The Coach’s Compass

The Coach’s Compass model, from authors Tesha Ferriby Thomas and Jennifer Parker, presents instructional coaching as a collaborative journey toward a shared destination. The unique MTSS-C framework adapts MTSS student intervention principles to support teachers through tiered coaching interactions. Founded on four quadrants—trust, goals, modeling, and resources—the Coach’s Compass provides a framework that fuels professional growth and drives continuous improvement.

This guidebook equips K–12 instructional coaches and leaders to:

• Align coaching efforts with PLC priorities and instructional improvement goals
• Adapt coaching strategies based on readiness, context, and need
• Identify who to support using the MTSS-C framework to differentiate coaching for teams and individuals
• Define what to focus on through four coaching quadrants—trust, goals, modeling, and resources
• Determine how to shift from isolated interventions to purposeful, tiered interactions

Contents:
Introduction: The Importance of Coaching in Education
Chapter 1: PLC Approach to Coaching
Chapter 2: The Coach’s Compass
Chapter 3: Quadrant 1—Trust and Relationships
Chapter 4: Quadrant 1 Scenarios and Debriefing
Chapter 5: Quadrant 2—Goals and Outcomes
Chapter 6: Quadrant 2 Scenarios and Debriefing
Chapter 7: Quadrant 3—Teaching and Modeling
Chapter 8: Quadrant 3 Scenarios and Debriefing
Chapter 9: Quadrant 4—Support and Resources
Chapter 10: Quadrant 4 Scenarios and Debriefing
Chapter 11: Navigating the Tiers and Quadrants With the Coaching Log
Epilogue
Appendix A: Coaching Interactions Log
Appendix B: Personal Interest Survey
Appendix C: Free Personality Assessments
Appendix D: Protocols for Creating Norms and Collective Commitments
Appendix E: Conflict Resolution Tool Kit
Appendix F: Chalk Talk
Appendix G: Structured Dialogue Protocols for Teacher Teams
Appendix H: Accountable Talk Frames
Appendix I: Celebrate Small Wins Tool Kit
Appendix J: Ladder of Inference
Appendix K: Courageous Conversations Compass
Appendix L: Protocols for Constructive Conflict
Appendix M: SCARF Protocol
Appendix N: Reciprocal Peer Observation Walkthrough Protocol
Appendix O: SMART Goal Template
Appendix P: Root-Cause Analysis Protocols
Appendix Q: Data Analysis Protocols
Appendix R: Last Word Protocol
Appendix S: Retrieval Practice Planning Guide
Appendix T: Graphic Organizer Planning Template
Appendix U: Learning Labs
Appendix V: Instructional Rounds
Appendix W: Stop and Jot Protocol
Appendix X: Four Hats Protocol
Appendix Y: Shifting Mindset From Fixed to Growth
Appendix Z: Coach Goal-Setting Worksheet—Coach, Team, Teacher, Standards, Students
References and Resources
Index