Benefits of instructional coaching for teacher efficacy: A mixed methods study with PreK-6 teachers in California

Nichole R. Walsh
California State University, Fresno, CA, USA
Kristen Ginger
Central Unified School District, Fresno, CA, USA
Nancy Akhavan
California State University, Fresno, CA, USA

This mixed-methods, survey research explores the impact of instructional coaching in a mid-sized California school district on teacher efficacy, as assessed in part by Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk Hoy's (2001) Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale. Literature highlights instructional coaching activities, roles, and supports that can positively impact teachers. Research also identifies instructional coaches have the greatest impact when developing collaborative, trusting teacher relationships. Significant findings between perceived use of instructional coaching and teacher efficacy in classroom management, student engagement, and instruction are indicated. The paper includes implications for intentional use of instructional coaching with novice teachers to increase efficacy and how differentiation of instructional coaching with veteran teachers might increase value of the coaching process for this subgroup.
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Authors: Nichole R. Walsh EdD (corresponding author) is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at California State University, Fresno, California, USA. Additionally, Dr Walsh is the Co-Regional Director for the California Reading and Literature Project at Fresno State, with previous experience as a public secondary school classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator. Email: nwalsh@mail.fresnostate.edu Mrs Kristen Ginger MA is currently a public elementary school site principal for Central Unified School District in Fresno, California, USA. Mrs Ginger has public elementary teaching and instructional coaching experience. Email: kginger@centralusd.k12.ca.us Nancy Akhavan EdD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at California State University, Fresno, California, USA. Dr Akhavan has published numerous books and articles on instruction in K-12 settings. Email: nakhavan@mail.fresnostate.edu Please cite as: Walsh, N. R., Ginger, K. & Akhavan, N. (2020). Benefits of instructional coaching for teacher efficacy: A mixed methods study with PreK-6 teachers in California. Issues in Educational Research, 30(3), 1143-1161. http://www.iier.org.au/iier30/walsh.pdf