Consider a range of coaching practices in relation to an identified purpose
  • Craft coaching schedules for maximum effect
  • Design powerful professional development experiences focused on student learning
  • Help develop a common vision and language around good instruction
  • Develop the principal-coach relationship and the skills needed for effective collaboration

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

Leadership Coaching

District and school administrators with a deep understanding of high-quality instruction can engage an entire educational system in the business of improving achievement --  from parents and school boards to principals and teachers.

Services

  • Clear the decks for the important business at hand: student achievement
  • Target and align resources around excellent, equitable learning
  • Build the capacity of district office and school staff
  • Develop a common language and common vision around the idea of high-quality instruction
  • Lead and guide professional development
  • Identify the systems-level policies, practices, and structures that must change in order for instruction to improve