ParT 1: THE FOUNDATIONS OF INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING

PART I

THE FOUNDaTIONS TIONS OF INSTrUCTIONaL rUCTIONaL COaCHING CHING

Laying a solid foundation is a common metaphor in many different contexts. You hear it when talking about building a house and even when you talk about early childhood education and lower-elementary curricula. Everything you do must have a solid foundation, so moving to the role of instructional coach should be no different. Merriam-Webster defines foundation (n.d.) as “a basis (such as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported.” If you take this definition and place it in the context of the instructional coaching role, you need to seek the understanding and purpose of the role before you take action. You need to create schedules, seek the vision of your role, set up your office, dig into data, and connect yourself to the position before you do the work. The goal of an instructional coach is to empower, equip, educate, and engage teachers to make an impact and meet instructional and school-improvement goals. Coaches must first get a clear understanding of their role before they can help others.

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