WLS Coaching Institute
The WLS Coaching Institute helps teachers shift mindsets by designing, implementing, and assessing bold new ideas around student-centered learning. Since 2009, the WLS Coaching Institute has sparked dozens of teacher breakthroughs (see here for examples). We have seen, and data confirms, the power of coaching combined with workshops. According to a 2007 survey conducted by Dr. Jim Knight at the University of Kansas, a single in-service workshop results in an average 15% teacher implementation rate, whereas workshops plus year-round coaching yields an average 85% implementation rate.
The WLS Coaching Institute is customized according to each school’s needs but comes in three main models: Yearlong, Coaching Bursts, or VCI 2.0 (see below). Each model follows a fresh, research-based approach through our Coaching Continuum to deepen connection, support a culture of learning, and promote increased efficacy among educators, therefore increasing impact on student learning.
Workshops create common understandings and powerful flashes of inspiration. Coaching helps teachers transform big ideas into action through collaboration, feedback, and iteration. These showcases of learning spark schoolwide innovation.
“Coaching is the art of creating an environment, through conversation and a way of being, that facilitates the process by which a person can move toward desired goals in a fulfilling manner.”
The WLS Coaching Institute is customized according to the needs of each partner school, and comes in three coaching models:
Yearlong, Project-Based, or Coaching 2.0
Yearlong Coaching
For those seeking the deepest level of learning and connection, Yearlong Coaching pairs a WLS coach with a single educator or team of teachers, such as a grade-level or interdisciplinary team. Following our Coaching Continuum, participants begin by developing foundational connections and a work plan with their coach. They then meet regularly throughout the school year as they move up the Coaching Continuum toward actionable outcomes. Educators in this program create and design a wide variety of student-centered outcomes. Educators take on challenging projects, such as the design of a new capstone course, project-based experiences, or a new advisory program.
The Coaching Continuum scaffolds learning around the needs of teachers. We pursue connection, voice, and engagement for equity by helping teams build a relational foundation as they move into deeper work by asking questions, exploring ideas, and trying new approaches together. The work shifts the teacher’s mindset and deepens student learning. Schools using this model include Steamboat Mountain School, Dawson School, and Selwyn House School among others.
“The most impactful part of this experience was having a mentor to talk through my plans with and share ideas. My coach has made it possible for me to push my students towards being comfortably uncomfortable. She has helped me push their boundaries and mine with designing impactful learning experiences.”Mount Vernon Presbyterian School Faculty
Project Based Coaching
In this model, WLS coaches work in a direct, project-based approach. This model is for a teacher, team, or leader who has a specific project in mind and needs the support, accountability, and resources our coaches offer to bring the idea to completion.
The Project Approach is offered in “packs” of 5 or 10 sessions and can be used to finish a shorter-term project and guide future planning. This program is a flexible and economical way for schools to get immediate support for teachers in making a sudden shift, solving a challenge, or implementing a project. Schools using this model include GEMS American Academy in Qatar, Doha, and The Chapin School in New York City.
“I allow much more student exploration, discovery, and ownership because I have seen so much buy-in. Students have become creative thinkers and speak now with PBL language.”Mount Vernon Presbyterian School Faculty
Coaching 2.0
This is a year-long coaching support program for faculty who have already been through the WLS Coaching Institute, or who have a solid foundation in student-centered pedagogies. Coaching 2.0 provides all faculty with individualized 30-minute coaching sessions focused on whatever need is urgent, such as creating a driving question, brainstorming a project, creating a rubric, etc. WLS coaches check in with their Coaching 2.0 faculty every month to help teachers summon inspiration and solve problems to stay on track. This model has been successful at many schools including Mt. Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta, GA, and Appleby College in Ontario, Canada.
“My coach was incredibly helpful and helped me change the way I frame my lessons by making them more open-ended and student-directed.”Dalton School Faculty
Regardless of the model or approach schools choose to take to coaching, the goals remain the same:
- Build a trusting, non-evaluative relationship between the coach and teacher/s
- Identify areas of strength to develop further
- Provide effective, practical takeaways for teachers to implement immediately
- Support evidence-based best practices with key tools and frameworks
Suggested areas of focus for WLS’ Coaching Institute include, but are not limited to:
- Student-centered teaching such as project-based learning, design thinking, and purpose learning.
- Curriculum development that is global, equitable, social, and emotional.
- Assessment, including self-reflection, exit tickets, and rubrics to measure competency-based learning.
- Leadership development and growth in key areas, such as classroom management
- Risk Management practices for on and off-campus programming.
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