Suggested Reading List for Instructional Coaches
A reading list specifically for instructional coaches is one way teacher leaders can continue their own learning and hone their craft. The suggested reading list below are all titles recommended by teacher leaders in the field. By no means do you need to read all of these books. This list is simply a way to to help you know what other teacher leaders have found helpful and provide you with an organized method for perusing professional development options.
Suggested Reading List for Instructional Coaches
- Better Conversations* by Jim Knight
- Change the Way You See Everything by Kathryn Cramer
- Coaching: Approaches & Perspectives by Jim Knight
- Crucial Conversations* by Al Switzler
- Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
- Everyday Instructional Coaching by Nathan Lang-Raad
- Get Better Faster* by Paul Bambrick Santoyo
- Get Some Guts Coach by Jill Jackson
- Humble Inquiry by Edgar H. Schein
- Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction by Jim Knight
- Leaders of Learning by Richard DuFour
- Make It Happen: Coaching with the 4 Critical Questions of PLC’s at Work by Kim Bailey
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott
- Restorative Justice in the English Language Arts Classroom by the National Council of Teachers of English
- Simply Instructional Coaching* by Nicole Turner
- Skyrocket your Teacher Coaching* by Michael Cary Sonbert
- Student Centered Coaching by Diane Sweeney
- Teach Like a Champion* by Doug Lemov
- Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
- The Art of Coaching* by Elena Aguilar
- The Art of Coaching Teams by Elena Aguilar
- The Coaching Habit by Michael Stanier
- The Growth Mindset Coach by Ulysses Press
- The Impact Cycle by Jim Knight
- The Instructional Playbook by Jim Knight
- Trust Based Observations by Craig Randall
Note- My favorites have an * next to them and have proven to help me not only when I was first learning to become a coach, but years later as I created stronger support models to increase both teacher proficiency and student achievement.
Tips for Implementation
- Read over the summer or winter break when you have more time to process new learning
- Participate in a book study with other coaches to increase knowledge and accountability for growth
- Choose the book that is right for where you are in your leadership journey and/or matches the district, state or school initiatives you will be implementing in your role
- Read one book at a time and pair it with journal writing to ensure you are processing the new information
- Before picking up a new book, be sure to spend time implementing your new learning and tweaking your support approach
Happy Reading & GO BE GREAT!
What book titles would you add to the suggested reading list for instructional coaches?
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.
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