Starting a New Role as an Instructional Coach: Your First 30 Days
Starting as an instructional coach is both exciting and challenging. Your first month is crucial for establishing trust, understanding the school’s culture, and setting the groundwork for effective coaching. Here’s a guide to help you build a strong foundation in those first 30 days.
1. Schedule Introductory 1:1 Meetings with Teachers and Administrators
As a new instructional coach, taking the initiative to meet with every teacher and administrator you’ll work with is essential. Proactively scheduling one-on-one meetings demonstrates your commitment to building relationships and understanding each individual’s perspective. Aim for informal, open-ended conversations that focus on learning about the teacher rather than sharing your own background or coaching objectives. Use questions that encourage them to share their experiences, values, and goals:
What do you enjoy most about teaching here?
If you could change one thing about our school, what would it be?
What are the top student outcomes you’re focused on this year?
How do you prefer to receive feedback and support with your teaching?
Take detailed notes during these conversations, paying attention to any recurring themes or challenges you hear. This information will not only help you understand each teacher’s needs but also offer insight into broader school culture and values. Listening attentively without steering the conversation toward your own goals builds rapport and trust—critical elements in any successful coaching relationship.
2. Observe Classrooms with a Learning Lens
Classroom observations are a valuable tool for instructional coaches, especially in the early days. Start by visiting two or three classrooms that you’ll be coaching in the coming months. Request permission from each teacher beforehand, asking if there’s a specific time they’d prefer for the observation. Approach these observations with a learner’s mindset, focusing on understanding each teacher’s style, strengths, and classroom culture.
During the visit, resist the urge to take on a coaching or evaluative stance. Instead, look for positive aspects you can highlight later. For example, you might note a welcoming classroom culture, strong student engagement, or creative instructional methods. Asking clarifying questions rather than making suggestions can help deepen your understanding without putting teachers on the defensive.
After each observation, follow up with a simple acknowledgment or note of appreciation. Comments like, “Thank you for letting me observe. I noticed how engaged your students were,” help establish a positive tone and encourage a collaborative relationship. Highlighting small positives before diving into coaching builds trust and sets a supportive foundation.
3. Attend Team Meetings
In addition to one-on-one meetings, attending grade-level and department meetings during your first few weeks provides an invaluable window into team dynamics and school priorities. Introduce yourself briefly at the beginning of each meeting, then focus on observing. Take note of how team members interact, the issues that arise, and the topics that seem to energize the group.
Listening actively in these settings allows you to identify recurring challenges and opportunities for support. Are there specific instructional areas where the team seems to struggle? Are there strong collaborative practices already in place? These insights will guide your future coaching sessions and help you tailor your support to each team’s needs.
After the meetings, reach out to team leaders to express your interest in supporting them on any issues discussed. You might say, “I noticed the team is focusing on formative assessments this month. Let me know if there’s any way I can help support those goals.” Offering your support without pushing too much establishes you as a resource, not an overseer, which fosters trust and openness.
4. Clarify Expectations with Administrators
Understanding your role as envisioned by the school’s leadership is crucial for alignment and long-term success. Schedule an in-depth conversation with your principal or supervisor to clarify their goals, expectations, and priorities for your role. Questions that can help establish this clarity include:
What are your top priorities for my role in the next three months?
How will we define success by the end of the school year?
What specific school initiatives or goals would you like me to focus on?
How can I best align my work with your vision for the school?
This conversation will help you understand the specific objectives administrators have in mind for your coaching role. Ask about any particular mandates or areas of focus they’d like to see addressed. By understanding their expectations from the start, you can work proactively toward goals that align with the school’s vision.
In addition, clarify the balance they expect between your coaching and administrative responsibilities. Some administrators may view the instructional coach as a partner in implementing school-wide initiatives, while others may emphasize teacher-centered support. Knowing these details will prevent misunderstandings and ensure your work stays focused on high-impact areas.
5. Map Out a 30/60/90 Day Plan
Once you’ve gathered insights from teachers, team meetings, and administrators, outline a 30/60/90 day plan to keep yourself organized and aligned. Setting a few key goals for each phase will help you stay focused on building relationships, gaining insight, and delivering early wins:
First 30 Days Focus on relationship-building, observing classrooms, and learning about school initiatives. Establish yourself as a supportive presence and gain a clear understanding of teacher needs.
60 Days Start initial coaching cycles, offer a professional development session on a relevant topic, such as formative assessment, that meets both teacher needs and school goals. Use the insights gained during your initial meetings and observations to tailor this support.
90 Days Support any upcoming curriculum rollouts or school initiatives. Observe progress in specific coaching focus areas, gather feedback from teachers, and identify areas for ongoing growth and adjustment.
Share your plan with administrators to confirm that your goals align with their priorities. This roadmap will provide structure as you navigate the early months of coaching, allowing you to stay strategic amid competing demands and set clear benchmarks for progress.
Final Tips for Success
The first 30 days as an instructional coach will fly by, but focusing on trust-building, listening, and learning will create a strong foundation for future success. Be present, open-minded, and genuinely curious about the teachers and administrators you’re supporting. By prioritizing relationships and understanding the school’s dynamics, you’ll set yourself up for impactful coaching that fosters meaningful growth.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
The Instructional Coach’s Handbook: How to Thrive in Your First Year goes beyond basic checklists, offering a candid, practical guide filled with real-world insights and actionable strategies. Inside, you’ll find support for:
Building a unique coaching style that reflects your strengths
Mastering effective communication techniques
Establishing trust and rapport with teachers
Navigating common coaching challenges and overcoming resistance
Using tools and resources to elevate your coaching practice
Packed with tips I wish I’d had in my first year, this handbook provides a clear roadmap for new instructional coaches eager to make a difference. Step into your first year equipped to build strong relationships, foster growth, and make a meaningful impact on your school community.
