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 An Instructional Coach is a professional
development resource for staff members who can help support
learning, growth, and achievement of all students. Teachers have an
opportunity to develop instructional methods that are strategically
selected based on their individual classroom and students’ needs.
Instructional Coaching for Grades 9 through 12
At Mount Pulaski High School, Mrs. Linda Smith serves as the
Instructional Coach. She earned her bachelor's in English from
Eastern Illinois University with a secondary education emphasis and
her Masters in Teaching in Learning from Nova Southeastern
University. She is an internationally certified life coach and a
published author. Having experience at the secondary level of
education, Mrs. Smith brings both urban and rural exposure as well
as several varieties of modalities of teaching in her nearly 30
years of being a classroom teacher. Her passion lies in teaching
others how to find their gifts and to accentuate their strengths.
To date, Mrs. Smith has worked with several teachers who wish to
align their curriculum with state standards as well as develop
corresponding assessments which best reflect the mastery level of
students. In addition, she has partnered with a variety of teachers
to develop novel units, review games, and manipulatives as well as
provided assistance in preparing instructors for observation cycles.
One of the many benefits Mrs. Smith has seen thus far is the
willingness of several teachers to continue to refine their
exceptional skills, modeling how lifelong learning is evident for
their students.
Instructional Coaching from Pre-k - Grade Eight
Mrs. Jenny Mendenhall serves as the Instructional Coach at Mount
Pulaski Grade School. She attained her undergraduate degree from the
University of Illinois at Springfield in communications and
elementary education. She then completed her Master’s in Elementary
Education at Western Illinois University. She later earned her
administrative certification through the principalship program at
the University of Illinois Springfield.
Mrs. Mendenhall has served in various roles since beginning her
career in education, all of which have contributed to her expanding
passion for teaching and learning. For 13 years, she taught in the
classroom at the elementary, intermediate, and junior high levels.
She has also served as an instructional technology coach working
directly with teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum
and lesson planning.
She most recently served as a special education administrator before
joining the MPGS staff.
Mrs. Mendenhall consistently spends time in classrooms each week
providing feedback to teachers, focusing on strengths and areas of
growth.
In addition to co-planning with teachers and grade level teams, Mrs.
Mendenhall models lessons at different grade levels, co-teaches,
observes, and collects data. Coaching cycles are conducted with
individual teachers as well, which delve deeper into data
collection, goal-setting, instructional practice improvement, and
student learning gains based on goals identified between the two
parties. Professional development is
strategically planned and executed based on school-wide (and/or
district-wide) data and teacher feedback. Topics so far have
included teacher health and wellness, assessment practices,
instructional methods, engagement strategies, data analyzation, and
technology integration. Book studies have been implemented with
success as well.
The elementary building adopted a new math
curriculum this year, which has led to a major shifting of
instruction to truly engage students in their learning experience.
Mrs. Mendenhall works closely with two math coaches at our Regional
Office of Education to continuously learn and provide support that
teachers need to make this transformation successful.
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While still early in the stages of adoption, midyear
math data shows exceptional student progress, especially in the
early elementary grades.
Final Thoughts
While our instructional coaches provide professional development to
staff, they also attend professional development specifically
related to their field/position. This has better allowed them to
learn more about instructional coaching and to stay on top of
current trends and best practices in education.
To further build the coaching program and focus on continuous
improvement, the instructional coaches meet with the district
administration team on a monthly basis. Teachers provide feedback
throughout the year, which is used in developing goals and strategic
plans at the building levels (while also attending to their
immediate and specific needs). The instructional coaches serve on
multiple committees within the district to stay informed of building
and district needs.
Overall, creating a successful instructional coaching program
requires commitment from all stakeholders. Building relationships is
key; trust and vulnerability are imperative between the coach and
teachers to truly make positive change. Teachers have been willing
to reach out for support and to seek guidance for improving their
skills and practices within the classroom setting. The district is
excited about the success experienced so far and looks forward to
seeing the positive, effective learning growth the future holds for
the students and staff alike.
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