Giving Compass' Take:

• Instructional coaches can help educators master how to use edtech tools to their full potential. 

• What impact might instructional coaching have on student achievement? How can donors better support educators and their professional development in education technology?

• Learn why the best edtech tool is an empowered teacher.  


Many districts are looking to instructional technology coaches to help teachers efficiently incorporate ed tech in the classroom, District Administration reports.

Research has found 67% of ed tech goes unused, representing a significant area of waste in school spending, but instructional coaches could cut down on that waste by teaching educators how to best implement these tools into instruction and unlock its full potential.

Instructional coaches can provide the support teachers need for ed tech implementation, but they must develop strong connections with those educators, have planning meetings to discuss ed tech integration, work with teachers during implementation, and continue to check in with both teachers and students after that process is complete.

Though coaching does seem to help teachers improve their quality of instruction, some have found it doesn't always drastically improve student achievement. But the practice works best when embedded in a school culture that prizes professional development. Administrators can do that by fostering a sense of purpose built around PD. Once a coaching culture is established, staff foster a growth mindset that encourages educators to take risks and evolve.

Instructional coaching has become the preferred PD approach and gives teachers the opportunity to take on leadership roles.

Read the full article about instructional coaching by Shawna De La Rosa at Education Dive.