COLUMBUS, Ohio-The instructional coaching program in Columbus City Schools stands out for its multiyear success and high coach retention rate, despite facing challenges like budget shortfalls and leadership changes. Led by Karen Fiedler, Jen Erickson, and Roni Becht, the program emphasizes aligning coaching goals with district priorities, seeking outside expertise, building relationships, and embodying a collaborative coaching culture.
The coach leads prioritize understanding district priorities and ensuring coaching objectives align with broader goals. They emphasize the importance of ongoing professional development, consulting experts like Jim Knight’s Instructional Coaching Group, and fostering relationships with district leaders to communicate coaching successes and challenges effectively.
Furthermore, the program promotes a “way of being” for coaches, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and trust-building in coaching conversations. Through workshops, role-playing, and peer coaching, coaches develop these essential skills.
