Build meaningful, effective instructional coaching relationships that lead to improved teaching and learning

Instructional Coaching Essentials: Partnerships, Principles, and Practices helps educators build stronger partnerships, navigate systemic constraints, and create coaching experiences that truly support teaching and learning. Rather than promoting a single coaching model, this professional resource takes a flexible, research-informed approach that helps educators adapt their practice to the systems they work in.

Grounded in adult learning science, motivation research, and equity-centered coaching, the book explores what makes coaching effective—and what often undermines it. Educational leader Chris Amirault addresses common challenges such as role confusion between coaching and supervision, power dynamics, limited time and space, and the emotional labor of coaching adults. Reflection prompts and real-world examples encourage readers to examine their own assumptions, principles, and coaching identities. This book:

• Introduces foundational principles of instructional coaching
• Explores how adults learn, change, and stay motivated
• Provides adaptable tools for before-, during-, and after-session coaching work
• Supports equitable, relationship-centered coaching practices

Perfect for instructional coaches and instructional coaching programs, as well as PLCs, school leaders, and higher education settings, Instructional Coaching Essentials provides the tools needed to coach effectively across diverse educational contexts.