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Published Articles, Strategies, Tools, & Coaching Insights
Explore over 35+ of our articles, published in outlets such as Edutopia, SmartBrief, ASCD, and more. These pieces offer practical strategies, powerful mindsets, and evidence-informed tools for educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders.
You’ll find insights organized by topic from data and differentiation to well-being and leadership. All articles offer ideas (and some include free downloadable tools) that you can use right away.
Note: For some of the SmartBrief articles, you may be prompted by SmartBrief to create a free SmartBrief account to access the entire article.
Publications
Make zombie feedback come ALIVE with effective feedback for leaders, coaches
To transform lifeless “zombie” feedback into meaningful growth conversations, the ALIVE Feedback Framework gives leaders and coaches five clear principles: actionable, learning-focused, immediate, visible, and empowering, all designed to energize instructional practice. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Oct 81 min read
Multiply your coaching impact, not your workload.
To reach more teachers without burning out, this article offers five low-prep group coaching models, like Strategy Sprints and Co-Reflection Circles, that multiply impact while protecting time and trust. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Sep 101 min read
Coaching for impact starts with collecting data
To make coaching count from the start, the 30-Day Coaching Data Framework helps instructional coaches document early wins, build relational trust, and align their work to school priorities with clarity and purpose. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Aug 131 min read
Dig Deeper offers a framework for coaching teachers
When coaching hits a wall, the Dig Deeper Framework equips you with tools to move past resistance by addressing the hidden beliefs and motivations that drive teacher behavior. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Jul 91 min read
5 ways instructional coaches can sharpen their craft before fall
Reignite your coaching spark with five simple, high-impact strategies to grow your skills, reflect on your practice, and return in the fall refreshed and ready. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Jun 11 min read
5 coaching languages that make end-of-year moments matter
Unlock the secret to impactful feedback by discovering five personalized coaching languages that help teachers feel seen, supported, and celebrated as the school year ends. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
May 141 min read
The ABCs of instructional coaching
From active listening to zeroing in on teacher needs, this A-to-Z guide blends the art and science of coaching to elevate impact and foster sustainable growth. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Apr 91 min read
How schools can stop overwhelming teachers — and support them instead
This article challenges schools to move beyond surface-level solutions and take meaningful, systemic action to reduce teacher burnout and truly support educators. (Fields & Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Apr 11 min read
How instructional coaches can break free from imposter syndrome
This article empowers coaches to reframe self-doubt, embrace growth, and find confidence through mindset shifts, reflection, and meaningful connection. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Feb 11 min read
Breaking the ice: Building relationships with teachers post-winter break
Packed with practical tips and empathy, this article helps coaches reconnect with teachers after winter break and create momentum for a strong second half of the year. (Spangler, 2025)
Donna Spangler
Jan 81 min read
Tiny Tim’s approach to teacher support: Strength-based instructional coaching
Drawing inspiration from Tiny Tim, this piece invites coaches to build teacher resilience by focusing on strengths instead of deficits, one empowering conversation at a time. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Dec 11, 20241 min read
Bridging the gap: From professional learning to classroom impact with microcredentials
This article explores how microcredentials transform professional learning by making it personalized, competency-based, and directly tied to classroom outcomes. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Nov 13, 20241 min read
Differentiated coaching: Tailoring coaching approaches to empower teachers
Discover how personalized coaching strategies can drive teacher growth, improve instructional impact, and create more responsive, relevant professional support. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Nov 8, 20241 min read
Unlocking growth: The power of coaching tools — human, video and AI
Blending human connection, classroom video, and AI-driven insights, this article reveals how modern coaching tools can revolutionize professional learning. (DiMercurio & Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Sep 9, 20241 min read
Unlocking success: How protocols empower instructional coaches
This practical guide highlights how protocols bring structure, voice, and impact to coaching conversations, turning meetings into transformative learning moments. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Aug 12, 20241 min read
7 innovative ways to start next school year beyond a traditional coaching menu
Move beyond static coaching menus with seven fresh, research-backed strategies that elevate teacher autonomy, competence, and connection from day one. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Jul 7, 20241 min read
3 ways performance metrics can improve, demonstrate coaching impact
This article outlines three practical metrics coaches can use to boost growth, document their effectiveness, and build trust with stakeholders through data-informed impact. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Jun 11, 20241 min read
Instructional coaching: 10 effective year-end activities
Cap off the school year with ten intentional coaching activities that promote reflection, celebrate growth, and strengthen collaboration among teachers and coaches. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
May 6, 20241 min read
Nurturing well-being: A guide for instructional coaches to “be well loudly”
Coaches are challenged to prioritize and model well-being out loud, using practical strategies that protect their energy, elevate their impact, and reshape school culture. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Apr 8, 20241 min read
10 commandments for instructional coaches
Framed as guiding principles, this article lays out ten essential coaching “commandments” that honor relational influence, teacher autonomy, and collaborative leadership. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Mar 11, 20241 min read
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