Instructional Coaching & Mentoring

Minnesota Department of Education + Districts + Service Cooperatives

850,000 students — PK - 12

4 years

Minnesota Department of Education

Support the retention of new teachers across the state by creating and training partners on a new statewide teacher induction framework to ensure induction and mentoring practices were robust, aligned and holistic.

Results

  • 10 school districts & consortiums developed & integrated mentoring & induction programs

  • 87% of participants had actionable next steps to improve their teacher induction program

  • 93% of teachers (new teachers and mentors) in pilot were returning to their district

Take Away

  • Feeling you belong is what retains teachers. Aligning new teacher programming and support to the overall vision and priorities for the district helps new teachers and mentors prioritize time for this work.

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”

John Crosby

Chicago Public Schools + VIVO Foundation + Fry Foundation

4,000 students — 6 schools K-8

3 years

Chicago Public Schools (pilot)

Supported teacher leaders (instructional coaches, multi-lingual coaches, MTSS coaches) by developing their coaching skills and coaching processes so all coaching was aligned leading to more impactful 1:1 or grade level coaching meetings.

Results

  • 98% of coaches felt more prepared to support teachers after communities of practice with other schools

  • 4/4 coaches with direct 1:1 coaching cycles support improved their utilization of coaching language & data 

Take Away

  • Great teachers make great coaches. Ensuring they have the opportunity to develop the skills to plan learning experiences that utilize adult learning principles is a necessary when shifting roles.