Alpine School District will celebrate National Instructional Coaches Appreciation Day on October 6. According to an October 5 statement, schools and district departments across the district will honor instructional coaches for their dedication to classroom success.
Instructional coaches in the district perform several distinct roles to strengthen classroom instruction. Professional Learning Community (PLC) coaches assist teacher teams with curriculum alignment, data analysis, and targeted student interventions. Innovative Learning Coaches (ILCs) focus on the meaningful integration of educational technology into daily learning. Other specialized roles include multilingual learner coaches, special education coaches, and secondary content specialists.
The presence of coaches provides significant support to school leadership. Ruthie Cheeseman, an assistant principal at Grovecrest Elementary, stated that coaches take a heavy burden off the plates of principals and assistant principals. Cheeseman noted that coaches build a unique level of trust with teachers and act as instructional leaders who help educators meet students where they are through data and curriculum support.
Coaches also play a vital role in helping educators implement digital tools. Cheeseman explained that ILCs work to ensure technology acts as a meaningful enhancement to instruction rather than a replacement for teaching. For secondary educators, coaches serve as trusted thought partners. Thor Labrum, a first-year teacher at Skyridge High School, said he meets regularly with coaches to brainstorm ideas and implement new teaching strategies, including classroom management and instructional models.
Dr. Vallen Thomas, Director of Educational Services, expressed appreciation for the coaches, stating that their work has a profound impact on students and ripples through classrooms every day.
