What does an Instructional Coach do?
Instructional coaches support teachers through personalized professional development and job coaching. They work as a resource to support teachers as teacher leaders who serve to work alongside them. As critical levers in improving student achievement, instructional coaches build a teacher’s capacity and understanding of instructional practices related to various learning models, including Common Core.
Instructional coaches are models for continuous improvement and lifelong learning. They strive to go above and beyond to ensure teacher and student success and work collaboratively. Instructional coaches promote internal reflection, and provide guidance and structure where needed and emphasize strengths, collaboration, and common concerns. They are responsible for ensuring their schools’ nurture high-quality instruction in classrooms through modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, and teacher feedback. Instructional coaches need a degree in education and certification.
- Assist in writing, implementing and evaluate state and federal projects.
- Utilize research-based best instructional practices to create rigorous, dynamic learning environments for students.
- Ensure safety and security requirements are met in the classroom.
- Provide technical assistance in the collection, analysis and interpretation of student achievement data.
- Regularly observe courses and provide instructors with direct feedback and guidance on their classes and teaching performance.
- Provide technical support to collaborative teams within builds.
- Provide instructional support and coaching to educators as they work to ensure that each student is able to reach his or her academic potential.
- Observe classroom instruction for the purpose of providing feedback and to ensure the development of science-specific instructional practices.
- Model lessons in classrooms on a daily/weekly basis.
- Prepare class lectures and hands-on learning activities to meet the needs of approved apprenticeship curriculum.
- Provide professional leadership and support, and serves as an educator, role model, mentor and facilitator.
- Lead teachers through a continuous improvement cycle to achieve benchmark goals.
- Supervise and support intellectual and practical preparation through unit / lesson unpacking and lesson plan feedback.
- Lead weekly grade-level academic meetings to deepen teacher understanding of unit goals and analyze student work.
- Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of teacher progress connected to coaching goals.
- Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by attending staff development training, workshops, seminars and conferences.
- Bachelor's Degree in education.
- Strong command of English language and good communication skills.
- Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
- Commitment to continuous improvement processes.
How much does an Instructional Coach make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$67,957
/ yrInstructional Coach Career Path
Learn how to become an Instructional Coach, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Instructional Coach Insights
Q2A/Bill Smith“All the employees are nice and pleasant to work with.”
The Maile School“Fun and unique classes.”
Glasgow City Council“Enjoyable and rewarding work with young people.”
Crandall Independent School District“Money is good but not worth it.”
Hoke County School District“Great place to grow and progress in your career.”
Garrison Independent School District“Great people to work with”
“Good people to work with”
Willows Rural Fire Protectiion District“Great people to work with”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of an Instructional Coach
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Substitute Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- Teacher
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My coworker quit. My Director is now expecting me to pick up the slack (aka do her job) until someone new is hired. I was technically her backup, but essentially will be performing 90% of her job duties for the foreseeable future. Should I ask for a raise/bonus for this?