Embracing an Asset-Based Mindset in Student-Centered Coaching

You can listen to the podcast interview with Amber here or anywhere else podcasts are found. And don’t forget to subscribe! In a recent episode of Student-Centered Coaching: The Podcast, we sat down with Amber Birch-Trujillo, to delve into a crucial aspect of effective coaching: the asset-based mindset. This conversation offered many insights into how …

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Strategies for Coaching Veteran Teachers

We sometimes hear instructional coaches describing their schools as having a lot of veteran teachers. At times, this is framed as a barrier to getting coaching going. After all, veteran teachers don’t need coaching, do they?  When implementing Student-Centered Coaching, we’d argue that the support we provide is for all teachers, whether they are new …

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The Importance of Trusting Relationships in Instructional Coaching

Don’t miss our upcoming workshop in Denver, Colorado on May 19-20, 2025. In the world of education, instructional coaching is a transformative process designed to enhance teaching practices and improve student outcomes. At its core, it’s about collaboration, reflection, and growth. But one key element that often dictates the success of instructional coaching isn’t just …

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The Power of Questioning and Listening in Instructional Coaching

Instructional coaching is a vital component of professional learning in schools, helping educators refine their teaching practices and ultimately enhance student learning. While effective coaching involves modeling strategies and providing feedback, two foundational skills are questioning and listening. These skills not only foster meaningful conversations but also empower teachers to reflect, problem-solve, and grow in …

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The Value of Student-Centered Coaching as an Instructional Coaching Framework

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, instructional coaching has become a critical element in supporting teacher growth and enhancing student achievement. Among the various coaching models, Student-Centered Coaching (SCC) stands out as a powerful framework that prioritizes student learning outcomes rather than solely focusing on teacher practices. By developing this framework, we have been able …

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How to Make Sure Coaching Sticks

Written By: Leanna Harris A district leader recently reached out for help with an issue that her coaching team had been encountering. She shared that while the coaches were doing a great job getting into cycles, they were wondering how to ensure that the work took hold. In other words, they wondered how to handle …

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More on Mini Coaching Cycles

Mini coaching cycles are a great way to respond to teachers who need support on something that is narrow in focus and short in duration. They also help us build trust in the coaching process because when teachers experience the student-centered nature of our work through a mini coaching cycle, they are often interested in …

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Celebrating Coaching Cycles

Ending a coaching cycle means it’s time to celebrate all of the learning that has occurred. Acknowledging the hard work and results of what took place reinforces the coaching relationship and provides energy for teachers to feel seen and valued. In her book, Collective Efficacy, Jenni Donohoo writes, “Celebrations help highlight the power of working …

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