Why Partner with
The EA on Educator Development?
Passionate about Educational Equity:
The Educator Academy exists to make an equitable education system a reality, and has been invested in the preparation and development of teachers for nearly a decade. Now we have the opportunity to partner with teachers in your school to make an impact on teacher development through instructional coaching. Learn more about our approach to coaching, and our team.
Track Record of Success:
An independent research study conducted at the University of Missouri, found that students in The EA teacher’s classrooms outperformed their peers taught by teachers of similar experience levels. This was true both for teachers who were traditionally developed, and those trained and developed by Teach for America. The same study indicated that The EA teachers were more likely to stay in the profession than other first-year teachers. This speaks directly to the value and power of our coaching and development practices.
The success of those educators is, in part, a result of strong relationships with our partner schools and the quality of our mentor teachers. It is also a direct result of The Educator Academy’s tandem strategy of providing high-quality professional development and effective, research based instructional coaching. In this way, those teachers act as examples and proof points of the efficacy of The Educator Academy’s coaching and professional development practices.
Why Prioritize Instructional Coaching Development?
Teacher Retention Must Be Addressed
Missouri’s teacher shortage was labeled as a “crisis” by the state board in 2022, and the teacher shortage has not improved over recent years, with teacher retention continuing to decrease year over year. All of this data points to the urgent and important need to continue to prepare and retain teachers. Communities need both new teachers in schools and to retain those already there, because high teacher turnover has been related to lower educational outcomes for students. By prioritizing teacher retention, we continue to pursue our vision of all students having access to a high-quality education.
Instructional Coaching Supports Students and Teachers
Instructional coaching not only supports student outcomes, but can increase teacher satisfaction. Novice teachers who receive coaching are more likely to stay in the profession, and are likely to see the greatest impact from coaching. When teachers are open to improving their practice, coaching is proven to have an impact. For those who are resistant to coaching, creative models like group coaching can improve buy-in and coaching outcomes.
Our Philosophy for Instructional Coaching is unique
At The EA, we see coaching as a primary lever to grow and develop highly effective teachers. Coaches embody dedication, build trust, and guide meaningful growth through active listening, inquiry, and tough conversations. We adapt our styles to support the needs of teachers, grounding ourselves in equity work across lines of difference. We value and support perseverance and encourage reflection. All of these characteristics are in service of the students in our community, that they may learn alongside highly effective teachers and have access to an equitable education.
Improve Student Learning
The impact of instructional coaching on student achievement is roughly half a year to a year of learning. This is double the impact of summer learning programs and at a more cost-effective rate than direct student services. Instructional coaching impacts student achievement by improving the quality of instruction they receive at school from their teachers.
Research underlines the importance and effectiveness of investing in teacher development. By improving the practice of teachers, we can support teacher retention and multiply the impact of teachers on students.
Improve Teacher Efficacy
Services we offer
- 1. Instructional Coaching for Teachers
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Our Educator Development team provides individual instructional coaching for teachers. Utilizing our instructional coaching framework, we use feedback to improve the instructional outcomes of teachers. This service can be applied at varying scales depending on the circumstances of your school.
- 2. Development for Instruction Coaching Staff
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In addition to providing coaching directly to teachers, we provide development to instructional coaches on how to coach more effectively. As instructional coaches becomes more common in schools and districts, it is paramount to ensure that the implementation of that coaching is effective. By investing in the development of instructional coaches, the impact on teachers and students is expansive. This is a great option for schools that have instructional coaches on staff but are looking to more effectively implement coaching across their school site(s).
- 3. Specific School Solutions
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At The Educator Academy, we work with schools to identify instructional gaps and opportunities to enhance teacher effectiveness. We craft our approach to the needs of your community, and can work with your district or school site(s) to develop solutions that fit your specific context around educator development. Whether you are looking to support your instructional staff in coaching, through coaching, or in other areas where our expertise meets your needs, we will work with you to create a solution.
Meet the Team
The Educator Academy’s Educator Development Team
Leslie McTighe
Leslie is the Chief Program Officer at The Educator Academy, bringing 18 years of education experience. She is dedicated to enhancing our community through the impact of quality teaching and learning in our education system. Joining The EA in its early years, Leslie served as the Director of Curriculum and Program, crafting a curriculum grounded in the science of learning and the art of teaching, with a focus on culturally responsive pedagogy, human development, and effective assessment. As Chief Program Officer, she now oversees strategies for teacher development and retention at all career stages. Prior to The Educator Academy, Leslie was an elementary teacher and principal in Kansas City, Missouri.
Ericka Morris
Ericka is a Program Manager of Educator Development at The Educator Academy. Ericka will have 20 years of experience in education this fall, five of them performing as an instructional coach across all content areas, K-8, including early literacy foundations embedded in the science of reading. Ericka has a Volume I Certificate from LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), and extensive experience coaching in Trauma Informed Instruction, Cultural Competency and Project Based Learning.
Melissa Noland
Melissa is a Program Manager of Educator Development at The Educator Academy. Melissa has over 10 years of coaching experience and has been a coach with The EA since 2018. She has coached all grades and contents in K-12 education and has a high level of experience in secondary science. In addition, Melissa has developed and facilitated instruction for pre- and in-service teachers, including developing a certification pathway for secondary teachers. She is certified as a Marzano Evaluator and an Equity Facilitator (DEEP). She has also received a Certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.
Tawar Khalandi
Tawar is a Program Manager of Educator Development at The Educator Academy. Tawar is entering her ninth year in education, including teaching for five years and joining The EA in 2020. Since joining The Educator Academy staff, Tawar has coached educators across all content areas in grades K-8. In addition, Tawar has developed and facilitated instruction for residents and mentor teachers rooted in foundational learning and skills for both pre-service teachers and mentors.