EDU 664 Foundations of Instructional Coaching
An instructional coach acts as a mentor, working with teachers to improve their effectiveness so they can raise the achievement level of their students. They leverage their classroom experience along with their textbook knowledge to pass on guidance to the next generation of teachers in schools or other organizational settings. This course will build teacher leaders’ and teacher trainers’ understandings of the fundamentals of instructional coaching. It will introduce the vital skills, methods, and strategies required of an effective coach including developing coaching relationships, setting goals and planning, developing awareness, asking powerful questions, communication and language, action and accountability and facilitating learning and results. It presents an in-depth coverage of the knowledge, strategies, skills, and processes needed to successfully guide classroom teachers as they work to create quality learning experiences for diverse learners within the classroom. Students will examine various coaching models and gain knowledge of the ethical considerations associated with coaching relationships. This training prepares participants to coach individuals, groups, and teams for performance, development, skills and personal/professional growth.