Middle School Coaching
Empowering educators to teach with confidence and purpose. Download our Culture of Coaching GuideRead our FAQInspire growth.
Build trust.
Transform teaching.
Fostering Growth Through Partnership
We know that meaningful change takes time—and that stepping outside your comfort zone is where real growth happens. At SIS4Teachers, we welcome thoughtful questions, encourage reflection, and create a safe, forward-moving learning environment for all coaching and PD interactions.
Constructive Dialogue
Honest conversations that explore teaching practices and student learning, grounded in mutual respect.
Shared Problem-Solving
We grow together through shared reflection, curiosity, and teamwork in service of student learning.
Respectful Exchange of Ideas
We welcome diverse perspectives and use professional dialogue to stay focused on what’s best for students.
Curiosity & Willingness to Grow
We approach new strategies with curiosity and a readiness to explore fresh ideas that support our students.
Want to learn more about our coaching philosophy?
The SIS team works shoulder-to-shoulder with you and your team.
- Transformative strategies that elevate math instruction
- Classroom games, downloadables, and other resources
- Customized coaching to meet real teacher needs
- Access to coach for questions between sessions
Coaching that Builds Teacher Capacity
SIS coaching is sustained, embedded professional learning designed to transform math instruction from the inside out. We don’t just deliver PD—we partner with schools to build teacher confidence, strengthen pedagogy, and create a thriving culture of learning.
Coaching with SIS4Teachers...
Develops Deep Content Knowledge
Teachers learn math conceptually, not just procedurally.
Provides Real-Time Support
Coaching takes place in classrooms and addresses authentic teaching moments.
Fosters Reflective Practice
We work with teachers to analyze student work, teaching moves, and next steps for growth.
Strengthens Instructional Practice
Teachers work to deepen student understanding with strategies such as number talks, inquiry-based lessons, and visual models.
Centers around Students
We focus on what learners say, do, and understand, not just on what’s taught.
Creates a Culture of Learning
Our goal is for schools to become communities of collaboration, trust, and professional growth.
Build the pedagogy your teachers need to teach math confidently and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is SIS coaching in middle school different from elementary coaching?
Elementary coaching has a natural progression where we typically begin with numeracy development before moving on to addition/subtraction strategies, then multiplication/division, and so on.
Middle school coaching tends to center around the 8 Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMPs). We discuss and explore ways in which we can build student to student communication, verbal reasoning, increase perseverance, and more. The coaching is more customizable based on the teacher’s comfort with the SMPs.
What is 1 to 1 coaching? What is cluster coaching?
One to one coaching is when a coach works individually with teachers. Cluster coaching involves a group of teachers (typically grade levels) working together with the coach.
Do I need a sub when I work with a coach?
This will depend on the type of work we do together, but with middle school coaching we are typically in the classroom with you. We might model an activity, observe an activity, co-teach with you or engage with your students as they are working and learning.
What is reverse coaching?
Reverse coaching is when your coach has an opportunity to watch you take the lead on new learning. Your coach will act as an observer and provide targeted feedback and support.
Can we participate in instructional rounds?
We would love to have teachers participate in instructional rounds once our coaching is up and running! Instructional Rounds are an excellent way for teachers to learn together by visiting classrooms with a specific focus in mind. The goal is to notice patterns in teaching and learning that can help us improve as a whole school. We think of it like “learning walks” where we gather ideas, reflect on what we see, and use that information to strengthen instruction for all students.
Below is a glimpse at the roles that each person plays during instructional rounds.
|
Instructional Coach |
-Facilitates the process -Helps to identify the problem of practice -Provides tools for collecting observation notes -Guides the debrief conversation to ensure observations stay focused on learning, not evaluation -Supports next steps for professional learning based on trends observed. |
|
Principal/Administrator |
-Helps set the vision and purpose for the rounds -Ensures a supportive and non-evaluative environment -Participates as a learner alongside the teachers, modeling curiosity and reflective thinking -Uses insights from rounds to inform schoolwide PD opportunities |
|
Host Teacher |
-Open their classrooms as a learning space for colleagues -Shares the lesson’s learning goal and any context observers should know beforehand -Teaches while observers quietly collect evidence related to the focus area -Receives feedback indirectly through schoolwide discussion themes, not individual critique |
|
Participants |
-Enter the classroom as learners, not evaluators -Collect descriptive notes connected to the agreed-upon focus -Reflect on what they notice about student thinking and instructional strategies -Contribute to group debriefs that identify patterns and ideas for classroom practice |
What can I expect from my coach? What will my coach expect from me?
You can expect support, respect and trust from your coach. Your coach is a former middle school teacher, so you can expect knowledge regarding your curriculum and pedagogy.
Your coach will expect a desire to learn, an openness to trying new things and a willingness to reflect on your instructional practices.
For more information, download our Culture of Coaching Guide.
Thousands of K-12 schools struggle to meet math performance standards, leaving them at a loss for how to improve results.
Strategic Intervention Solutions provides professional development, coaching, and classroom resources to help teachers confidently equip their students to excel in math.
