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Data Coach - Instructional 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.

When coaches focus conversations on data about student learning in a positive and productive way, the dialogue empowers teachers rather than threatens them.
- Joellen Killion and Cindy Harrison; Taking the Lead

The Role of the Data Coach:

A data coach works to establish a risk and blame-free environment for all stakeholders to engage in conversations around data. The ultimate goal of these conversations is to determine students' strengths and needs to improve student learning through powerful and effective instruction.

Here are some ways that the FCPS Instructional Coaches serve in this role:

  • Facilitating data dialogues in order to determine next steps in instruction.
  • Using data to determine instructional strategies and structures to address student needs.
  • Analyzing school and grade level data trends.
  • Building capacity in teachers and teams to locate data to help inform instruction (e.g., EDSL or other data repositories).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Learning Facilitator

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Related Pages

an adult standing near a table while two other adults sit at a table collaborating

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.
photo of hands in the air

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.
an adult interacting with a student

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.
photo of five hands in a circle

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.
photo of three adults collaborating on a project

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.
photo of four teachers standing around the table collaborating

Learning Facilitator

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.