Examining District Mathematics Leaders’ Support for School-based Mathematics Coaches
Mathematics coaching differs significantly from mathematics teaching, and many coaches transition to the role directly from teaching with limited opportunities to learn to work effectively with teachers. Although coach professional development can provide one source of support for coaches’ learning, coaches might also benefit from close work with other accomplished facilitators of teachers’ learning, such as district mathematics leaders. This study analyzed interviews with 15 district mathematics leaders to understand whether and how they supported school-based mathematics coaches.
Mathematics coaching differs significantly from mathematics teaching, and many coaches transition to the role directly from teaching with limited opportunities to learn to work effectively with teachers. Although coach professional development can provide one source of support for coaches’ learning, coaches might also benefit from close work with other accomplished facilitators of teachers’ learning, such as district mathematics leaders. This study analyzed interviews with 15 district mathematics leaders to understand whether and how they supported school-based mathematics coaches.