The Center for Coaching at Foundations promotes a professional learning environment for educators across the country. We provide three distinct and complementary activities:

• the development of school-based coaches who are versed in classroom techniques and literacy strategies
• the development of school leaders who can promote a culture of coaching as a critical element of continuous improvement
• the development of mentors to support coaches and school leaders.

Student achievement depends in large measure on the quality of instruction. Teachers’ ability to shape and deliver instruction that engages students in high-level work on standards-based curriculum in all subjects depends on teachers’ professional knowledge and skill. Raising the quality of instruction throughout a school depends on a demanding yet supportive professional learning environment that features in-classroom, job-embedded collegial learning — instructional coaching.

The activities of the Center for Coaching at Foundations improve the effectiveness of instruction through in-person and online courses, small group and large group networking sessions, one-on-one mentoring in the field by Foundations mentors, and study groups, including facilitated study visits to observe coaching and mentoring in various settings.

The Center for Coaching at Foundations is a service of Foundations, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to building the quality of educational opportunities for children, youth, and families through work with public and charter schools, school districts, education and community-based organizations, and the afterschool field. As a capacity-building organization, Foundations focuses on professional development, technical assistance, program development, and supporting tools, publications, and services.