Alpine School District marked National Instructional Coaches Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Oct. 6, according to a report published Oct. 6. The district recognized five categories of instructional coaches who are embedded in every one of the district's 91 schools.
The specialized coaching roles include Professional Learning Community (PLC) coaches, who guide teacher teams through curriculum alignment and data analysis. Innovative Learning Coaches (ILCs) assist teachers in integrating technology as a classroom tool. Additionally, the district employs special education coaches, multilingual learner coaches, and secondary content specialists.
Ruthie Cheeseman, an assistant principal at Grovecrest Elementary in Pleasant Grove, stated that coaches provide a unique level of support to teachers that differs from what administrators offer. Cheeseman noted that this trust helps lift a significant burden from principals and assistant principals. She further explained that ILCs focus on ensuring technology serves specific lesson plans to prevent students from spending entire days on Chromebooks without purpose.
Thor Labrum, a first-year teacher at Skyridge High School in Lehi, said in a district spotlight published Monday that coaches help him build lesson models, manage his classroom, and implement new teaching strategies. Labrum noted that the coaches are always available to discuss ideas, which helps create a collaborative culture.
Dr. Vallen Thomas, the director of educational services for Alpine School District, stated that coaches bring steady support and dedication to schools every day. Thomas credited their work with the strengthening of instruction across classrooms throughout the district.
Alpine School District serves 86,645 students across its 91 schools. The district released the recognition on various school websites on Monday, including those for Skyridge High School and Mountain Ridge Junior High.
