Coaching Services

Demonstration Lessons allow teachers to see new teaching techniques put into practice in their own classroom. Facilitated conversations before and after each demonstration lesson call upon teachers to focus their observation, reflect on new learning, and refine their understandings of best practices and the instructional decision-making process. Professional development trainers work with the district prior to demonstration days to plan the instructional focus, grade levels, and schedule.

Coaching Sessions support teachers in applying new learning with support and feedback right in the classroom. When educators are supported as they plan lessons and implement new teaching techniques, students benefit. Whether coaching days are planned to follow a workshop, or as a separate professional development initiative, professional development trainers consult with the district to evaluate school/district goals and teacher needs and to customize daily coaching goals and schedules.

Connected Coaching is a systemic approach to professional development that provides teachers with one-on-one support in technology integration within their classroom environment. Our professional development specialists work with teachers through a series of sessions that include planning, lesson delivery, observation, and feedback. Participants receive lesson plan templates. Coaching engagements range in length. Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Administrators benefit from ongoing, job-embedded professional development in the form of coaching and feedback just as the teachers they lead do. Coaching for Administrators helps busy school- and district-level administrators define their vision and create action plans with clear, attainable goals. Throughout the process, Professional development leadership coaches lend their years of experience to build leadership capacity. Coaches work together with administrators to problem solve through day-to-day demands, turning each episode into a learning opportunity. The needs of each school will help determine the focus of the coaching relationship, which may include:

• Performance Management
• Effective Use of Data
• School Improvement Planning
• Shifting School Culture
• Professional Development for Teachers
• Instructional Walkthroughs with Meaningful Feedback
• Efficient Use of Time and School Resources
• Parent and Community Involvement
• Intervention

Objective

• Use school data to inform decision making
• Analyze school academic programs and explore how to strengthen them
• Define a clear vision for their school
• Develop action plans for continual school improvement
• Utilize research-based models for instructional leadership
• Plan and implement professional development utilizing all resources available
• Provide the ongoing leadership necessary for sustained growth and success

Coaching engagements range in length. Connections to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt products can be made during the training at the request of a school or district.

Essentials of Literacy Coaching is a two-day course designed to increase the effectiveness of literacy coaches and staff developers. Written by literacy expert Linda Hoyt, this seminar supports participants through a gradual release model including group content sessions, partner learning experiences, and on-going extension activities. The content is built on research-based best practices and includes information on peer-coaching, data-driven instruction, in-service trainings, and demonstration lessons. Strategies learned will help coaches work with teachers and facilitate their professional growth. This seminar is a great support to schools implementing comprehensive literacy instructional resources.

Length
Two days

Objectives

• Understand roles of instructional coaches
• Implement literacy coaching techniques
• Utilize best practices in literacy development
• Build trust and rapport with colleagues to foster more authentic coaching and feedback
• Apply strategies for communication with staff and administrators
• Implement data-driven coaching
• Be able to conduct demonstration lessons, professional development trainings, and professional learning community sessions

College Credit Available

Developed by renowned author and educational consultant Dr. J. David Cooper, this course supports instructional coaches as they monitor classroom instruction. During this institute, participants will review current research on the topic, examine the role of the instructional coach, and learn effective steps of the coaching process. This highly interactive institute utilizes simulations, role-playing and many other effective techniques to engage participants in the learning process.

Length
Two days

Objectives

• Have a fully developed concept of the instructional coach
• Know and be able to implement an effective coaching model
• Support teachers as they develop their instructional skills
• Be able to effectively coach teachers

College Credit Available