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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
Instructional coaches: 5 common misconceptions
This article debunks widespread myths about coaching roles, skills, and responsibilities to promote clarity, effectiveness, and respect for the unique value coaches bring to schools. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Feb 13, 20241 min read
10 ways to use video to improve instructional coaching
From self-reflection to peer feedback and modeling, this article explores how video can transform coaching practice and deepen professional growth. (Spangler, 2024)
Donna Spangler
Jan 9, 20241 min read
12 days of bite-size professional learning for Dec.
Packed with festive, flexible PD ideas, this article helps instructional coaches keep morale high and learning ongoing during one of the busiest times of the year. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Dec 12, 20231 min read
Fostering gratitude and thanksgiving: A guide for instructional coaches
This article provides practical strategies for coaches to foster a culture of gratitude that uplifts staff, enhances school morale, and exemplifies appreciation as a leadership practice. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Nov 7, 20231 min read
PLC coaching: 12 ways to achieve effective results
This article offers a powerful blueprint for integrating Jim Knight’s Impact Cycle with PLC frameworks to strengthen collaboration, deepen instructional practice, and drive student-centered results. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Oct 9, 20231 min read
Track the instructional coaching impact across district coaches
Packed with practical tools and examples, this article guides coaches in collaboratively collecting, analyzing, and reporting district-wide data to demonstrate the impact of coaching and ensure program sustainability. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Sep 11, 20231 min read
5 ways instructional coaches can leverage AI
This forward-thinking piece explores how coaches can leverage AI tools to boost efficiency, personalize learning, support teachers, and save time, all while maintaining a human-centered approach. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Aug 7, 20231 min read
7 ways to measure instructional coaching for impact, not activity
Instead of tracking how busy coaches are, this article provides seven concrete strategies to measure the true impact of coaching on teaching, learning, and school culture. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Jun 13, 20231 min read
How to use micro-coaching for teacher PD
A practical guide to implementing bite-sized, flexible coaching strategies that meet teachers where they are and foster continuous growth without overwhelming them. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Apr 19, 20231 min read
Features that spell success for a teacher coaching cycle
This article contrasts traditional models with the Impact Cycle to show how a research-based, collaborative, and data-informed coaching approach can lead to more meaningful teacher growth and improved student outcomes. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Mar 8, 20231 min read
Solution Summits Harness Teacher Knowledge and Expertise
This article introduces Solution Summits as a powerful, structured way to elevate teacher voice, foster collaboration, and co-create practical solutions to real school challenges. (Spangler & Yingst, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Feb 23, 20231 min read
Video for professional development accelerates teacher growth, student learning
This article highlights how video empowers teachers to reflect, mentor, collaborate, and grow, ultimately improving both instruction and student outcomes. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
Jan 11, 20231 min read
How to ‘Manage Up’ in a School Setting
Offering the AAHH framework, this article equips educators with tools to improve communication with school leaders and influence change from any position. (Spangler, 2022)
Donna Spangler
Feb 22, 20221 min read
Video empowers self-reflection, personalization in professional development
This piece highlights how video-based self-reflection drives teacher growth, deepens awareness, and makes professional development more relevant, actionable, and personalized. (Spangler, 2021)
Donna Spangler
Dec 10, 20211 min read
Micro Approach, Major Impact
Through a district-created microcredential pilot, this article demonstrates how personalized, competency-based learning can transform teacher growth and build sustainable professional learning systems. (Spangler, 2019)
Donna Spangler
Jul 31, 20191 min read
The Solution is in the Room
This article shares a real-world example of using a structured teacher-led solution protocol to elevate staff voice, build trust, and generate practical answers to school-wide challenges. (Spangler, 2023)
Donna Spangler
May 31, 20171 min read
Using Reading to Teach a World Language
Includes a variety of strategies and
activities that you can use to teach students to read in a world language, boosting their comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency (Spangler & Mazzante, 2015)
Donna Spangler
Mar 4, 20151 min read
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