How Coaching in Schools Improves Outcomes & Culture

Teachers are the unsung heroes of our daily lives. Nurturing young minds, balancing lesson plans, catering to student needs, all while tackling administrative duties can understandably feel a bit overwhelming sometimes. That’s why coaching in schools has become a game-changer in improving both student outcomes, educator well-being, and school culture. At Rocketship Public Schools, every teacher has a dedicated coach who provides regular feedback, professional development, and problem-solving strategies to help them grow in their roles.

We know this is rare in most public schools, so we wanted to share how and why coaching educators can cultivate the high quality, positive learning environment we all want and love!

1. Coaching in Schools Provides Targeted Support for Teachers

One of the most effective ways to improve teacher performance and, by extension, student outcomes, is through consistent and actionable feedback. At Rocketship, teachers are paired with coaches who offer both live classroom feedback and curriculum feedback on a weekly basis.

This ongoing support helps teachers hone their skills, refine their teaching practices, gain fresh perspectives, practice self reflection, and improve student engagement with the help of a seasoned professional. These educational leaders work alongside teachers, observing their classrooms, and then providing insights on how to enhance instructional practices, student achievement, and mentoring young learners.

For example, a coach might notice that teacher has a tendency to not fully check for understanding and assume the class understands the new material unless she hears otherwise. Through recording a classroom session or providing live feedback through a coaching program, that teacher can see the difference in engagement when she scans the room for an extra minute and asks students to give a thumbs up if they understand what’s been asked of them. Having a student summarize can also help stamp this further.

2. Weekly Professional Development Enhances Teacher Growth

Coaching in schools is more than just feedback—it’s about creating a culture of continuous professional development. At Rocketship, teachers engage in weekly professional development sessions, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of staff.

These sessions offer a space for teachers to explore new teaching strategies, discuss pedagogy, share best practices, and reflect on challenges they face in the classroom. By continually investing in their growth and support networks, teachers become more confident in their abilities, which translates directly to better classroom environments, strong retention, and improved student learning experiences.

3. Peer Coaching Encourages a Collaborative Problem-Solving

Another key benefit of instructional coaching in schools is fostering a collaborative problem-solving culture. Teachers don’t have to face challenges and decision-making alone. Coaches provide regular opportunities for teachers to discuss roadblocks they’re encountering and brainstorm solutions together.

For example, a teacher struggling with student engagement in math class might use their coaching practice to develop new strategies for making lessons more interactive. This collaborative process not only helps teachers solve immediate challenges but also strengthens the school community by encouraging open communication and mutual support.

4. Coaching in Schools Drives Improved Student Outcomes

The ultimate goal of coaching in schools is to improve student outcomes. When teachers feel supported and empowered to grow, their teaching becomes more effective, leading to better student performance.

At Rocketship, the positive effects of personalized coaching are clear: teachers who receive 1:1 coaching from school leaders tend to create more dynamic, engaging, and responsive classroom environments. As a result, students benefit from tailored instruction that meets their needs, ultimately leading to improved academic achievement.

5. Coaching Helps Cultivate a Positive School Culture

A strong school culture is built on collaboration, trust, and a commitment to growth. Coaching in schools plays a significant role in cultivating this positive culture. When teachers are supported in their professional development, they feel valued and motivated, which positively affects the overall school climate.

The regular feedback and ongoing professional growth foster a sense of shared purpose among teachers. Coaches also help build strong relationships between teachers and administration, ensuring that all staff members work toward the common goal of creating a safe, nurturing, and high-performing learning environment.

Coaching in Schools for Better Results

Coaching in schools is more than just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for improving individual teacher performance and student success. By offering tailored feedback, continuous professional development, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, schools can create an environment where both teachers and students thrive. At Rocketship, this commitment to teacher coaching has resulted in stronger teacher performance, improved student outcomes, and a positive school culture.

Published on February 13, 2025