Picture this:
A teacher walks out of a professional development session with a folder full of printouts, a head full of theory, and a heart full of… confusion. That’s because many traditional training days still look like this — one-size-fits-all PowerPoint presentations, endless bullet points, and a barrage of strategies that are rarely followed up on.
It’s no wonder so many educators walk away from training sessions thinking, “Well, that was nice, but how do I actually use this in my classroom?”
Research backs this up. According to a 2017 study by the Journal of Staff Development, only 10% of what teachers learn in workshops is typically transferred into their everyday practice unless there’s ongoing support.
And that’s where instructional coaching comes in — not as a replacement for professional development, but as the secret ingredient that makes it stick.
What Is Instructional Coaching?
Instructional coaching is not a buzzword. It’s an evidence-based approach to teacher development that’s rooted in partnership, collaboration, and continuous learning. At its core, instructional coaching provides ongoing, job-embedded support — not just at the start of the year, but week in, week out.
Instructional coaches are not evaluators. They are allies. They work side-by-side with teachers, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice. That means they:
- Observe lessons in a non-threatening way
- Offer meaningful feedback in a safe, reflective space
- Help co-plan lessons that are engaging and standards-aligned
- Co-teach when needed, modeling strategies or offering hands-on support
- Guide teachers in applying research-based methods to real classroom situations
Unlike isolated training days, coaching is not about a single spark of insight — it’s about lighting a sustained fire for growth.
Why It Works
- Instructional coaching works because it’s personalised. Instead of throwing a blanket solution over the entire teaching staff, coaching tailors support to each teacher’s needs, strengths, and goals.
- It builds trust and collaboration. A good coach doesn’t dictate — they listen, encourage, and walk the journey with teachers. When teachers feel safe, they are more willing to experiment, reflect, and grow.
- It improves student outcomes. Yes, really. A 2020 report by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University found that high-quality coaching programmes can boost student achievement significantly — especially in literacy and maths.
- It cultivates a growth culture. Rather than a “check-the-box” compliance model, coaching helps create a school culture where continuous improvement is the norm — not the exception.
How Coaching Supports an Entire School Ecosystem
Instructional coaching isn’t just for new teachers — though it definitely helps them. It benefits the entire school community in powerful ways:
- New teachers get confident faster, feel supported, and are more likely to stay.
- Veteran teachers get a fresh lens on their practice and rediscover their passion.
- Middle leaders receive critical support in balancing teaching with leadership roles.
- The whole school culture shifts from “you must” to “we grow together.”
As Jim Knight, a leading expert in instructional coaching, puts it:
“When teachers stop learning, so do students.”
But Will My Staff Accept a Coach?
That depends entirely on how you position it.
Coaching must be introduced as a partnership, not a performance review. When teachers view coaching as something done with them and for them — not to them — the resistance fades.
The key is having the right coach: someone empathetic, experienced, and deeply respectful of teachers’ time and expertise. A coach who listens more than they lecture. A coach who understands that every classroom is different.
When done right, coaching becomes something teachers don’t just accept — they request.
“Teaching is complex. Growth shouldn’t be lonely.”
Are you ready to move beyond PowerPoint slides and start seeing real, sustainable growth in your classrooms?
Let’s chat about how to bring instructional coaching to your school — or improve the model you already have.
📩 Book a coaching consultation today.