When I first started teaching, the best professional development I received came from two people: the math coach at my school and my assigned mentor teacher.

It wasn’t perfect. The math coach only focused on math, and my mentor teacher often had to teach her own class while I was in front of mine. Still, their support shaped me more than any workshop or training I attended in those early years.

Why was it so effective?

  • It was concrete. The feedback was grounded in actual evidence of what I was teaching.
  • It was iterative. Each round built on my prior progress instead of starting fresh every time.
  • It was positive. My coaches highlighted strengths as well as areas for refinement, which made the feedback motivating.
  • It was responsive. The focus wasn’t just on what I wanted to improve, but also on proven practices drawn from the best teachers.
  • It was modeled. The math coach, in particular, wasn’t afraid to stand up and demonstrate what excellence looked like.
  • It was successful. With each new skill I mastered, I could see and feel my growth, which fueled further improvement.

Looking back, that combination of evidence, responsiveness, encouragement, modeling, and iteration made the difference. It’s the kind of support I want every teacher to have.

You may already know about the online coaching program I facilitate, the Steplab Coaching Ambassador Program, which runs year-round for North American educators. Applications for the current cohort are technically closed, but I’m still accepting late applicants who agree to catch up on the first recording and readings.

Which brings me to an exciting announcement: I’m leading a one-day Instructional Coaching Intensive in New York City.

📍 Location: FLACS Middle School (316 East 165th Street, Bronx, NY 10456)

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

💵 Cost: $390 per delegate (coffee, pastries, and lunch included)

This highly practical session is designed for instructional leaders, mentors, coordinators, and administrators. You’ll learn:

  • The research base for instructional coaching
  • How to conduct impactful observations and feedback conversations
  • Strategies for deliberate practice and sustaining coaching through drop-ins
  • Ways to build a shared vision for improving teaching and learning

👉 See full details and register here.

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Published by Zach Groshell

Zach Groshell, PhD is a highly distinguished teacher, instructional coach, and education consultant. Zach is based in the Seattle area and works with schools around the globe to develop high quality instruction based on the science of how kids learn. Zach hosts the podcast, Progressively Incorrect, and is the author of Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching.