What is Instructional Coaching?
Instructional coaching is a collaborative form of professional development that employs reflective practices to improve learning outcomes. Instructional coaches are experienced professionals who guide educators along a path of continuous growth in both public and private settings. Through this work, the end result benefits both educators and students alike.
What Does an Instructional Coach Do?
Instructional coaches work with educators and other professionals to serve as thought partners and guides, helping individuals reach greater success in the classroom and beyond. To accomplish this goal, instructional coaches perform a range of responsibilities.
How Much Does an Instructional Coach Make?
$68,962
According to November 2024 data from Glassdoor, instructional coaches make a median salary of $68,962. The estimated average additional pay (including cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing) is $8,927 per year, however, bringing the median total pay to $77,889. The lowest 10% make roughly $50,000, while the top 10% can earn up to $121,000. Pay will vary depending on experience and work location.
Explore the Instructional Coaching Certificate through the Professional Educators Program.
Key Components of Instructional Coaching
Collaborative Partnership
Instructional coaches and teachers work together as equals, building trust and mutual respect. Instructional coaching is non-evaluative and focuses on growth, where coaches encourage educators to view their professional development in a non-linear manner, utilizing different questions and techniques to do so. By building strong relationships, instructional coaches foster supportive environments where educators feel safe exploring new approaches and taking risks.
Data-Driven
Instructional coaches often use observations, performance data, and self-assessments to create their strategies. This helps set specific goals and measure progress for student engagement and success. They also stay informed of and employ classroom technology, demonstrating how to effectively use learning tools, software, and systems to educators.
Reflective Practice
Educators are encouraged to reflect on their practices to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Instructional coaches ask questions that guide this reflection rather than providing direct answers, allowing educators to take full agency in their continued development.
Sustained Support
Instructional coaching is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. As partners in professional growth, instructional coaches collaborate with educators, observing teaching practices and student engagement, and providing reflective feedback. This sustained support fosters a shared journey toward improving educational outcomes and cultivating a culture of lifelong learning.
Goal-Oriented
Instructional coaching aligns with broader organizational goals, such as improving literacy rates, integrating culturally responsive teaching, or increasing student engagement. Additionally, establishing professional milestones and opportunities for self-reflection are methods instructional coaches employ to support teachers’ continued growth and successful development.
The position may vary depending on an organization’s needs, but these key components help instructional coaches establish a productive workplace that empowers professionals to become confident educators.
How to Become an Instructional Coach
Higher Education
While there is no formal licensure for instructional coaching, many pursue certifications through accredited postsecondary institutions to enhance their expertise and credentials. The most popular choice is a master’s degree – typically in education, curriculum & instruction, or educational leadership.
Experience
In addition to a graduate degree, teaching experience is essential. The minimum relevant experience is typically 3-5 years, but more is always appreciated , considering instructional coaches work closely with educators.
Knowledge
Academic and professional experiences build expertise in best practices for instruction, curriculum development, and assessment. Instructional coaches draw on this knowledge, gained from their own careers, to support educators in enhancing their skills, confidence, and the impact they have on others.
What Skills Does an Instructional Coach Need?
Instructional coaches need to be versed in a range of skills in order to nurture growth and success in others. These skills include:
- Clear communication
- Relationship building
- Instructional expertise
- Data analysis and technological literacy
- Leadership
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Benefits of Instructional Coaching
There are many benefits to becoming an instructional coach. By choosing this fulfilling career path, one aims to:
- Improve educator efficacy and confidence
- Address individual educator needs, fostering professional growth
- Enhance student outcomes through improved instructional practices
- Build a culture of collaboration and continuous learning
Instructional Coaching in the MSPE Program
In the Master of Science for Professional Educators (MSPE) program at UW-Madison, we integrate a blend of instructional coaching methodologies grounded in the work of Dr. Jim Knight, Diane Sweeney, and Dr. Elena Aguilar—leaders in the field of instructional coaching, each bringing unique, research-backed perspectives to this practice.
Jim Knight’s Impact Cycle forms the cornerstone of instructional coaching, emphasizing the power of thoughtful, probing questions. Through this approach, instructional coaches foster self-reflection, helping practitioners make more deliberate and effective choices in their instructional methods.
Diane Sweeney’s model takes a student-centered approach, using student evidence and data as guiding tools for instructional improvement. Her approach keeps student outcomes at the forefront, creating a pathway for coaches to tailor their guidance according to students’ progress and learning needs.
Elena Aguilar, by contrast, emphasizes relational trust as a foundation for effective coaching. Her approach underscores that genuine, trusting relationships are essential to creating safe spaces for growth and empowering practitioners to embrace change and development.
The MSPE program also draws on professional coaching principles from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Motivational Interviewing, focusing on techniques like open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries. These strategies equip coaches with tools to promote introspection, confidence, and a proactive mindset in their clients.
Through this comprehensive, multi-faceted coaching approach, MSPE empowers you to cultivate a personalized coaching style that aligns with your unique personality, values, and organizational needs.