A new way for coaches to strengthen their practice

Educators around the world have been increasingly relying on technology for distance learning. For many, this transition wasn’t easy, and is a reminder that professional development is critical. One way schools can support educators is through instructional coaches, who work hand-in-hand with educators to help them achieve their teaching and learning goals with technology. That's why we created the Google for Education Certified Coach Program—to help instructional coaches become even more effective as they partner with K-12 educators.

The Google for Education Certified Coach program

Coaches provide critical and individualized support for educators, but we’ve heard that sometimes they, too, need extra support. The Certified Coach program provides free training and resources that equip new and veteran coaches to work 1:1 with educators and drive impactful technology use in their schools. Certified Coaches help educators to tackle classroom challenges with technology-based strategies. Through the Certified Coach program, coaches have access to a structured curriculum and research-based 5-step coaching model. The curriculum helps coaches develop skills they’ll use throughout the school year, like aligning coaching with school and district goals, building strong teacher relationships, and measuring coaching impact. Upon certification, Certified Coaches will join an active community of fellow coaches, receive invitations to special professional development events, and be discoverable in the Google for Education Directory.

We also know that coaches benefit from working with experts who have walked in their shoes. Our recommended coaching partners draw from their own experience to provide optional, paid mentorship that ensures coaches and administrators have the hands-on support and infrastructure they need to cultivate successful coaching programs at their schools.

How coaching will impact schools

Coaching is one of the most effective forms of professional development and helps teachers regularly implement new instructional practices. Our three-year coaching pilot showed that in addition to reducing teacher stress, coaching increases teacher satisfaction and helps teachers be more effective. 97 percent of coached teachers said coaching helped them address classroom challenges like lesson preparation and differentiation. We also found that coaching positively impacts not only teachers but also students. In our pilot program, there was a 10 percent difference in coached teachers’ ability to use technology to drive student engagement compared to non-coached teachers.

How to get started

Once you’ve obtained your L1 and L2 Google Educator certifications, follow these four steps to become a Google for Education Certified Coach.

1. Complete the free Certified Coach curriculum

2. Take the Coach Skills Assessment

3. Prepare your coaching portfolio

4. Submit your Certified Coach application

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so feel free to take your time completing the curriculum and putting it into practice. There’s no limit to the number of coaches that we will accept.

If you’re ready to become a Certified Coach, check out our website to learn more about the program and start the curriculum today. We can’t wait to welcome you to the community!

by Amanda Del Balso via The Keyword