Online Post-Master’s Certificate in Instructional Coaching

Great teaching transforms student learning, and great instructional coaches help make that transformation possible across entire schools. UNC Greensboro’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Instructional Coaching prepares experienced educators to lead meaningful instructional improvement by partnering with teachers, facilitating professional learning, and using evidence-based coaching practices to strengthen classroom instruction. Designed for educators who already hold a master’s degree, this flexible graduate certificate combines advanced leadership development with practical, job-embedded experiences that empower graduates to foster collaborative learning cultures and improve outcomes for all students.

Online Certificate in Instructional Coaching Program Distinctions

The Instructional Coaching program places an emphasis on coaching individual teachers, analyzing instruction, facilitating adult professional learning, using data to improve classroom practice, and building collaborative instructional cultures.

The UNC Greensboro School of Education was named one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.

The Online Certificate in Instructional Coaching Student Experience

UNCG delivers the Instructional Coaching certificate program in a synchronous online format, allowing working educators to advance their careers while engaging in live, interactive learning with faculty and peers.

The program consists of four courses (12 credits):

• SES 761 – Coaching and Supervision of Teaching and Learning
• ELC 736 – Leadership for Teaching and Learning
• One specialization course from
  • SES 753 – Issues and Trends in Special Education
  • TED 728 – Topics in Curriculum and Instruction
  • TED 729 – Topics in Math and Science Education
  • TED 765 – Research in Equity Education
• SES 749 – Internship in Specialized Education

After Receiving a Certificate in Instructional Coaching

Students who complete the online Certificate in Instructional Coaching will have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to provide:

• Coaching to Support Teachers’ Learning. Candidates will analyze and implement coaching models, coaching cycles, feedback and feedback loops, effectiveness in coaches and coaching, goal setting, monitoring and evaluation, reflection, and adult learning to work collaboratively with school personnel to plan and generate improved instructional performance in the classroom and across the school.
• Data Collection and Utilization to Inform Teacher, Student, and School Growth.  Candidates will understand and analyze holistic data collection, formative assessment, summative assessment to inform instructional planning, curriculum development, and teacher effectiveness that produce improvement in teacher practice, student learning, and school climate, culture, and performance.
• Coaching that is Situated in Professional Practice. Candidates will situate coaching in organizational and school contexts, facilitate learning transfer, ground coaching in Improvement and Implementation Sciences, and leverage systems thinking to plan and deliver school improvement efforts and professional and organizational learning that support educational equity, diversity, and inclusiveness.

Students can advance their expertise in instructional coaching, supervision, and mentoring while preparing for future doctoral study. Designed for post-master’s educators, the program equips graduates with the knowledge and practical skills to pursue careers as instructional coaches and other instructional leadership roles in schools.