Under Microsoft's U.S. Partners in Learning initiative, the Puget Sound Center's former T2CI model will continue throughout Washington as the "Peer Coaching Program" under the direction of the Ed Tech Support Centers. The program will be available to K-20 schools across the United States and in other countries, as well. It is built on the idea that teachers most often look to their colleagues first when they need assistance integrating technology into their classrooms. By training teachers as learning "coaches," they are better able to help their peers identify and implement ways that technology can strengthen classroom curricula and improve students' academic achievement.

Download Washington-Microsoft Peer Coaching Concept Paper

About The Peer Coaching Program:

The Peer Coaching Program is designed to help schools implement a professional development model that can enhance standards-based instruction by assisting teachers to offer students engaging, technology rich, learning activities.

The Peer Coaching Program will train teacher leaders to serve as peer coaches for colleagues. As coaches, these teachers will assist their peers in identifying ways that technology can strengthen classroom curriculum and enhance their students’ academic achievement. They will also help their colleagues to develop the necessary technology skills and instructional strategies needed to integrate technology into teaching and learning.

The goals of Peer Coaching are to foster the systematic integration of technology into classrooms by training teachers to become coaches for other teachers in their schools. As coaches, they will assist their peers in identifying ways that technology can strengthen classroom curriculum and enhance their students’ academic achievement. They will also help their colleagues develop the necessary technology skills and instructional strategies needed to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning.

Elements of Peer Coaching include:

• Hands-on creation of curricular projects and evaluation tools that address state and district curricular and technology standards and develop technology skills.
• Development of coaching skills and strategies through hands-on activities.
• Ongoing support through the use of a series of powerful online tools designed to assist coaches and participating teachers.
• Connecting coaches and teachers to community resources by matching them with corporate volunteers.

Visit the Peer Coaching Website at http://pc.innovativeteachers.com/mpc_web/PeerCoaching/pc_home.aspx

What is Peer Coaching
Coaching Models
Benefits
Program Activities

Coach Application Process:

Details on applying, deadlines, and contacts