Recent research of over 60 studies, found that instructional coaching can improve the quality of a teacher’s instruction and lead to gains in student achievement. To meet this need, Public Consulting Group, Inc. (PCG) , a leading provider of research-based professional learning programs, is pleased to announce the launch of its innovative online course “Effective Coaching to Strengthen Instruction,” developed in collaboration with Learning Forward, the preeminent leader dedicated to K12 professional development. As part of the annual Learning Forward Conference taking place at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, PCG will be providing course information sessions located in the Grapevine Ballroom - C.

The course, led by Joellen Killion, senior advisor and former Deputy Executive Director of Learning Forward, addresses the need for professional development that is designed specifically for coaches, which is lacking in many districts nationwide. This type of PD will help schools improve the quality of coaching at scale by building a common language, shared goals and foundational skills, among coaching staff, leading to increased capacity and more effective instruction.

Additionally, the course is designed to guide instructional coaches through the fundamentals of coaching teachers, to strengthen the quality of instruction for improved student academic success.Course participants will see videos of authentic coaches’ meetings and classroom instruction; have access to topical readings and publications; and engage in practice-based resources and application projects.

“Effective Coaching to Strengthen Instruction” will help learners develop the skills they need to cultivate effective, sustainable coaching from establishing communication and learning to work with others in coaching relationships, to implementing classroom supports and the coaching cycle with teachers.

“At Learning Forward, we strive to build leaders’ capacity to deliver effective and sustainable programs that strengthen teacher performance and improve student achievement,” said Killion.“We’re thrilled to partner with PCG who shares our mission of providing an online learning experience that gives participants the on-going tools and support they need to foster a coaching culture within their schools, resulting in positive systemic change.”

The course will be delivered via PCG’s Professional Learning Platform, a collaborative online learning community, enabling education leaders across the country to build institutional capacity. Its self-paced, asynchronous format makes it easy for busy educators to access the course online on their own time, while practicing their skills in the classroom, and continuing their professional development using Learning Forward’s proven approach.

“We continue to see the positive mindset shift and the powerful results that effective coaching can have within school systems,” said Alvin Crawford, General Manager of PCG's Education practice. “Districts have invested in cadres of instructional coaches in schools. Effective coaching happens when coaches have the right professional development to develop a vision and a consistent high quality approach to coaching. We’re excited to collaborate with Learning Forward to bring this new online course to districts and schools nationwide.”

PCG currently offers a diverse catalogue of innovative online courses that are taken by educators across the nation for both continuing education and graduate credit, directly helping schools and districts increase instructional coaching capacity through effective professional development that’s focused, sustained, collaborative, supported by coaching, and includes opportunities for feedback and reflection. “Effective Coaching to Strengthen Instruction” is the latest course to be offered.

Joellen Killion, course instructor of “Effective Coaching to Strengthen Instruction” will be presenting the session, "Taking the Lead: New Roles for Teachers and School-based Coaches" at the Learning Forward Conference on Monday, December 3 from 8:30am -11:30am and continued from 2:30pm -4:30pm.

To learn more about this course, please contact PCG at (800) 728-0032 or onlinepl@pcgus.com.

About Public Consulting Group 
Public Consulting Group, Inc. (PCG) is a leading public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that partners with health, education, and human services agencies to improve lives. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, PCG has over 2,000 professionals in more than 50 offices around the US, in Canada and in Europe. PCG’s Education practice offers consulting services and technology solutions that help schools, school districts, and state education agencies/ministries of education to promote student success, improve programs and processes, and optimize financial resources. To learn more, visit http://www.publicconsultinggroup.com/education.

About Learning Forward 
Learning Forward is a nonprofit, international membership association of educators committed to one vision in K–12 education: Excellent teaching and learning every day. To realize that vision, Learning Forward pursues its mission to build the capacity of leaders to establish and sustain highly effective professional learning. Information about membership, services, and products is available from http://www.learningforward.org