Competencies

Area 1: Foundations of Instructional Coaching

A Quality Instructional Coach...

• Utilizes the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) coaching model which includes, Pre-partnership, Collaborative Planning, Implementation, Reflection, and Follow-up
• Professionally supports teachers in creating and accomplishing goals aligned with the vision and expectations of the school and district through high-quality coaching practices
• Effectively improves student outcomes through building the capacity of the educators to use best practices to meet student needs
• Builds trusting relationships through clear communication that is non-threatening and objective
• Effectively listens and communicates through asking probing and reflective questions
• Can help teachers to analyze and utilize data to shift instructional decision making and practices
• Understands the differences between elementary and secondary student development and elementary and secondary pedagogy

Area 2: Adult Learning Theory

A Quality Instructional Coach...

• Understands deeply and effectively implements the Utah Professional Learning Standards into professional learning plans and priorities to ensure impact for students through increased capacity for effective teaching and learning.
• Applies effectively the theories of adult learning theories in coaching and professional learning
• Recognizes and support the stages of educators’ development and helping to identify and build their level of self-efficacy to increase effectiveness
• Understands and applies theories of change that encourage growth mindset and professional progress
• Designs and facilitates professional learning using adult learning theory- effectively honors experience and differentiates coaching and professional learning to meet the needs of educators

Area 3: Instructional Design and Assessment

A Quality Instructional Coach...

• Models effective instructional design theories such as backwards design, universal design for learning, explicit instruction, inquiry, and/or collaborative learning
• Facilitates and guides alignment of instruction and assessment to state standards and competencies
• Uses technology effectively to engage teachers in professional learning and in data-driven instruction
• Understands assessment designs and the different modalities of assessing students
• Facilitates data analysis of different formative and summative assessments to inform instruction
• Models and facilitates instructional planning through intentional pacing, alignment to frameworks, and mapping out concepts to ensure that an effective sequence is followed
• Utilizes a strong knowledge of evidence-based resources to evaluate them to meet the needs of students and uses it to identify options for differentiation and tiered instruction
• Encourages students to engage in self-reflection through modeling and supporting educators to use this practice

Area 4: Strategies for Effective Instructional Delivery

A Quality Instructional Coach...

• Shares current research on best and most effective strategies supported by Local Education Agency (LEA) for delivery and engagement
• Collects data and shares strategies to help educators increase student engagement, motivation, and participation promoting effective, positive classroom management
• Has a deep knowledge of Utah’s Effective Teaching Standards (UETS)

Area 5: Effective Leadership and Collaboration

A Quality Instructional Coach...

• Fosters positive, productive relationships with all stakeholders that allow for effective collaboration
• Effectively creates an alignment of state, district, school, team, and individual goals for educators
• Advocates for and models equity across all practices
• Advocates for and models self-advocacy by educators and students
• Facilitates critical conversations and conflict resolution
• Engages in continued learning, growth, and reflection on instructional coaching practices

Endorsement

The Utah State Board of Education is pleased to introduce a new Instructional Coaching Endorsement available for Utah educators. This endorsement is intended to recognize the development of specific competencies that an effective Instructional Coach needs to provide the needed supports in charters, schools, and districts.

Approved University Courses for this Endorsement

As universities align their courses to these competencies, they will be added to this list. Completed Endorsement Applications may be e-mailed to licensing@schools.utah.gov.

Professional Learning Standards

Learn more about Utah's Professional Learning Standards by accessing our website.