The Pennsylvania Institute for Instructional Coaching (PIIC) supports the BCIU to build teacher capacity as a means of increasing student engagement and improving student achievement through the work of instructional coaches. PIIC believes instructional coaches provide professional development for teachers and school leaders focused on refining classroom practices, aligning statewide initiatives, and measuring student progress in “real” time. PIIC provides resources and professional development for mentors, coaches, administrators and other school districts and IU staff around evident-based literacy strategies and instructional coaching process. PIIC conducts ongoing research and assessment to promote continuous program improvement.
The Berks Coaching Collaborative Networking meetings are designed as a professional development support system for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and specialists. This network group in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Institute for Instructional Coaching (PIIC) provide support to coaches to communicate, collaborate, and share resources with one another in their efforts to support teachers in improving classroom practices, student engagement, and student achievement. Materials and information that are disseminated during this professional development opportunity will help to build capacity and support for coaches, leaders, and specialists within their school districts.