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How do we clarify coaches' roles and responsibilities?

Vol. 38 No. 4

Learning Forward receives more inquiries about support for instructional coaches than any other consulting service we provide. School-based instructional coaching has the power to influence teacher practice, student learning, and school culture, and coaches play an essential role in ensuring the continuous learning of everyone in a school. In many systems, coaches are master teachers with substantial instructional and content expertise. These coaches, however, often lack deep expertise in professional learning. We work with instructional coaches to develop their skills in building relationships, leading professional learning, and providing individual and team coaching. Before we get to those skills, however, it’s important to understand the unique roles that instructional coaches play in what we call “learning systems.” In their book, Taking the Lead: New Roles for

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References

Coaching Matters (Learning Forward, 2012): Each chapter in this book describes an element of what research and the authors’ firsthand experiences know it takes to make coaching effective.

Taking the Lead: New Roles for Teachers and School-Based Coaches (NSDC, 2006) Second edition coming later this year: Explore the complex, multifaceted roles played by teacher leaders and school-based coaches.

Standards for Professional Learning (Learning Forward, 2011): The standards define the essential elements of and conditions for professional learning if improvements in educator effectiveness and student learning are to be realized.

Tom Manning

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Tom Manning is the senior vice president of virtual learning and leadership events for Learning Forward. He leads the strategy, management, and business development for the association’s consulting and technical assistance services. He advances Learning Forward’s vision by establishing and maintaining professional service partnerships with states, districts, and schools, and manages a cadre of more than 40 education consultants working across North America. He previously served as Learning Forward’s Associate Director of E-Learning, leading the design and implementation of the association’s online courses, webinars, and virtual learning communities. Prior to joining Learning Forward in 2009, he covered education as a reporter for the Houston Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman. He authored a chapter in the book Powerful Designs for Professional Learning (3^rd ed.), and has been published in the Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership. Originally from Boston, Tom received a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from Texas Christian University.