How Are You Leveraging Instructional Tech Coaches? Let’s Talk Wins, Whys, and What Works.

As I reflect on my various roles over the past several years—and the impending cuts I’m hearing about in the world of education—I keep returning to this truth: 

💡 Technology doesn’t transform classrooms. People do.

You can hand educators the most powerful tools in the world, but without meaningful support, those tools may sit idle. This is why instructional technology coaching matters more than ever.

Whether I was based in a single school, building relationships in classrooms every day, or working across a district to design large-scale professional learning, I’ve seen firsthand the power of coaching to unlock confidence, creativity, and change. Here are a few high-impact strategies that I've seen make a significant impact.

1️⃣ 1:1 Coaching: Personal, Practice, Powerful

1:1 coaching is the heartbeat of effective edtech integration. When coaches sit down alongside teachers—listening, planning, modeling, reflecting—we create space for authentic growth. Regardless of the coaching model you follow (I’m partial to the Apple Coaching Cycle), it’s the relationship and ongoing support that make the difference.

This might look like:

• Planning a lesson with a teacher who’s new to iPad integration
• Co-teaching to model tools like Clips, Keynote, or Pages in real time
• Supporting a department or grade-level team as they design tech-enhanced learning experiences
• Working through a coaching cycle, from identifying goals to reflecting on student outcomes

At the building level, these moments can happen daily. But even from a district seat, carving out time for this kind of personalized support creates ripple effects across classrooms.

2️⃣ Build Capacity Through Purposeful PD

Professional development is often the most visible part of a coach’s role—but it only sticks when it’s strategic, differentiated, and relevant.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Offer choice. Let teachers select sessions based on need, interest, and confidence level.
• Differentiate. Entry-level users need clear, accessible support. Advanced users are hungry for innovation and depth.
• Make it immediately usable. Teachers should leave feeling inspired and equipped.
• Model what you teach. If your session is on student creation tools, use them to deliver the PD.

When teachers feel seen, supported, and inspired during PD, they’re far more likely to bring those tools into their classrooms.

3️⃣ Cohorts: Develop Leaders, Not Just Learners

Instructional tech cohorts are one of the most powerful ways to build internal capacity and shift culture. These programs turn teachers into champions.

Strong cohort models often include:

• Year-long or two-year timelines for sustained growth
• Cycles of learning, implementation, reflection, and sharing
• Ongoing support from coaches—think of it as a “coaching slow drip”
• Digital badging to recognize mastery of micro-skills (creation tools, accessibility, student voice, etc.)
• Opportunities to lead in buildings and at district events

These educators become the trusted voice for innovation in their buildings. They don’t just use tech—they inspire others to do the same.

Transformation Needs a Guide

We can’t expect transformational change in classrooms without the support to make it happen. Technology initiatives often fail—not because of the tools, but because we underestimate the power of human connection in driving adoption.

Instructional tech coaches:

• Bridge the gap between tech and pedagogy
• Empower teachers to take risks
• Create safe spaces for exploration
• Model inclusive, accessible practices
• Celebrate progress, not just perfection

You can’t automate inspiration. You have to walk alongside it.

Your Turn 🚀

In a season where coaching roles are on the chopping block, our voices matter more than ever. Let’s keep collaborating, inspiring, and shining a light on the why behind instructional tech coaching—and the powerful impact it has on teaching and learning.

What is YOUR favorite instructional tech coaching strategy or story of impact? Let’s continue the conversation—because when we share, we grow stronger together.

👉 Drop your reflections in the comments. Let’s learn from each other.

Because technology may power the tools, but coaches power the transformation.