In today’s schools, students aren’t the only people developing skills in the classroom.  Teachers are learning too, thanks to assistance from teacher leaders, department heads and other professionals, who help teachers build upon classroom experience with onsite training.  Instructional coaching, a growing trend in teacher professional development, is the focus of the latest product, designed to support instructional coaches with a specialized grouping of online tools, from PBS TeacherLine

PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection—the result of more than a year of in-depth research—provides coaches with useful, educational information to further their ability to help teachers reach individualized professional development goals.

The research, designed and executed by Hezel Associates, provided the product developers with fast feedback at various stages of development, from early conceptualization right down to its release to schools.   A national survey of teachers and administrators, in-school case studies, interviews with coaches and PBS TeacherLine facilitators, a literature review of instructional coaching, a survey of educational service agencies (ESAs) and an assessment of coaching needs all informed the design of PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection..

The basis for PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection derived from the data gathered during Hezel Associates’ intensive research of professional development and instructional coaching.  The coaching resource endured a series of three nationwide trials by coaches, teachers and administrators.  During testing, researchers rapidly streamed participant feedback to developers who then applied recommendations to redesign the prototype. 

"Teachers and coaches felt valued when they saw PBS TeacherLine's fast response to their input," said Dr. Frances Hurley, who directed the formative research for the project.  "The changes made as a result of participants' feedback made for a stronger product for the end-users."

PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection offers a mix of instructional materials, personal assessment tools, and select PBS TeacherLine resources, which are based on research findings and reliable conclusions drawn from interaction with the instructional coaches themselves. 

Evidence from both the national professional development survey and the ESA study in 2006 pointed to a growing trend of coaching in the classroom and highlighted the need for new products and resources to support instructional coaching efforts.  During the study of PBS TeacherLine facilitators, researchers learned that coaches value not only the course materials, but also the ability to collaborate with peers through online media and the availability of resources through the PBS TeacherLine courses. 

Findings from the literature review revealed different coaching methods across individual locations and individual coaches.  In addition, case studies showed teachers would be willing to work with instructional coaches who are trusted, respectful and perceived as a legitimate authority.

Hezel Associates continues to research PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection through an ongoing pilot study that will lead to continuous improvements of the coaching resource.  PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection is available at www.pbs.org/teacherline/peerconnection.