Kim Cofino

For many instructional coaches, the paperwork—filling in coaching logs and calendars—never seems to stop. By Friday, many coaches have carefully logged every meeting, email, and walk-through, but have nothing captured about what actually shifted in instruction or student learning. There is a difference between tracking “coaching activity” and “coaching impact.” Tracking coaching activity tells us where time went; impact data tells us whether that time mattered.

Instructional coaches regularly walk a tightrope between maintaining trust and demonstrating the impact of coaching to administrators. The teachers you support often only agree to coaching support because it is confidential and private. However, your principal requests evidence that coaching is effective. As stewards of limited resources, they need to demonstrate a return on investment in educational coaching and a clear indication of your coaching effectiveness.

Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership: A Guide for Educators, Allies, and Advocates By Kim Cofino and Christina Botbyl (Routledge/Eye On Education, 2024 – Learn more) Reviewed by DeAnna Miller Despite making up the vast majority of educators, women are significantly underrepresented in school leadership, particularly at higher levels.