Getting Started as an Instructional Coach

Are you just getting started as an instructional coach?

The move from a classroom position to a coaching role can be tricky because there are so many challenging elements to being a coach that are not part of classroom teaching.

New coaches are often surprised that they are expected to:

lead without being a formal leader
see the big picture, often without having all the puzzle pieces
inspire your colleagues without having a class of your own
be the connection between teachers and leaders, without really being part of either team

Let me help!

Hi! I'm Kim.

After working as an instructional coach in international schools for 15 years, and then mentoring aspiring, new and growing coaches in The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program for the last 8 years, I know that being a coach can feel like you’re in the “messy middle”.

As a coach, you’re no longer in the classroom with really clearly defined expectations, but you’re also not a school leader, with clearly defined authority. This gray area is new for most classroom teachers.

You are learning and building new leadership skills that stem from your expertise as a classroom teacher, and can definitely be the bridge to a leadership position, but you’re in a gray area as a coach.

It’s not always easy to make this transition, and there are some key strategies you can apply to feel confident, calm and capable – even in your first year as an instructional coach!

Here's why you need to take Getting Started as an Instructional Coach

Often, when new coaches are hired, they’re not told about the key mindset and skillset shifts they need to be successful in their role.

Most new coaches I work with weren’t prepared for the fact that…

you're moving into an informal leadership role - even if you don't feel like a leader
colleagues will perceive you differently - even if you're working in the same school
you need to be prepared to advocate for coaching - with teachers & school leaders
you might not have a team to support you - like you did in your classroom role
coaching conversations are different than any other professional conversation you've had before - it's essential to know how & why so you can prepare
working in a non-teaching role requires a different set of skills - to successfully manage the busy and competing demands of a coaching role

These are problems that could derail your coaching success from the beginning, they’re difficult to deal with on your own, and they’re exactly what this course was designed to help you overcome – before they become a problem!