If you are an educator with the desire to become a leader for change in schools, you may want to consider becoming an instructional coach. With a keen interest in the science of teaching — the nuts and bolts that determine the desired approach for the best outcome — instructional coaches are currently leading the charge in embracing new, more successful educational models.
Logically, a critical component of emerging educational models is technology, opening the door to critical digital and data literacy development (for students and teachers), blended learning environments, increased inclusion, collaborative classroom models and more. From technology integration to professional development in new teaching methods, instructional coaches and related professionals are critical to evolving education and improving schools.
You can develop the tools to succeed in this specialized career path with the online Master of Science in Education (MSEd.) in Curriculum and Instruction – Teaching Technology program from Northwest Missouri State University. This advanced degree program integrates the study of curriculum design, instructional methodology, technology-rich teaching and leadership to help you maximize and modernize your educational practices in the digital age.
Teacher Mentoring
The responsibilities of an instructional coach vary from place to place, but duties often include working with teachers and other school leaders to improve teaching practices and working on improving lessons, resources and curriculum — both general and specialized. An instructional coach often serves as a mentor, focusing on specific content areas such as math, literacy and technology education or working with teachers in all areas of instruction.
It is important to delineate what is and is not the role of an instructional coach, according to student-centered coaching consultant Diane Sweeney. Sweeney explains that instructional coaching is a partnership between coach and teacher, focused on improving student learning outcomes and informed by teachers’ goals. Instructional coaching is not an evaluative, one-directional relationship based on controlling or “fixing” teachers.
As an instructional coach, you will support individual teachers to help them incorporate current research-based teaching practices. In conversation and collaboration with them, you will discuss specific challenges and suggest or develop new classroom strategies. You may also model lessons using effective techniques, offer hands-on help in developing curriculum for project-based learning units and student assessments, or introduce innovative ways to use assistive technologies to improve inclusive classroom engagement.
As an instructional coach, you will be a trusted sounding board, addressing issues faced in and outside the classroom and offering practical and ethical solutions. You will also be filling a crucial need in the field of education.
Education is shifting rapidly, with more and more educational systems and schools embracing the benefits of practices like student-centered learning, differentiated instruction, social-emotional learning and technology-enriched blended learning environments. Teachers need adequate training and support when learning about new methods and technologies and experimenting with effective classroom applications. Instructional coaches play a vital role in supporting teachers through this shift.
Leading Professional Development and Change
Northwest’s online MSEd. in Curriculum and Instruction – Teaching Technology program includes a wealth of courses focused on change and leadership, such as Integrating the Technology Curriculum and Leading in the Digital Age. These studies help educators assume coaching and leadership roles geared toward addressing complex shifts and development in modern educational systems. As a leader for change, an instructional coach may work at the building or district level on school improvement initiatives. These tasks may include:
- Analyzing current school practices and determining school- or district-wide needs
- Presenting practical solutions and curating appropriate resources in the areas of student engagement, educational models and student achievement, and instructional skills
- Spearheading staff development at the school or district level, including leading faculty development meetings, organizing department presentations and providing development activities
- Instructing the faculty to analyze and use their own student and classroom data to make informed decisions about educational progress, culture and challenges
The instructional coach’s main goal is to facilitate positive change in the school by building collegial relationships and developing strong educational practices — with the ultimate goal of student success.
An Educational Path to Instructional Coaching
These days, effective decision-making in every industry and professional environment relies on the ability to gather, analyze, understand, draw insight from and communicate data, that is, the modern language of data literacy. Having data fluency and a foundation in these skills will complement your classroom experience as you find success as an instructional coach.
The online MSEd. in Curriculum and Instruction – Teaching Technology program from Northwest provides coursework in the areas of professional mentoring and leading cultural and educational change. The program focuses on research-based instructional design and teacher training techniques, as well as developing data literacy and guiding the digital shift, all of which you will use as you support fellow teachers and strengthen professional development programming. Northwest’s program prepares you to be both a leader and a change-maker, exponentially increasing the impact you can have on student learning and achievement.
Learn more about Northwest’s online MSEd. in Curriculum & Instruction – Teaching Technology program.
