| Course Number: | EDX 5710 S53 |
| Instructor: | Jen Coltey, M.Ed. |
| Location: | Online |
| Dates and Times: | Mar 01, 2026 - May 10, 2026. Video meetings on 9am to 12pm on March 7, April 4 and May 2nd. The remainder of the course takes place in an independent, asynchronous format. |
| Credits: | 3 Credits |
| Tuition: | $1,195 |
This graduate-level course examines coaching as a core leadership practice for improving instructional effectiveness, professional culture, and organizational learning in schools. Participants will develop practical coaching skills applicable to instructional coaching, teacher leadership, and formal administrative roles. Grounded in The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, the course emphasizes a shift from directive problem-solving to inquiry-based coaching that empowers colleagues and fosters shared ownership of growth and improvement.
Through structured engagement with Stanier’s seven essential coaching questions, along with curated podcasts and professional readings, participants will strengthen their ability to facilitate reflective conversations, build trust-based professional relationships, leverage data to inform decision-making, and support inclusive and equitable learning communities.
Participants will apply coaching strategies to authentic leadership contexts, reflect on their own leadership dispositions, and design a sustainable coaching action plan aligned with school or district improvement goals. The course supports the development of collaborative leadership capacity and aligns with professional standards for educators and educational leaders by promoting ethical practice, continuous professional learning, and shared vision in educational settings.
Audience: All K-12 educators with an earned Bachelor’s Degree, especially those with instructional coaching, teacher leadership, and formal administrative roles.
Course Goals:
Participants will develop practical coaching skills that support instructional coaching, teacher leadership, and formal administrative roles, emphasizing inquiry-based conversations over directive problem-solving.
Participants will cultivate reflective habits and collaborative approaches that build trust-based professional relationships and foster a culture of continuous learning within educational settings.
Participants will learn to use coaching questions and relevant data sources to guide instructional improvement, address complex challenges, and support informed decision-making.
Participants will examine how coaching practices can support inclusive leadership, honor diverse perspectives, and contribute to equitable learning environments for students and educators.
Participants will create a personal or team-based coaching action plan that aligns with school or district goals and supports long-term leadership development and organizational improvement.
Course Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Each week’s assignment is do on Saturday by midnight.
1–4: Internalizing the 7 Questions
5–6: Practicing Coaching Conversations
7: Coaching for Data, Equity, & Improvement
8: Coaching Culture & Strategic Vision
Final: Applied Coaching Leadership Project
Costs, if any, for required readings/resources are not included in the course cost.
Main Text:
Stainer, M.B. (2016). The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, & Change the Way You Lead Forever. Box of Crayons Press.
Options in addition to reading The Coaching Habit
Participants will choose one additional book from the following list or other approved book within the last 5 years.
Renwick, M. (2022). Leading Like a C.O.A.C.H.: 5 Strategies for Supporting Teaching and Learning. Corwin Press.
Cusack, T., & Bustamante, V. (2023). Leader Ready: Four Pathways to Prepare Aspiring School Leaders. Corwin Press.
Gutierrez, N.B., Jarney, M., & Kim, M. (2024). Coaching Education Leaders: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Transforming Schools and Systems. Routledge.
Glanz, J. (2024). Creating a Culture of Excellence: A School Leader's Guide to Best Practices in Teaching, Curriculum, Professional Development, Supervision, and Evaluation. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Anderson, E., Cunningham, K., Eddy-Spicer, D. (2023). Leading Continuous Improvement in Schools. Routledge.
Candelaire, D. (2023). Leading for Equity in Uncertain Times. Emerald Publishing.
There will also be supporting articles and podcasts that are required and within the last 5 years.
(802) 345-1142
(802) 468-1325