As a companion to the Teaching Pyramid trainings, strength-based coaching is provided to facilitate understanding and implementation of Teaching Pyramid practices. An internal coach is identified by the program to provide ongoing, onsite support to classroom teachers in implementing Teaching Pyramid Practices. The internal coach can be a curriculum specialist, an assistant director, a lead teacher, or a director. It is recommended that the internal coach not have supervisorial roles when possible. The WestEd coach serves as a mentor to the internal coach.
The coach conducts classroom observations followed by team meetings that include the teachers, internal coach, administrator and other support professionals such as mental health consultants. The meetings give staff opportunities to reflect together upon the meaning of the Teaching Pyramid concepts and to strategize about the practical application of the tools in the classrooms. The coach facilitates the creation of a Coaching Action Plan that captures these strategies and the supports needed for teachers to put them into practice. Coaching is an iterative process, with particular attention paid to the importance of the bottom two levels of the Pyramid and the implementation of the strategies over time.
The Internal Coach and other support staff are encouraged to meet regularly with the teachers to celebrate successes and reflect upon the Coaching Action Plan in regard to fidelity of implementation. This type of comprehensive, classroom-based coaching strengthens teacher understanding of the framework and promotes program-wide implementation.
Provided by WestEd
- At least one coaching visit per classroom following each training module
- Observation of classroom teams to identify Pyramid practices in place and possible next steps
- Classroom team meeting to discuss observation and review concepts and strategies presented in trainings
- Development of a Coaching Action Plan used to identify desired areas of focus and strategies for implementation
- Follow-up consultation via email and phone for support in between visits
Importance of Coaching