7 innovative ways to start next school year beyond a traditional coaching menu

Over the summer, as instructional coaches gear up for the new school year, it’s important to explore innovative ways to support teachers’ growth to foster a thriving teaching and learning environment. After all, a coach’s role and services are pivotal in empowering teachers to excel and fostering a culture of continuous growth in the school. While traditional coaching methods hold value, incorporating innovative approaches can elevate the coaching experience and amplify its impact. Many coaches, for instance, use a coaching menu at the beginning of the school year to provide clarity, communication and personalization in their coaching services to outline how coaches can assist teachers in their professional learning and growth.

While a coaching menu is valuable for outlining available coaching services, the following seven ideas can elevate the coaching experience beyond the coaching menu and better meet educators’ diverse needs and motivations by drawing inspiration from E.L. Deci and R.M. Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory’s core principles: competence, autonomy and relatedness. 

Move beyond static coaching menus with seven fresh, research-backed strategies that elevate teacher autonomy, competence, and connection from day one...

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