About
Let’s empower instructional coaches and leaders in their coaching journey.
Are you an instructional coach or educational leader looking to amplify your impact? Coaching is one of the most powerful tools to transform teaching and learning, but it requires more than just strategies—it demands trust, intentionality, and a deep understanding of how to foster growth in others.
In Crush It from the Start: 25 Tips for Instructional Coaches and Leaders, Dr. Matt Rhoads brings together research-backed insights and real-world coaching experiences to create a practical playbook for every instructional coach and leader’s journey.
Each of the book’s sections with five tips dives deep into a critical theme:
- Building and Maintaining Relationships
- Cognitive Science
- EdTech and AI Integration
- How Coaching Happens
- Systems Thinking
Packed with actionable tips and activities to put the tips into practice, this book equips you with the tools and confidence to coach teachers, drive instructional change, and improve student learning.
Whether you’re a new or seasoned coach, Crush It from the Start is your go-to guide to navigating the rewarding, dynamic, and sometimes challenging world of instructional coaching. Get ready to make a difference that lasts!
About Dr. Matt Rhoads
Matthew Rhoads, Ed.D., is an expert in EdTech and instructional strategies across various educational settings. He coaches K-20 teachers and leads professional learning in the integration of EdTech tools with research-based strategies. Additionally, he is a 10 time author with the focus on instruction, EdTech, co-teaching, and coaching. His podcast, Navigating Education – The Podcast, focuses on supporting all educators of every context to navigate the challenges they experience in classrooms, schools, districts, and in Higher Education. More about Dr. Rhoads can be found on his website at matthewrhoads.com.
Endorsements of the Book
This book provides an exceptional blueprint for both new and experienced coaches seeking to enhance their practice. Dr. Rhoads masterfully weaves together foundational coaching principles, cognitive science, and practical technology integration strategies while maintaining a clear focus on building authentic relationships. The book’s thoughtful organization, exemplary visual elements, and concrete examples make complex coaching concepts accessible and immediately applicable. What sets this work apart is its careful balance of research-based frameworks with real-world coaching scenarios, offering readers a comprehensive toolkit for navigating today’s educational landscape. This is more than just a collection of tips – it’s a carefully crafted guide that will help instructional coaches systematically develop their practice and maximize their impact on teacher growth and student learning.
- Nathan Lang-Raad, Ed.D., Author and Professional Learning Leader
I can without any hesitation endorse this book for its quality, relevance , and effectiveness. It is an offering of high relevance to any educational leader who seeks to empower prospective and present coaches to meet education’s emerging challenges.
- Dr. Richard Bernato, Professor, Author, Former Assistant Superintendent
The book is a MUST-HAVE for all coaches and coach supervisors. The detailed descriptions of the 25 tips are well researched and balance practical and theory. The work is situated in such a way that the position, which does not have formalized training can receive understanding, implementation, and self evaluation well above and beyond what is currently available. I am impressed by the examples, the practical details and the breadth of subjects covered within the book. The writing is clear, detailed, crisp, and moves at an exceptional pace. It is easy to digest, and informative, while reaffirming. It is the example of what a handbook should look like!
- Casey Jakubowski, Ph.D., District Leader, Professor, Author, and Consultant
25 Tips for Instructional Coaches and Leaders is a valuable resource for both novice coaches and those with experience looking to take their work to the next level. It is the perfect mix of research and practical ideas to make the daily role of coaches both more efficient and effective. A great resource to train coaches!
- Robert Thornell, Ed.D., Author, School Improvement Coach, and Professional Learning Facilitator
Work with Dr. Rhoads to Support Your Schools Instructional Coaching and Leadership
Dr. Rhoads can come to your school, district, or university to provide personalized professional learning to support instructional coaches and leaders related to the contents of this book and more. Full day, half day, multiple days, and online experiences are available. You can schedule a free 30 minute consultation with Dr. Rhoads by emailing him at mattrhoads1990@gmail.com.
25 Tips for Instructional Coaches and Leaders 