Multipliers, as Liz Wiseman identified (“Multipliers – How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter”) don’t simply recognize talent—they help it grow and spread. Perhaps that’s one of the most important roles of an instructional coach. Rather than identifying what teachers are missing, coaches are on the prowl for the capabilities that are already emerging. Noticing […]

Paul Magnuson shares what his feedback to teachers sounds like after he quit trying to point out weaknesses and trying to show that he knew what those weaknesses are; after he quit sitting across from younger teachers telling them what to do. Hear what he can share by picturing himself standing side-by-side with teachers, staring […]

In part 1 of this blog, I explored three insights for coaches’ reflection that were presented by Sharron Helmke, senior vice president of professional services at Learning Forward and a professional certified coach with the International Coaching Federation. She shared these in her article, “6 things I wish I’d known as a new coach.” Those […]

“Coachability is a crucial mindset that builds individual and teacher efficacy and thus student success. Coaching conversations should have a human connectedness built on hope, trust, gratitude, strength, and purpose.” (Jennifer Fraser, 2025, Leading with Hope and Kindness) Listen for human connections in a sample coaching pre-conference. Read the article, “Leading With Hope and Kindness: […]