A Transformational Start to the Year in Teacher Development

A Transformational Start to the Year in Teacher Development

We have taken a huge step forward in teacher development at Saint Ignatius College with the commencement of instructional coaching. Instructional coaching is a professional development approach designed to refine teaching practice through personalised, ongoing support. Unlike traditional professional development approaches, instructional coaching is about growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. By using regular observations and structured feedback, teachers make incremental yet meaningful changes that enhance student learning.

Our commitment to this approach is already making an impact. With 32 trained coaches and 60 teachers actively engaged, the momentum is strong. Even before the end of Term 1, an impressive 72 observation-feedback conversations have taken place! This reflects a significant cultural shift—our classrooms are more open, meaningful conversations about teaching practice are taking place regularly, and teachers are embracing the opportunity to learn from and with one another. As both a coach and a coachee, I have found it truly inspiring to visit other classrooms and observe my colleagues. I have also been incredibly grateful for the observation feedback I have received and ‘next step’ suggestions to take on board.

We have commenced this initiative by coaching all Year 7 and 8 teachers to support their delivery of our new Connected Curriculum, ensuring that our students benefit from evidence-based teaching approaches from the very start of their secondary schooling. To support this work, we are using Steplab, a platform designed to streamline and enhance coaching. Fellow coach Kim Lanigan and I recently attended a Steplab coaching intensive workshop at Lowther Hall, which was a fantastic day of learning led by Josh Goodrich (Steplab UK founder) and Ollie Lovell (Steplab Australia & host of the ERRR podcast). We’re excited to share the key takeaways from this experience in early Term 2 as we continue to embed, grow, and evolve this professional learning.

One of the most powerful aspects of instructional coaching is its personalised nature—each teacher works on a specific next step relevant to their practice. While these individual incremental changes may seem small in isolation, together they create a significant impact across the entire school, shaping a stronger learning environment for both teachers and students.

This is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to support our teachers in their evidence-based teaching approaches throughout the school. Thank you to all the staff involved for their dedication and openness to this transformative journey.

Jemma Morris

Director of Teacher Development