Learning Facilitator - Instructional Coaching
Instructional coaches serve in the role of learning facilitators when they train teachers in new instructional strategies, facilitate whole school professional development opportunities, and support the work of collaborative learning teams.
When coaches plan and facilitate a wide variety of professional learning experiences, they are more likely to meet the varied needs of teachers, increase the relevance of the learning experience, focus directly on teaching and learning, and engage teachers more actively in professional learning.
- Joellen Killion and Cindy Harrison; Taking the Lead
The Role of the Learning Facilitator:
A learning facilitator can provide “just in time” training within a school or on a team. Learning facilitators organize frequent professional development learning opportunities for the staff in a building.
Here are some ways that FCPS Instructional Coaches serve in this role:
- Facilitating learning around new instructional practices and strategies.
- Facilitating whole school and small group study groups.
- Supporting Collaborative Teams' work.
- Coordinating, supporting, and implementing lesson study and lab-sites.
Schools are focused on learning but not just for students. Our Instructional Coaches provide invaluable learning opportunities for our staff to deepen content knowledge and build upon their instructional practices. Through mentoring, consulting, and coaching our staff has been transformed by the work of our instructional coaches.
- Jay Nocco; Principal, Lynbrook Elementary School
School Leader
Instructional coaches serve in the role of a school leader when they share the school vision, align their professional goals with school and district goals, and share responsibility for the school’s overall success.
Classroom Supporter
Instructional coaches serve in the role of a classroom supporter when they work inside classrooms to help teachers implement new ideas through demonstration, co-teaching, or observation and feedback.
Instructional Specialist
Instructional coaches serve in the role of an instructional specialist when they work with teachers to plan for high-yield instructional strategies to use in the classroom with students.
Curriculum Specialist
Instructional coaches serve in the role of a curriculum specialist when they collaborate with teachers to develop an understanding around their curriculum in order to provide the best instruction to their students.
Catalyst for Change
Instructional coaches serve in the role of a catalyst for change when they question the status quo, always seeking to provide the best educational experience for students.
Data Coach
Instructional coaches serve in the role of a data coach when they analyze data to make informed instructional decisions to meet the needs of all learners.
Staff Mentor
Instructional coaches serve in the role of a mentor as they continue to build trusting relationships with the staff in a school to develop partnerships with all stakeholders.
Learner
Instructional coaches serve in the role of a learner who model continual improvement, reflect on their work by seeking and graciously receiving feedback, experimenti with new ideas, and use what they learn to help all teachers and students achieve.
Resource Provider
Instructional coaches serve in the role of a resource provider when they support teachers in developing the knowledge of available resources, such as curriculum and instructional resources.