Instructional Coaching
What Is Instructional Coaching?
Instructional coaching is a collaborative, non-evaluative partnership between teachers and trained coaches focused on improving teaching practices and student learning. Coaches work alongside educators to reflect, plan, implement, and refine instructional strategies that meet the diverse needs of all learners. Irvington currently employs six instructional coaches who work throughout the system supporting teachers.
What is the Purpose of Instructional Coaching?
The goal of instructional coaching is to support continuous professional growth by:
- Strengthening instructional practices
- Promoting reflective teaching
- Supporting the implementation of district initiatives
- Enhancing student engagement and achievement
- Bridging research-based strategies with classroom practice
Instructional coaching is job-embedded, ongoing, and tailored to the unique goals of each teacher, team, or department.
How Does Coaching Benefit Students & Teachers?
Students
When teachers grow, students benefit. Instructional coaching supports students by:
- Increasing engagement through student-centered learning
- Improving access to differentiated and inclusive instruction
- Strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Promoting equitable learning opportunities for all students
- Enhancing overall academic achievement and confidence
Teachers
Instructional coaching provides teachers with:
- Personalized Support: Differentiated, one-on-one or small group guidance
- Collaborative Planning: Opportunities to design lessons and units with a thought partner
- Classroom-Based Feedback: Non-evaluative support through modeling, co-teaching, and observation
- Practical Strategies: Research-based approaches that can be immediately applied
- Professional Reflection: Structured time to analyze practice and student outcomes
Contact Our Coaches
Christina Buonamano, Specially Designed Reading Instruction Coach
Nancy Beck-Deakin, Elementary ELA and Social Studies Coach
Nancy Fitzpatrick, Secondary Coach
Caroline Knudsen, Inclusion Coach
Dr. Stephanie Peborde-Burke, Secondary Coach
Molly Stern, Elementary Math and Science Coach