Instructional coaching focuses on research-based instructional strategies that can have the biggest impact in improving a teacherAEs practice. Jim Knight has worked as a trainer, developer, and researcher in instructional coaching for many years and has broad experience not only training coaches but also collecting data about the effects of his coaching program. In this book, the author explains the essential coaching skills that instructional coaches need to develop, including listening, observing, modeling, and collaborating. Along with coaching skills and knowledge, this book provides guidance for leveraging instructional interventions that form the foundation of effective instructional practice. First person stories and quotes from coaches working in the trenches provide readers with a realistic picture of the responsibilities, challenges, and joys of coaching. This user- friendly resource also contains chapter organizers, resources for deeper learning, forms, worksheets, checklists, logs, reports, and all the other tools coaches and would-be coaches need. This book is perfect for coaches and aspiring coaches along with the staff developers, trainers, teacher leaders, principals, and other educators who work with coaches and oversee coaching programs.

Why coaching? -- What does coaching look like? -- What is the partnership philosophy? -- Partnership communication : creating learning conversations -- Getting teachers on board and finding a starting point -- Modeling, observing, and collaboratively exploring data -- Focusing on the big four : behavior, content, knowledge, direct instruction, and formative assessment -- How coaches can spread knowledge -- Coaches as leaders of change -- Resource : instructional coach's tool kit.