Best practices for remote teaching by Instructional Coaches

Remote teaching has transformed how Instructional Coaches support educators. Whether fully virtual or in a hybrid environment, coaching in a remote setting requires new strategies for engagement, communication, and collaboration. Effective Instructional Coaches must learn to translate their in-person practices into digital formats that maintain strong relationships and drive instructional improvement. Here are the best practices for delivering impactful remote coaching that supports teacher development and student success.

1. Establish Trust Through Consistent Communication

Building relationships remotely takes intentional effort. Coaches should:

• Hold regular video check-ins using platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams
• Send weekly email updates or newsletters with curated teaching tips and resources
• Be accessible via chat tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for quick coaching support
• Use tone and visuals to make virtual communication warm, clear, and encouraging

Consistency in virtual communication builds trust and keeps teachers engaged in the coaching relationship.

2. Facilitate Virtual Coaching Cycles

Coaching cycles can be adapted for remote delivery. Best practices include:

• Setting SMART goals collaboratively during virtual goal-setting sessions
• Using screencasts or video uploads for asynchronous lesson observation and feedback
• Scheduling post-observation reflections through video conferencing
• Tracking goals and next steps in shared documents like Google Docs or Trello boards

Structure and flexibility help remote coaching cycles remain focused and effective.

3. Use Interactive Tools to Model Engagement

Instructional Coaches can demonstrate student engagement strategies virtually by using:

• Jamboard or Padlet: For real-time collaboration and brainstorming with teachers
• Nearpod or Pear Deck: To model interactive instructional practices in PD or demo lessons
• Flip or Loom: For asynchronous video reflection, modeling, or teacher feedback
• Google Slides + embedded activities: To design remote-friendly teaching templates

By modeling effective virtual tools, coaches help teachers feel more confident delivering remote instruction.

4. Maintain Data-Driven Focus

Remote environments still require data-informed decisions. Coaches should:

• Guide teachers in using digital formative assessments to monitor student progress
• Review student engagement and completion data from LMS platforms
• Track coaching impact and teacher goals using tools like Google Sheets or KickUp
• Share insights visually to support action planning and reflection

Data keeps coaching grounded in student needs—even from a distance.

5. Offer Personalized, Just-In-Time Support

Virtual teaching requires flexibility and responsiveness. Coaches can:

• Provide short, recorded screencasts to address specific teacher questions
• Maintain an FAQ or digital resource library accessible on-demand
• Host “office hours” for drop-in virtual support
• Tailor support plans based on teacher comfort level with technology and remote pedagogy

Timely, individualized coaching helps teachers adapt quickly and effectively.

6. Sustain Teacher Morale and Community

Isolation is common in remote teaching—coaches play a vital role in maintaining morale. Try:

• Creating a virtual staff shout-out board or newsletter
• Celebrating coaching milestones and teacher wins, big or small
• Organizing virtual learning walks or peer-sharing sessions
• Checking in on teachers’ emotional well-being during coaching conversations

Human connection is as essential as instructional support in remote environments.

7. Reflect and Iterate on Virtual Coaching Practices

Instructional Coaches must also reflect on their digital impact. Regularly:

• Collect teacher feedback on virtual coaching sessions
• Analyze participation data in PD or coaching activities
• Adjust pacing, delivery, and tools based on what’s working
• Engage in your own remote PD to stay ahead of trends and challenges

Reflection ensures that coaching remains responsive and effective in remote settings.

Conclusion

Remote coaching offers new opportunities to support teachers in flexible, innovative ways. By focusing on strong communication, interactive tools, data-informed support, and teacher well-being, Instructional Coaches can maintain high-quality coaching that makes a difference—even at a distance. With intentional planning and adaptive strategies, remote coaching can be just as powerful as in-person support.