Instructional Coaches

Instructional Coaching is at the heart of support for provisional teachers in the Uintah School District.

At its core, instructional coaching involves two people: the classroom teacher and the coach. Together, they focus on practical strategies for engaging students and improving their learning. In addition to the one-on-one work coaches do, they also can support small groups of teachers, providing guidance, training, and other resources as needed.

Coaches are experienced, highly accomplished, and well-respected educators. Coaches in USD take pride in the ability to form relationships, building relationships is at the heart of any successful coaching work and is absolutely necessary for a successful coaching experience. Coaches are viewed as a partner with teachers who support a collaborative culture.

In the Uintah School District, instructional coaches are assigned to schools based on their background, experience, and grade-level expertise. All teachers in their first three years with the district are assigned an instructional coach to work with. In addition, any teacher seeking a collaborative partner may also reach out for support from an instructional coach.

Instructional Coaches

		Emily Arnold Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; Master's degree in Elementary Education Experience: 19 years in the classroom; 3 years as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is connecting with new teachers and watching them grow.

		Tawna Baumgardner Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education; Master's degree in Instructional Leadership; K-12 Literacy endorsement; Instructional Coaching endorsement Experience: 12 years in the classroom; 9 years as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is collaborating with teachers to help them develop new skills and become stronger educators.

		Cindy Brown Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; Elementary Math endorsement; Elementary Math Specialist endorsement Experience: 30 years in the classroom My favorite part of my job is working with educators who share the same values, goals and vision: to enrich the lives of students.

		Heather Heath Education: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education; Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction Experience: 12 years in the classroom My favorite part of my job is learning new strategies and ideas to share with teachers to make their lives easier.

		Bekah Jones Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology Composite Teaching, Master's degree in Earth Science Experience: 17 years in the classroom; 4 years as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is working with the incredible and dedicated teachers in the Uintah School District.

		Rebecca Keddy Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education Experience: 16 years in the classroom; 1 year in administration; 4 years as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is sharing the joys and struggles of the teaching profession with other educators.

		Machele Lemon Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; Master's degree in Reading and Literacy; Instructional Coaching endorsement Experience: 15 years in the classroom; 11 years as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is working with teachers, principals and district directors. I love watching teachers grow and become successful.

		Lacie Olson Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Language Arts; Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction Experience: 7 years in the classroom My favorite part of my job is encouraging and supporting teachers, as well as learning from them.

		Michelle Richardson Education: Bachelor's degree in Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry; Secondary Education endorsement Experience: 24 years in the classroom My favorite part of my job is helping teachers achieve their professional goals and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

		Helen Stewart Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; Master's degree in Instruction and Curriculum Experience: 15 years in the classroom; 2 years as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is working with all the teachers and seeing the differences in teaching styles.

RESOURCES

Introduction to Instructional Coaching

Overview of Coaching in USD

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

No district employee or student shall be subjected to discrimination in employment or any district program or activity on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The district is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and employment including its policies, complaint processes, program accessibility, district facility use, accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. The district also provides equal access to district facilities for all youth groups. The following persons have been designated as Title IX coordinators to handle inquires and complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation: Dr. Mistalyn Leis, Human Resources Director (435) 781-3100 and/or Dr. Dean Wilson, Student Services Director (435) 781-3100. You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, Denver, CO, at (303) 844-5695.