Instructional Coaches
The Department of Instructional Coaches supports the site-based professional development provided by 43 building-based Instructional Coaches at our 28 school buildings and early childhood sites.
In 2006, the community approved mill designated .5 FTE to each elementary site and 1.0 FTE to each secondary site in order to positively impact student learning and achievement through the support of our teaching professionals as they work collaboratively towards this shared goal.
Thompson School District has joined the increasing number of districts across the state of Colorado and the nation who are using the power of site-based instructional coaching to propel teacher learning in order to meet the needs of their students. Research indicates that training without follow-up support is insufficient to change practice, while training combined with job-embedded, follow-up support maximizes learning and increases likelihood in change in behavior and practice.
Comprehensive and ongoing training provides foundational support to the instructional coaches so that they have the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill this new role. The Director of Instructional Coaches works with the Instructional Coaches and their principals to assist with their work to successfully reach their building-based and district-based student learning goals.