Subscribe to The AlignED Learning Co newsletter and blog, where you can explore insights on instructional coaching from experts like Kerry Kucala!
Mentoring 101: Coaching Conversations That Grow Teachers
Mentoring 101: Coaching Conversations That Grow Teachers
Mentoring 101: Coaching Conversations That Grow Teachers
Support your novice teachers with clarity, structure, and purpose through effective instructional leadership. This session equips instructional leaders with the tools to facilitate meaningful teacher coaching conversations that drive reflection, strengthen instruction, and build a collaborative school culture. Participants will learn how to: Ask targeted questions that promote teacher reflection and growth, structure coaching conversations for maximum impact, build a culture of peer observation and professional trust, and support novice teachers through mentoring programs without creating dependency. Best for: Instructional coaches, administrators, mentor teachers, and district leaders. Format: 1–2 day training.
Building a Standards & Skills-Based Classroom
Mentoring 101: Coaching Conversations That Grow Teachers
Mentoring 101: Coaching Conversations That Grow Teachers
Move beyond coverage—and toward measurable student learning.
Many teachers struggle to shift from content delivery to skill-based instruction. This session, designed for instructional leadership, provides a clear, practical framework for implementing standards-based teaching, learning targets, and proficiency scales.
Participants will leave with:
- A clear understanding of mastery-driven instruction
- Tools to design and implement learning targets and proficiency scales
- Strategies to track and respond to student data
- Systems to create a student-centered, growth-focused classroom through effective mentoring programs and teacher coaching.
Best for: Teachers, PLC teams, instructional coaches, administrators, district leaders
Format: 1–2 day training
Strengthening Rigor Through Student Ownership
Improving Student Discourse & Critical Thinking
Improving Student Discourse & Critical Thinking
Build classrooms where students take responsibility for their learning through effective instructional leadership. In today’s fast-paced, distraction-driven world, increasing rigor isn’t about doing more—it’s about helping students think more deeply. This session focuses on developing student ownership through reflection, goal-setting, and intentional questioning, key components of successful mentoring programs. Participants will learn how to: Implement student self-reflection and data tracking systems, Use DOK-leveled questioning to increase critical thinking, Create a culture where productive struggle is normalized, Shift responsibility for learning from teacher to student, and enhance teacher coaching skills. Best for: Teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, district teams. Format: Half-day or full-day training.
Improving Student Discourse & Critical Thinking
Improving Student Discourse & Critical Thinking
Improving Student Discourse & Critical Thinking
Empower students to lead meaningful academic conversations through effective instructional leadership. Structured, student-led discussions are among the most powerful approaches to assess learning and foster critical thinking. This session provides a comprehensive framework for implementing discussion protocols across all content areas, benefiting mentoring programs and enhancing teacher coaching.
Participants will learn how to:
- Facilitate structured, student-led discussions
- Teach students to develop high-level, DOK-aligned questions
- Use discourse as a tool for assessment
- Build systems for students to monitor and reflect on discussions
Best for: Teachers, PLC teams, instructional coaches, administrators
Format: 1–2 day training
Professional Speaking Events Experience
Complete 180 Conference , April 2026
Building Systems that Retain Novice Teachers
At the Complete 180 Conference, I led a professional development session focused on instructional leadership and the creation of effective novice teacher mentoring programs. The session centered on practical structures and supports that help schools retain early-career teachers by fostering strong mentorship, clear communication, and intentional guidance through teacher coaching. Participants explored strategies for creating sustainable mentoring practices that support teacher growth and improve retention.
Russellville School District , Russellville High School 2024- Current School Year
As a Teacher Leadership Professional Development Presenter, I design and deliver professional learning experiences that enhance instructional leadership and elevate instructional practice while deepening student learning. My primary focus is on mentoring programs, specifically within the novice teacher mentor program that I facilitate. I work to build rigorous, standards-aligned classrooms where students are actively engaged and accountable for their thinking. Through teacher coaching, I support educators in developing purposeful questioning strategies, fostering critical thinking, and creating skill-based learning environments that promote true cognitive engagement rather than mere compliance. Additionally, I guide teachers in implementing structures that encourage student reflection and ownership, empowering learners to understand their progress and take an active role in their growth. Whether collaborating at the district or building level, my sessions are practical, research-informed, and grounded in strategies that can be immediately applied in the classroom.
Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative, October 2025
Regional Principal Professional Development Presenter
I facilitated a professional learning session for regional principals focused on enhancing instructional leadership through the development of district-wide systems to support and retain novice teachers. The session emphasized structured mentoring programs, alignment across schools, and effective teacher coaching strategies aimed at creating consistent, sustainable systems that strengthen early-career teacher success and improve retention.
Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative, July 2025
I led a professional development session for mentor teachers and building principals focused on enhancing instructional leadership through effective mentoring programs. The session emphasized the importance of establishing clear mentoring practices, strengthening mentor-mentee relationships, and creating consistent supports that promote teacher coaching, development, and retention.
Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative, July 2024
I led a professional development session for teachers focused on fostering instructional leadership within their schools. The session emphasized identifying leadership opportunities, building capacity through mentoring programs to support colleagues, and creating structures that empower teachers to engage in teacher coaching, ultimately contributing to school-wide growth.