1. Creating System-Wide Support for Learning Coaches with Joellen Killion
Developed by ARPDC as a result of a grant from Alberta Education to support implementation

2. Roles of Coaches in Supporting Teachers
April 10, 2012
Joellen Killion
Senior Advisor
Learning Forward
10931 W 71st Place
Arvada, CO

3. Outcomes
Understand the different ways coaches support teachers and when each is appropriate
Reflect on how learning coaches spend their time to assess their leverage for improving teaching and student learning
Introduction of outcomes 1-2 minutes

4. Roles of Coaches Taking the Lead Government of Alberta Mentor
Learning Facilitator
Learning Supporter
Instructional Specialist
Catalyst for Change
Change Agent
Data Coach
Assessment Guide
Resource Provider
Resource Supplier
Classroom Supporter
Classroom Advocate
School Leader
Learner
Lifelong Learner
Curriculum Specialist

5. ALBERTA LEARNING COACH DEFINITION
Learning coaches work to improve student achievement by providing local support to teachers to strengthen inclusive practices.
ALBERTA LEARNING COACH DEFINITION

6. Mentor / Mentor
Role
Purpose
Responsibility
Mentor
Build and maintain confidential relationships with teachers so that a high level of trust is created and maintained between the teacher and the learning coach.
To increase the instructional skills of the novice teacher and support school-wide induction activities
Mentor new teachers or support the work of building based teacher mentors
Demonstrate lessons, co-teach, co-plan instruction
Assist with “new-to-teaching” and “new to-the school” issues
Assist with classroom management

7. Learning Supporter / Learning Facilitator
Role
Purpose
Responsibility
Learning Supporter
Learning Facilitator
In collaboration with staff, identifying school needs in order to implement professional learning plans which will enhance teachers’ abilities to address the diverse strengths and needs of learners
To design collaborative, job-embedded, standards-based professional learning
Coordinate learning opportunities for teachers
Design and deliver training
Ensure that a variety of PD models are used: study groups, lesson study, examining student work, classroom visitation

8. Instructional Specialist / Instructional Specialist
Role
Purpose
Responsibility
Instructional Specialist
Building teacher capacity to explore the use of research-based teaching strategies and innovative promising practices (e.g., differentiated instruction, positive behaviour supports, universal design for learning, response to intervention) to ensure that all students have access to meaningful and effective learning opportunities
To align instruction with the curriculum to meet the needs of ALL students
Assist teachers in the selection and implementation of appropriate instructional strategies
Assist teachers in the implementation of differentiation strategies
Work with individuals and groups of teachers

9. Change Agent / Catalyst for Change
Role
Purpose
Responsibility
Change Agent
Catalyst for Change
Promoting exploration and change in instructional practices (e.g., introducing innovative ideas, questioning practices, making observations, new technology).
To create disequilibrium with the current state as an impetus to explore alternatives to current practice
Introduce alternatives or refinements
Make observations about current practice
Ask hard questions about current practice
Engage teachers in Evaluation Think

10. Assessment Guide / Data Coach
Role
Purpose
Responsibilities
Assessment Guide
Data Coach
Helping teachers select, understand, and use data to improve instruction
To ensure that student achievement data is used to drive decisions at the classroom and school level
Identify school-wide and grade-level, department trends
Supports teachers using data to improve instruction
Facilitate data conversations that analyze student learning and identify next steps

11. Resource Supplier / Resource Provider
Role
Purpose
Responsibilities
Resource Supplier
Resource Provider
Providing information and resources upon teacher request
To expand teachers’ use of a variety of resources to improve instruction
Assist teachers in locating information, materials, examples, of “best practice,” assessments of student learning
Offer and recommend resource sites
Update staff about current practices
Find alternative teaching materials for differentiation of instruction

12. Classroom Advocate / Classroom Supporter
Role
Purpose
Responsibilities
Classroom Advocate
Classroom Supporter
Building teacher capacity to explore innovative instructional practices through systemic modeling, co-teaching and feedback
To increase the quality and effectiveness of classroom practice
Model/demonstrate effective instructional strategies
Co-plan and/or co-teach lessons
Observe and give feedback to teachers

13. School Leader / School Leader
Role
Purpose
Responsibilities
School Leader
Working closely with school administration to promote and support school improvement that aligns with district vision
To work collaboratively (with formal and informal leaders) to plan, implement, and assess school change initiatives to ensure alignment and focus on intended results
Facilitate/serve on leadership teams within the school
Assist with coordination of services of all coaches or resource personnel
Serve as another set of eyes for principal with change initiatives
Facilitate alignment among individual teacher goals and school goals

14. Lifelong Learner / Learner
Role
Purpose
Responsibility
Lifelong Learner
Learner
Modeling, experiencing and promoting continuous learning experiences (e.g., asking questions, researching possibilities, seeking a variety of options
To model continuous learning in order to keep current, be a thought leader in the school, and model reflecting on practice
Model attitudes and behaviors teachers need to be successful
Model applications of learning
Proactively advocate for their own learning opportunities

15. Curriculum Specialist
Role
Purpose
Responsibility
Curriculum Specialist
To ensure implementation of adopted curriculum
Deepening teachers’ content knowledge
Aligning written, taught, and assessed curriculum
Integrating content areas to provide additional opportunities for students to practice and apply their learning

16. Teacher Perceptions
Based on the role descriptions, which roles do you think teachers consider the most important? Choice one and explain your rationale.
Mentor
Learning Supporter
Instructional Specialist
Change Agent
Assessment Guide
Resource Supplier
Classroom Advocate
School Leader
Lifelong Learner

17. Influencing Teaching and Learning
Which roles do you feel are most important to strengthen teaching and student learning? Share one and explain our thinking.
Mentor
Learning Supporter
Instructional Specialist
Change Agent
Assessment Guide
Resource Supplier
Classroom Advocate
School Leader
Lifelong Learner

18. Coaching Heavy / Coaching Light
Focus on results for students and changing practice
Willing to challenge assumptions and practice
Focus on teacher well-being
Believes relationships are more important than results

19. Time Allocation
Rank order the roles in terms of how learning coaches spend their time.
Mentor
Learning Supporter
Instructional Specialist
Change Agent
Assessment Guide
Resource Supplier
Classroom Advocate
School Leader
Lifelong Learner

20. Factors that Influence Roles
What factors influence the roles of coaches?
Who should select/determine the role(s) of coaches?
What advice do you have about how many roles a coach fills?

21. Factors that Influence Roles
What is research saying about the roles of coaches?

22. Take Aways What are you taking away from our session today?
What is next step for you related to roles of coaches?