What is Instructional Coaching?

The Fairfax County Public Schools Instructional Coaching program is founded upon decades of educational research that says effective teaching is the single most important factor for student learning and achievement. Instructional coaches are teachers specifically trained to guide their colleagues in providing high levels of effective teaching for all students.

Mission

The mission of instructional coaches is to assist teachers in applying the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the learning of all students, especially in reading and mathematics. An instructional coach works collaboratively with teachers, both individually and in teams, to assess student needs, model effective instructional practices, and implement differentiated instruction.

Vision

To support professional learning community school cultures where:

• Teachers and principals collectively and continuously reflect on their instructional practice and its impact on student learning.
• Data, collected from a variety of sources, informs instructional practice.
• Teachers’ professional learning is directly tied to their daily ongoing work.

Commitments and Expectations for Coaching

To remain true to the mission and vision of instructional coaching, the Fairfax County Public School Instructional Coaches have made commitments to their beliefs about the program and their role in it.  

A critical component of the instructional coaching program involves the coach’s confidential relationship with school staffs.  Coaches are not evaluators nor do they act as administrators.  Coaches are professional teacher colleagues who work on instructional issues in a collegial and confidential atmosphere with their peers.  As teacher leaders, coaches are required to meet specified expectations in their work at their schools and within the system wide program.

Contact the Instructional Coaching Program