Instructional Technology Coaching Program

An Instructional Technology Coach provided through the LTC Coaching Program works with teachers and school leaders to create and implement a customized coaching plan. Although plans are unique to each district’s needs and priorities, the Coach’s consistent goal is to help educators improve their teaching practices and enhance their integration of technology – all with the goal of improving student learning. Many coaching plans include one-on-one coaching cycles, facilitated grade-level team discussions, or large-group professional learning opportunities.

In addition, school districts:

• Participate in a kick-off call with LTC staff to identify priorities and determine services.
• Receive individual, ongoing support from an assigned instructional coach throughout the year.
• Gain access to the LTC’s online community and professional learning opportunities.

Cost-sharing model. The LTC Coaching Program is a cost-sharing model. The Instructional Technology Coach is an LTC employee and works with multiple districts in a similar geographic area of the state. Through a shared-service model, small- and medium-sized school districts that do not need a full-time Instructional Technology Coach can access the benefits of coaching without adding staff or committing to a full-time employee.

Decision Deadlines. In the spring, the LTC works with districts to identify needs, sign contracts, and pair districts with an LTC-employed instructional coach.

Number of Days. Prior to starting the program, participating school districts select the total number of contractual days ranging from 10 to 160.

Daily Activities and Support. Daily activities of an instructional technology coach vary depending on the objectives of teachers and school administration. Common classroom goals and challenges that coaches help educators tackle include:

Instructional technology coaching is an ongoing, job-embedded form of professional learning that is grounded in day-to-day teaching and learning practices. At its core, instructional technology coaching is designed to enhance teachers’ integration of technology, with the long-term goal of improving student learning outcomes.

Instructional technology coaches partner with teachers to provide them with personalized support in meeting their teaching needs. After identifying a classroom challenge to tackle, coaches and teachers closely collaborate to brainstorm solutions, select and implement the best strategies, and reflect on progress.

We’ve collected a few federal, state, and philanthropic funding sources that can help make instructional technology coaching a financially-viable professional development option in your district. Please note that the LTC is also an IL-EMPOWER Learning Partner through our fiscal agent, ROE #09 Champaign-Ford Counties, and IL-EMPOWER funds can be used on coaching.

Our Instructional Technology Coaches are all certified educators with experience in the classroom. Many also hold additional certifications – Google Certified Educators (Level 1 and 2), Google Certified Coach, and Google Certified Trainer – that enhance their capacity to work with today’s teachers and educational leaders.