Must Have Supplies for An Instructional Coach
As an instructional coach, there are certain items that can make supporting teachers easier. Each of the items shared here are highly recommended by myself as a teacher leader working in multiple buildings across a large district.
Grab a binder and fill it with essentials like your standards, pacing guide, and teacher performance rubrics.
Below is a list of categorized items (as well as a brief description) that I used as an instructional coach:
Office Supplies
- Binder– Place all of your coaching forms and documents in one place
- Binder Dividers– Organize your paperwork into sections with dividers
- Binder Clips– Gather groups of related items together
- Binder Pencil Pouch– Keep all of your writing utensils together at the front of your binder for easy access
- File Folders– Keep records for each teacher that you support in one folder and store in safe location
- Pocket Folders– Keep materials for grade levels or content areas in one place that is easy to grab on the go
- Labels– Organize your working space for efficiency
- Highlighters– Draw attention to specific aspects of a document (and have supplies on hand for teachers to use during a meeting too)
- Post-Its – Take notes for yourself on the go or leave notes behind for teachers as you visit classrooms
- Flair Pens– Add some fun color to your notes
- Notepad– Take longer notes on a cute space (larger than a post it but smaller than an 8 x 11 piece of paper)
- Page Protectors– Keep your master copies safe
- Sharpie Markers– Label your items with ease
- Clip Board– Place your materials on a easy to reference surface
- Large Chart Paper– Make presenting or organizing thoughts for a group of people easy with sticky back chart paper that adhere’s to any wall
Swag
- Bag– Carry all of your essential items with you in a comfy, cute tote
- Mug– Energize yourself for a day of coaching with a cute mug
- T-Shirt– Celebrate your role as a teacher support person on dress down days at school
Technology
- i-Pad– Digitize your work on the go
- Lap Top– Break out your portable work station when needed
- Flash Drive– Access your documents with ease on the go
Additional Resources
- Instructional Coaching Guides, Forms & PD – Everything you need to be successful!
- Professional Development Courses – Continue your growth & development with these courses.
- Suggested Reading List – A reading list specifically for instructional coaches!
Happy shopping as you build your coaching tool kit! Also, catch up on other help instructional coaching blog posts here. GO BE GREAT!
What supplies would you recommend for an instructional coach?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.