Instructional Coaching and Mentoring Institute

Online and hybrid |  Three tracks for you to choose from!

Our program supports educators in becoming effective and emotionally intelligent leaders and mentors for the next generation of educators. Join a network of colleagues from across the globe who share your passion for quality, equity, and longevity in the independent school workforce!

Educators are being asked to be increasingly adaptable, innovative and trauma-sensitive. This is an important opportunity for institutions to build the leadership capacity of veteran educators who can mentor colleagues and facilitate professional development on best practices in distance learning, equitable pedagogy, and emotional resilience.

Which track is right for me?

Introduction Track: Three courses, one summer. Get the basics of coaching, leading, and mentoring with our three summer courses.

Foundation Track: Three courses, one year. More of a hands-on approach, you’ll start with the summer course Coaching, Mentoring and Facilitating Instructional Improvements and follow it up with two semester-long practica where you can put your learning into practice.

Comprehensive Track: A deeper dive into coaching, leading, and mentoring. You get all three summer courses and both practica so that you are ready to implement change in your school after one year.

What will I learn?

We help you do your job...better. 

Our Instructional Coaching and Mentoring Institute provides instructional coaches and teacher leaders with tools to:

• Support colleagues in adapting to the evolving demands of teaching
• Develop strategies for improving school culture and leading with emotional intelligence
• Create engaging and effective professional development for your colleagues
• Learn strategies for giving feedback that improves teaching and learning
• Cultivate an engaged professional culture at your school
• Nurture emotional resilience in your colleagues and students

Courses

Fostering a Collaborative Culture 

Develop positive professional relationships, improve school culture, and lead for change.
2 credits | May-June | Introduction and Comprehensive Tracks
Online & videoconference (evenings) | Two evenings per week

Coaching, Mentoring and Facilitating Instructional Improvements 

Best practices in observation, feedback and consultation for mentors.
2 credits | July-August |Introduction, Foundation and Comprehensive Tracks
Online & videoconference | One week intensive AND live video conference sessions before and after the intensive week; some asynchronous modules

Owning Assessments and Data for Student Learning 

Facilitate and support colleagues in using assessment tools to inform decisions to improve practice and student learning.
2 credits | July-August | Introduction and Comprehensive Tracks
Online & videoconference (evenings) | Two evenings per week.

Practicum I: Professional Development and Mentoring 

Cultivate facilitation skills, professional development design, implementation, and assessment, hone coaching and mentoring skills.
2 credits | September-December | Foundation and Comprehensive Tracks
Online & videoconference (evenings) | Weekly 2 hour workshops

Advanced Practicum: Professional Development and Mentoring 

Create systematic improvements in professional learning and mentoring in schools.
2 credits | January-April | Foundation and Comprehensive Tracks
Online & videoconference (evenings) | Weekly 2 hour workshops

Individualized Support

One of the best ways to improve your own coaching and mentoring skills is to receive high quality coaching and mentoring. Our program includes year-long options where you receive individualized assistance and guidance as you practice the skills that will make you a more effective mentor and teacher leader at your school. The fall and spring facilitated “practica” experiences help you develop professional learning experiences for your faculty, structure meaningful feedback for your colleagues, and adapt your skills to the unique circumstances, challenges and opportunities at your school.

** These courses can also be taken for graduate credit. Contact graduateadmissions@mtholyoke.edu to learn more.

Where and how will I learn?

Practical professional learning that extends beyond the classroom. Cohort-based, online and evening classes with individualized coaching for you; access to workshops for your school to help support you in your work.

Alongside your cohort, you will learn and apply skills in class, then implement them at your own school. Your learning continues with ongoing support from experts who help you adapt successfully to the unique challenges and opportunities of your setting. Through this model, you refine your skills and enhance the impact on teaching and learning in your school.