The BEST Qualities of an Instructional Coach

In this S5E18 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies BONUS, I tackle the complex challenges within coaching relationships, especially when teachers repeatedly decline coaching. This conversation addresses the resistance and avoidance behaviors that can stall progress, offering insights for instructional leadership. It's an exploration of personal growth in coaching, emphasizing the impact of effective relationships.
What happens when a teacher says no to coaching? Not just once, but repeatedly. In this bonus episode, I dive into the messy middle of instructional coaching - those moments that make or break your impact as an education coach.
If you've ever worked with a teacher who avoids eye contact in the hallway, felt stuck in a coaching relationship, or wondered whether you're actually making a difference, this episode is for you. I'm sharing practical, try-it-tomorrow strategies for coaching teachers who are overwhelmed, resistant, or simply not ready for support.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- What to do when coaching relationships feel stuck and nothing seems to be working
- How to coach overwhelmed teachers who can't articulate what they need
- The one question that could transform your coaching approach
- Why asset-based coaching is critical for building trust with resistant teachers
- The difference between accountability and control in teacher support
- A simple notebook practice that will strengthen your coaching immediately
This episode explores teacher coaching, instructional coaching, coaching strategies, professional development, teacher support, mentor teachers, new teachers, instructional strategies, education strategies, effective teaching, teacher impact, school leadership, instructional leadership, education leadership, whole child, student success, thriving students, empowered educators, inspired teaching, education transformation, school improvement, school culture, and pro-kid mindset.
Your Action Step: Before your next coaching conversation, write down one word in your notebook that describes how you want to show up. Let that word guide your approach.
🚨NEW FORMAT ALERT: Starting January 5th, 2026, I'm trying a new format:
- Mondays: Part 1 of guest conversations + lightning round
- Wednesdays: 60-second midweek inspiration reel
- Fridays: Part 2 of guest conversations + my top 3 takeaways
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: When Teachers Say No to Coaching
1:00 - The Foundations of Great Coaching vs. Doing It
2:00 - What To Do When You Feel Stuck With a Teacher
3:00 - The Most Important Coaching Move: Naming What You Notice
4:00 - You Cannot Coach Someone Who Isn't Ready
5:00 - Positive Determination: Keep Showing Up
6:00 - Coaching the Overwhelmed Teacher
7:00 - Accountability vs. Control in Coaching
8:00 - Being Human With Teachers
9:00 - The Notebook Practice That Changes Everything
10:00 - Coaching is Relationship Work First
11:00 - New Format Announcement for 2026
12:00 - Wrap Up & Action Step
Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child.
📧 Connect: schoolutionspodcast@gmail.com
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.