District Leadership in Redefining Roles of Instructional Coaches to Guide Professional Learning Communities through Systemic Change

ABSTRACT

While research suggests that effective implementation of professional learning communities (PLCs) increases student achievement and that effective utilization of instructional coaches (ICs) supports teachers’ capacity, there is limited research regarding the role of ICs in supporting the system-wide change effort of PLC implementation and sustainability. This qualitative study addressed the perceptions of six ICs, six principals, and six district leaders within one large, fast-growth school district working to redefine the role of ICs to support the implementation of PLCs. Findings highlighted that district support was essential for reshaping the role of ICs from individual teacher coaches to supporting PLCs and that principals recognized how this new role was essential to developing the effectiveness of PLCs.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).