The America’s Choice Coaching Program provides modules on coaching skills, process, and culture. Using role plays, case studies, and instructional videos, coaches learn, practice, and master the individual skills—such as establishing a coaching relationship based on trust, listening actively, questioning effectively, offering constructive feedback, managing change, and overcoming resistance—needed to be effective in this leadership role.

Coaches also examine and practice how to use a research-based coaching process, including assessing needs based on data, developing and negotiating action plans for teacher development, and reflecting on and evaluating outcomes. Specific topics include using the principles of learning, teaching, and curriculum to plan teacher professional development; using observation and data to analyze root causes for gaps in performance; and using coaching tools and action planners to improve instruction. Coaches receive mentoring from national experts and rigorous assessment of their knowledge and skills.

The program also empowers coaches to create a coaching culture that supports ongoing collaboration and change through professional learning communities and teams. Coaches develop into effective facilitators and change agents who can work collaboratively with teacher teams and school leadership to foster positive results long after their training ends.