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

USD Instructional Coach Emily Arnold
          

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.

     
USD Instructional Coach Tawna Baumgardner
 
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.
     
USD Instructional Coach Cindy Brown  
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. 

     
 USD Instructional Coach Heather Heath
  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.
     
 USD Instructional Coach Bekah Jones
  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.
     
USD Instructional Coach Rebecca Keddy
  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.

     
USD Instructional Coach Machele Lemon
  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.
     
USD Instructional Coach Lacie Olson
  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.
     
USD Instructional Coach Michelle Richardson
 
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.
     
USD Instructional Coach Helen Stewart    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.

 
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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.