The Instructional Coach’s Toolkit

Coaching "Firm Calm Finesse"

This episode focuses on how coaches can help teachers strengthen their use of Firm Calm Finesse. We’ll discuss what to look for in classroom observations—brevity, tone, body language, subtlety, and resets—and how to model stronger alternatives in feedback. Discover practical coaching strategies that help teachers deliver corrections calmly, preserve authority, and protect classroom culture.

Coaching "Affirmative Checking"

This episode focuses on how coaches can support teachers in using Affirmative Checking effectively. We’ll discuss what to look for in observations—planning, clear cues, efficient scanning, and confident affirmations—and how to model stronger teacher responses in feedback. Discover practical coaching moves that help teachers build classrooms where success is the expectation and learning stays on pace.

Coaching "Call and Response"

This episode focuses on coaching teachers to strengthen their use of Call and Response. We’ll explore what to look for in observations—cue clarity, energy, accuracy, and participation—and how to give feedback that sticks. Learn practical coaching moves like modeling reset language, scripting go-to cues, and connecting Call and Response to other TLaC techniques. When coached well, this simple move creates classrooms where every student participates, every time.

Coaching "Phrasing Fundamentals"

This episode explores how coaches can help teachers strengthen their use of the Teach Like a Champion technique Phrasing Fundamentals. Too often, teachers fall into habits of vague language, negative framing, or asking directions as questions. As a coach, you can help them recognize these moments, model stronger alternatives, and script consistent prompts that make clarity routine. Learn practical ways to spotlight phrasing in feedback and connect it to other techniques like What To Do and Strong Voice. Supporting teachers in sharpening their phrasing is a simple but powerful way to improve classroom culture and efficiency.

Coaching "Format Matters"

This episode focuses on how coaches can help teachers apply the Teach Like a Champion technique Format Matters. We’ll look at the moments when teachers let fragments, casual language, or inaudible answers slide—and how to coach them toward higher expectations. Learn practical feedback moves, sample rephrases, and strategies to help teachers script consistent prompts. Small shifts in teacher phrasing can transform classroom culture into one where clarity and rigor are the norm.

Coaching "Least Invasive Intervention"

This episode of the Instructional Coach’s Toolkit shows how to help teachers apply Least Invasive Intervention. Coaches will learn how to observe classroom habits, model subtle redirections, and practice quick role-plays to build confidence. The goal: equip teachers to correct behavior with calm, consistent moves that protect rigor and preserve the flow of learning.

Coach "Right is Right"

In this episode of the Instructional Coach’s Toolkit, we explore how to coach teachers on Right is Right. Learn how to help teachers notice when they round up answers, model stronger responses, and practice language that holds students to a higher bar. This episode equips coaches with practical strategies to support rigor and precision in classroom discourse.

Coaching "Cold Call"

Cold Call for Coaches
This episode explores how to coach teachers on using Cold Call effectively. Rather than a “gotcha,” Cold Call is a predictable, respectful way to ensure every student is engaged and accountable. Learn how to help teachers normalize Cold Call, set the right tone, plan their questions, and use the technique as a tool for both engagement and formative assessment.

Coaching "Work the Clock"

Coaching Teachers on Work the ClockIn this episode of The Instructional Coach’s Toolkit, we unpack strategies for helping teachers implement the Teach Like a Champion technique Work the Clock. Coaches will learn how to spot time-loss patterns in classrooms, model clear pacing moves, and guide teachers to set short deadlines, announce time, and hold students accountable for finishing strong. We’ll also share practical coaching tips—like scripting transitions, practicing with teachers, and using data from observations—to help reclaim instructional minutes and maximize student learning.

(Part 3 of 3) A Conversation with David Hubalik on People, Schools, and Students at the Center

In the final episode of our CEO Interview Series, David Hubalik, CEO of BASIS Ed Texas, reflects on the importance of investing in the growth and care of the people who work across our network. He shares why supporting teachers, leaders, and staff is essential to sustaining excellence—and how we will continue to keep schools and students at the heart of everything we do.
This closing conversation is both encouraging and practical, offering a reminder of what truly matters as we move into the year ahead.