The newcomers also reported a positive impact on their classroom practices, from trying out new curricular ideas to testing out techniques for increasing student participation in class. Coaches reported they too benefit from their participation. The vast majority agreed that being a coach contributes to their professional growth. Through coaching, they learn to examine their own knowledge base and instructional practices. Additional benefits to coaches come from the training and support process.
All coaches receive training prior to meeting with their beginning teachers.
Mutual Gains Support by district and school administrators for a new approach to coaching is critical to the success of any coaching program. Clearly, it takes more than observations and evaluation to support new teachers through those difficult first years of teaching. Priscilla Wolhlstetter is the center's director and Leslie Bharadwaja is a research assistant at the center.