Five key qualities of a successful instructional technology coach¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The report identifies five qualities of an effective coach: relationship builder, insider, strong communicator, tech believer, and experienced teacher. Successful coaches "establish relationships with teachers (and students) that are built on trust and respect"; being a former teacher within the school builds existing trust and understanding of the student population; coaches need an easy, open communication channel; they need belief in technology's potential and a growth mindset rather than pre-existing tech expertise; and recent teaching experience establishes credibility and empathy.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Coaches should preferably be hired from within the school with prior teaching experience, since principals in the pilot tended to prioritize innovative teaching history and existing relationships over technological knowledge.

Constraints¶

• The report states it is not necessary for coaches to already be tech savvy; a growth mindset around technology integration can substitute.

Target Learners¶

• K-12 teachers receiving coaching
• districts and principals hiring instructional technology coaches

Target Learning Goals¶

• Effective coach-teacher collaboration for technology integration

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Bakhshaei, M., Hardy, A., Francisco, A., Noakes, S., & Fusco, J. (2018). Fostering Powerful Use of Technology Through Instructional Coaching: Results from the Pilot Year of the Dynamic Learning Project. Digital Promise. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/540c3325-fd5f-408e-a347-2409f57848dd. doi:10.51388/20.500.12265/48