Coaching at AISC

What

Coaching at AISC is a purposeful, goal-driven partnership designed to improve student learning. Research shows that coaching aligned with student outcomes significantly enhances instructional quality and teacher growth (Killion & Harrison, 2006).

Why

At AISC, we believe great teaching drives student success. Coaching provides a structured, collaborative approach to support instructional improvement, curriculum implementation, and professional resilience. Studies show that coaching can be up to three times more effective than traditional Professional Learning in improving both teaching and student achievement (Kraft, Blazar, & Hogan, 2018).

Coaching also builds teacher self-efficacy, a key factor in collective teacher efficacy—one of the strongest influences on student achievement (Hattie, 2018). Through trust-based partnerships, coaching strengthens instructional capacity and fosters a shared belief in our ability to make an impact.

How

Effective coaching is rooted in trust, respect, and professionalism (Knight, 2009). At AISC, we prioritize three core dispositions:

1. Confidentiality – Builds trust and supports reflective practice.

2. Mutual Accountability – Promotes shared commitment to goals (Sweeney, 2017).

3. Non-Judgement – Creates a safe space for risk-taking and growth (Edmondson, 1999).

Coaching also requires fluidity between roles depending on teacher needs:

• Consultant – Offers expertise and strategies when there are knowledge gaps (Aguilar, Costa).

• Collaborator – Works alongside teachers as equal partners in co-creating solutions.

• Coach – Facilitates reflective dialogue, guiding teachers to unlock and refine their own thinking. Each stance supports teacher development in unique ways and strengthens our shared mission to enhance learning for all students.

Each stance supports teacher development in unique ways and strengthens our shared mission to enhance learning for all students.