Instructional Coaching Certificate

Instructional coaching is one method of professional development that has shown potential to improve the knowledge, skills and practices of teachers, thus enhancing student achievement.   Instructional coaching as a professional development activity involves a highly skilled professional (the coach) working with other professionals (the teachers) in a collegial manner to raise instructional practice to the highest possible level.  Coaching promotes teacher growth and problem solving. It is ongoing, classroom based, professional-development related, personalized coaching for each teacher.  Instructional coaching provides consistent support to teachers as they work to improve practice based on collaboration, inquiry and consultative feedback from the coach.  As effective facilitators of adult learning, coaches lead teachers in reflective and inquiry-based professional development that advances collective leadership, continuous improvement of instructional practices and improved student achievement.  This endorsement may be added to existing PDE educator Level I or Level II Certificates; or an Arcadia University certificate may be generated for those not applying for a Pennsylvania Department of Education endorsement credential in this area.