The Instructional Partners Network (IPN) strengthens the skillset of instructional coaches and administrators while bolstering the culture of instructional coaching in schools and districts. IPN achieves this through intentional coaching practice, collaborative planning, and research-based best practices.

Participants will deepen their expertise in:

  • The Coaching Cycle
  • Adult Learning Strategies
  • Partnership Principles
  • Managing Change/Coach’s Role
  • Recognizing and Managing Resistance/Coaching Continuum
  • Communication Skills: Listening, Paraphrasing, Questioning, and Pausing

Tentative Four Day Schedule

Day 1: Foundations of Coaching and Partnership Principles

Building a shared understanding of the instructional partner’s role and the foundation of effective coaching relationships.

8:30am–9:00am: Welcome & Institute Overview

Introductions, purpose, expectations, and overview of the IPN framework.

9:00am–10:30am: The Coaching Cycle: Foundations

Explore the stages of the coaching cycle; identify where you are in your current practice.

10:45am–12:00pm: Partnership Principles

Examine the core beliefs that drive partnership-based coaching.

12:00pm–1:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm–2:15pm: Adult Learning Theory

Connect adult learning principles to coaching practices; identify strategies to engage adult learners.

2:15pm–3:30pm: Reflection & Application

Guided reflection with partners; identify takeaways and next steps for application.

Applying partnership and adult learning strategies through demonstration and practice.

8:30–9:00: Check-In & Learning Goals

Review key insights from Day 1; set personal learning goals.

9:00–10:30: Coaching Cycle in Action

Analyze coaching models and videos; deconstruct effective moves.

10:45–12:00: Communication Skills Workshop

Practice deep listening, paraphrasing, questioning, and pausing techniques.

12:00–1:00: Lunch
1:00–2:15: Managing Change & Resistance

Explore the psychology of change; identify strategies to support colleagues through resistance.

2:15–3:30: Practice in Triads

Engage in meta-coaching and peer feedback using real scenarios.

Extending skills in analysis, feedback, and measuring the impact of coaching.

8:30–9:00: Welcome Back & Goal Review

Share application successes and challenges since the previous session.

9:00–10:30: Analyzing Coaching Practice

Work in triads to view and analyze recorded coaching sessions.

10:45–12:00: Feedback that Promotes Growth

Learn and apply strategies for giving feedback that fosters reflection and change.

12:00–1:00: Lunch
1:00–2:15: Measuring Impact on Practice and Learning

Identify formative and summative data aligned with Guskey’s evaluation levels.

2:15–3:30: Coaching Video Planning

Develop and plan for the final coaching video to document growth and impact.

Synthesizing learning, sharing evidence of growth, and planning for continued implementation.

8:30–9:00: Welcome & Community Connections

Reconnect and set the tone for celebration and reflection.

9:00–10:30: Coaching Video Showcase

View and analyze participant coaching videos; celebrate growth.

10:45–12:00: Analyzing Impact Data

Examine outcomes and data sources; discuss implications for student learning.

12:00–1:00: Lunch
1:00–2:15: Extend and Apply Planning

Create plans for continued implementation and peer follow-up.

2:15–3:30: Reflection Partner Conversations

Reflection Partner Conversations

What to Expect

Who Should Attend

While individual participation is possible, we recommend that school teams of three or more. A strong team with a mix of instructional coaches, lead teachers, and administrators ensure strong implementation and a supportive culture once the team returns to their school.

Cost

The cost for this training is $1,000 per person. This covers the registration fee, meals/refreshments, the guiding text, and resource materials.

When

IPN is a 4-day training structured in two 2-day institutes.

Continued Support

On-site support from ABPC facilitators may be arranged through additional professional learning sessions.

Shelby County Instructional Services Center

601 1st St S, Alabaster, AL 35007