If we want teachers and students to be successful, then we as leaders need to identify and remove their barriers to success. Teaching is more than a job—it’s a commitment to shaping students’ futures. Without adequate support and effective workload management, even the most dedicated teachers can become overwhelmed. By auditing workloads, identifying inefficiencies, and integrating AI tools with strategic support, school leaders can empower teachers to focus on what matters most: fostering student growth and achievement. Purposeful workload management benefits everyone—teachers, students, and the broader school community.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) bring educators together to share expertise and develop effective strategies for students. The success of PLCs often hinges on educators' openness to change and their past experiences with PLCs, which can shape their expectations and willingness to engage fully.

As a school leader, you may find yourself looking at your Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and thinking, These could be better.

A common hurdle in PLCs is data overload. Meetings often become dominated by complex analyses, with teams working through data without reaching actionable conclusions. By the time a strategy is identified, the classroom focus has often shifted, leaving insights unimplemented.

At its best, instructional coaching builds on strong, trusting relationships with teachers. Coaches support teachers in achieving their goals, but navigating each teacher’s unique needs, styles, and occasional resistance to change requires adaptability and a commitment to building trust. Without trust, coaching remains superficial, with minimal impact on teaching practices or student outcomes.

Starting as an instructional coach is both exciting and challenging. Your first month is crucial for establishing trust, understanding the school’s culture, and setting the groundwork for effective coaching. Here’s a guide to help you build a strong foundation in those first 30 days.