The Coach's Compass: Navigating Tiered Coaching in a PLC at Work(r) (Navigating Instructional Coaching Toward True North)

By Jennifer Parker and Tesha Ferriby Thomas

The Coach's Compass model, from authors Tesha Ferriby Thomas and Jennifer Parker, presents instructional coaching as a collaborative journey toward a shared destination. The unique MTSS-C framework adapts MTSS student intervention principles to support teachers through tiered coaching interactions. Founded on four quadrants--trust, goals, modeling, and resources--the Coach's Compass provides a framework that fuels professional growth and drives continuous improvement.

This guidebook equips K-12 instructional coaches and leaders to: Align coaching efforts with PLC priorities and instructional improvement goals Adapt coaching strategies based on readiness, context, and need Identify who to support using the MTSS-C framework to differentiate coaching for teams and individuals Define what to focus on through four coaching quadrants--trust, goals, modeling, and resources Determine how to shift from isolated interventions to purposeful, tiered interactions
Contents:
Introduction: The Importance of Coaching in Education
Chapter 1: PLC Approach to Coaching
Chapter 2: The Coach's Compass
Chapter 3: Quadrant 1--Trust and Relationships
Chapter 4: Quadrant 1 Scenarios and Debriefing
Chapter 5: Quadrant 2--Goals and Outcomes
Chapter 6: Quadrant 2 Scenarios and Debriefing
Chapter 7: Quadrant 3--Teaching and Modeling
Chapter 8: Quadrant 3 Scenarios and Debriefing
Chapter 9: Quadrant 4--Support and Resources
Chapter 10: Quadrant 4 Scenarios and Debriefing
Chapter 11: Navigating the Tiers and Quadrants With the Coaching Log
Epilogue
Appendix A: Coaching Interactions Log
Appendix B: Personal Interest Survey
Appendix C: Free Personality Assessments
Appendix D: Protocols for Creating Norms and Collective Commitments
Appendix E: Conflict Resolution Tool Kit
Appendix F: Chalk Talk
Appendix G: Structured Dialogue Protocols for Teacher Teams
Appendix H: Accountable Talk Frames
Appendix I: Celebrate Small Wins Tool Kit
Appendix J: Ladder of Inference
Appendix K: Courageous Conversations Compass
Appendix L: Protocols for Constructive Conflict
Appendix M: SCARF Protocol
Appendix N: Reciprocal Peer Observation Walkthrough Protocol
Appendix O: SMART Goal Template
Appendix P: Root-Cause Analysis Protocols
Appendix Q: Data Analysis Protocols
Appendix R: Last Word Protocol
Appendix S: Retrieval Practice Planning Guide
Appendix T: Graphic Organizer Planning Template
Appendix U: Learning Labs
Appendix V: Instructional Rounds
Appendix W: Stop and Jot Protocol
Appendix X: Four Hats Protocol
Appendix Y: Shifting Mindset From Fixed to Growth
Appendix Z: Coach Goal-Setting Worksheet--Coach, Team, Teacher, Standards, Students
References and Resources
Index

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GMRSLP3H
• ISBN13: 9798893740950
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Solution Tree
• Length: 256 Pages