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About Coaching Moves That Matter

My Story

Woman with Floral Dress

I know what it feels like to step into a coaching or leadership role without a roadmap.

 

I first became an instructional coach and teacher leader.  I was excited, but quickly realized how unclear everything was.

 

The “coaching system” I was given included a monthly meeting led by someone at the top or near the top of the organization. I was given a stack of books, had monthly check-ins, and was invited to attend some conferences. Helpful and well-meaning, but it fell short of a true coaching program and was nowhere near enough to prepare me for the daily realities of coaching in public schools.

 

What was missing was guidance from someone who truly understood the realities of leading from the gray middle of a school system in a coaching role, where your only influence comes from relational influence rather than positional authority. I needed practical tools, proven strategies, and the data skills to show my impact. 

 

I struggled. I figured it out slowly through trial and error, by leaning on a few other coaches in the same boat. That’s why I built Coaching Moves That Matter, so no coach or leader has to figure it out alone.

 

Here, you’ll find practical and research-based strategies that have also been tested in real schools with real people. You’ll find tools that make sense for the work you’re doing right now, along with encouragement and connection to support your journey.

 

I believe in growth.

I believe in relationships.

And I believe that the work you’re doing matters.

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Meet Donna

Donna has spent over 35 years in public education, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, department chair, co-president of Learning Forward Pennsylvania, union leader, co-director of induction, mentor, executive director, and leader of professional learning programs. She has led professional learning, supported new instructional coaches, and presented at regional and national conferences on instructional coaching, microcredentials, teacher leadership, and mentoring/induction.

 

Today, she leverages that experience in her roles as Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction in a private school, a published author, and a virtual coach. Her mission is simple: to give every coach and every leader the kind of tools and support she wished she’d had when she started, with tools that are practical, relational, and built to last.

Becca Silver,
Founder of The Whole Educator
​
1:1 Coaching/Custom Project (Microcredentials)
 
"From the very beginning, Donna made me feel heard and supported. She brought both deep expertise and a genuine commitment to helping me reach my goals.
 
Every step of the process was collaborative: she asked for feedback, ensured my goals were clear, and helped me sharpen my ideas.
 
The clarity and confidence I gained continue to shape my work, and the co-created microcredentials we built together transformed my content.
 
I walked away not just with a product, but with skills and insights I continue to use."
John Alex Mazzante,
Spanish Teacher and Co-Author
​
1:1 Coaching, Custom Project (Co-Authored Book -
Using Reading to Teach a World Language)
“Working with Donna has always felt like working alongside a loyal friend and skilled private tutor. Our coaching conversations are transformative and always leave me with clear guidance, direction, and confidence about the next step.
 
Collaborating with her on our book revealed the same qualities she brings to her work: fostering collegial relationships, promoting teamwork, and translating complex ideas into actionable results.
 
Donna’s partnership has shaped my understanding of pedagogy, the ability to build relationships with colleagues, students, and community, and her coaching continues to inspire me with novel and up-to-date best practices in education.”
Meghan Raftery,
Founder of Edjacent and Certified Life Coach
​
Various Custom Projects
 
"I have worked beside Donna who is the Executive Director of Edjacent for some time.
 
Working with Donna is a gift. She listens deeply, asks the kind of questions that make you think differently, and helps you uncover clarity you didn’t know you had.
 
People often tell me that after a session with Donna, they not only understand their work better but also themselves.
 
She has a rare talent for building confidence and sparking clear, empowered thinking."

What I Believe

  • I believe in practical tools over polished theory.
     

  • Strong coaching starts with strong relationships.
     

  • Real change happens one intentional move at a time.
     

  • Those leading from the middle deserve high-quality support.
     

These beliefs guide everything I create and share here.

A Vision for the Future

I am building a space where instructional coaches and mid-level leaders feel seen, supported, and equipped. Looking ahead, this community will grow to include:

  • More free tools and practical articles
     

  • Additional coaching cohorts and mastermind-style groups
     

  • Full coaching programs that provide structure without overwhelm
     

  • A growing library of tools to purchase, shaped by real school life
     

I would love for you to grow with us, one move at a time.

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