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

		Cindy Brown Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; Elementary Math endorsement; Elementary Math Specialist endorsement Experience: 30 years in the classroom, 2nd year as a math specialist, 1st year as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is working with educators who share the same values, goals and vision: to enrich the lives of students.
		Kristy Coon Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; Master's degree in Learning and Technology Experience: 11 years in the classroom, 1st year as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is trusting teachers as the professionals they are to make the right decisions. I want to help them use their knowledge skillfully and artfully.
		Mallory Hoffart Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania; a Master's of Education in Instructional Leadership from Utah State University Experience: 12 years in the classroom, 3 years as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is helping teachers enhance their skills to be able to find joy in the classroom.
		Bekah Jones Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology Composite Teaching, Master's degree in Earth Science Experience: 17 years in the classroom, 5 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, 5 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, 12 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, 1 year as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is encouraging and supporting teachers, as well as learning from them.
		Amanda Remington Education: Bachelor of Science in English with emphasis in Teaching from Utah State University, Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors' University, license area of concentration includes Secondary Education and School Leadership (Administration) Experience: 7 years in the classroom, 2 years as a substitute teacher, 1st year as a literacy specialist My favorite part of my job is the ability to learn and provide tools and techniques to help teachers and students be successful in and outside of the classroom.
		Michelle Richardson Education: Bachelor's degree in Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry; Secondary Education endorsement Experience: 24 years in the classroom, 1 year as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is helping teachers achieve their professional goals and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
		Heidi Southam Education: Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education-English Teaching with a minor in Political Science from Utah State University Experience: 18 years in the classroom, 1st year as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is being able to help teachers learn and grow as educators, and, in turn, learning from them. I love being part of the life-long learning process.
		Helen Stewart Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; Master's degree in Instruction and Curriculum Experience: 15 years in the classroom, 4 years as an instructional coach My favorite part of my job is working with all the teachers and seeing the differences in teaching styles.
		Carrie Weldon Education: Bachelor's degree in English from Utah State University, Master's of Education from University of Utah in Special Education, administrative credential from Southern Utah University, a Reading Endorsement, and an English Language Learners endorsement for University of San Diego Experience: 23 years as a classroom teacher, 4 years as an English curriculum specialist, 3 years as an Advanced Placement exam coordinator, 3 years as an instructional coach, 8 years as an elementary school principal My favorite part of my job is serving teachers and helping them be the best they can be as educators of children.

 

RESOURCES

Introduction to Instructional Coaching

Overview of Coaching in USD