Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
Instructional coaches, specialists, mentors, and teacher leaders are increasingly positioned as key drivers of instructional improvement across schools and districts. These educators support adult learning, facilitate professional growth, and help schools implement instructional initiatives designed to improve teaching and learning. Yet while districts continue to invest in coaching models, far less attention is given to the leadership structures surrounding the coaches themselves. Coaches are often expected to navigate complex leadership responsibilities with limited preparation, unclear expectations, and inconsistent support. These realities emerged clearly during a focus group I held at a conference of the Virginia Society for Technology in Education in Virginia Beach in December 2025. To learn about coaches’ experiences and leadership development needs, I met with 15 educators serving in a variety of
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References
Biondo, G.M. (2018). Perceptions of roles and responsibilities of instructional coaches in one Midwestern school district [Doctoral dissertation, University of Kansas]. KU Scholarworks.
Bryk, A.S. & Schneider, B. (2004). Trust in schools: A core resource for improvement. Russell Sage Foundation.
Campbell, P.F. & Malkus, N.N. (2011). The impact of elementary mathematics coaches on student achievement. The Elementary School Journal, 111(3), 430–454.
Knight, J. (2017). The impact cycle: What instructional coaches should do to foster powerful improvements in teaching. Corwin.
Knowles, M.S., Holton, III, E.F., & Swanson, R.A. (2015). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. Routledge.
Kraft, M.A., Blazar, D., & Hogan, D. (2018). The effect of teacher coaching on instruction and achievement: A meta-analysis of the causal evidence. Review of Educational Research, 88(4), 547–588.
Dr. Kim is a dynamic leadership strategist and ICF Professional Certified Coach® with a wealth of experience designing transformational learning and development programs. As the Chief Learning Officer of Keep Rising, she partners with organizations to elevate leadership capability, engagement, and culture through innovative learning design and people-centered strategy.
Known for her infectious energy and dynamic facilitation, Dr. Kim helps leaders be their best selves as they translate insight into action. Her expertise spans leadership development, coaching, organizational culture, and learning strategy. A sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, she has worked with national organizations and conferences including ASCD, Learning Forward, and the Instructional Coaching Group. She currently serves as President-Elect of Learning Forward Virginia, where she continues to champion professional learning as the engine of lasting leadership growth.
Now transitioning to retirement Dr. Kim brings 30 years of experience in education—as a teacher, coach, principal, and central office administrator—to leaders and organizations ready to grow. As an ICF-certified coach and PhD in Leadership, her passion is helping individuals and teams rise with purpose and authenticity. Her podcast Rise Up and Lead explores real lessons and stories from leaders who choose to grow from the inside out.
When she's not helping others rise, Dr. Kim is joyfully singing in her church, dancing as a licensed Zumba® instructor, and spending time with her husband, three sons, and granddaughter.
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