Pillar four · Tips 16–20
How Coaching Happens
Turn observation, dialogue, modeling, rehearsal, and evidence into coaching that leads to a useful next move.
The practical question
What does a coach actually do?
Strong coaching is more than being supportive or sharing ideas. It is a sequence of purposeful moves that helps another educator see practice clearly, choose a focus, rehearse change, and learn from evidence.
Tip 16: Observations to Actionable Feedback
Collect narrow, useful evidence and connect it to one high-leverage instructional move.
Try this: Before offering an answer, name the evidence you both see and ask, “What would be the most useful next move from here?”
Tip 17: Coaching Cycles
Create a focused arc from goal-setting through evidence, practice, implementation, and reflection.
Try this: Before offering an answer, name the evidence you both see and ask, “What would be the most useful next move from here?”
Tip 18: Modeling, Rehearsal, Practice, and Feedback
Make new practice visible, give teachers a safe place to rehearse, and refine the move together.
Try this: Before offering an answer, name the evidence you both see and ask, “What would be the most useful next move from here?”
Tip 19: Focus on Instruction — You Are Not a Therapist
Listen with care while keeping the conversation connected to instruction and student learning.
Try this: Before offering an answer, name the evidence you both see and ask, “What would be the most useful next move from here?”
Tip 20: Navigating Opposition and Coaching Styles
Match a facilitative, directive, or dialogical stance to the person, moment, and goal.
Try this: Before offering an answer, name the evidence you both see and ask, “What would be the most useful next move from here?”
Continue with a practical tool
Choose the next coaching job: plan the conversation, turn evidence into feedback, rehearse a move, or reduce unnecessary cognitive load.
25 Tips for Instructional Coaches and Leaders 