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877.485.1973 ⎸ 541.485.1973
Info@NIFDI.org

Coaching Academy 2

Direct Instruction Coaching Academy 2

Enhanced Coaching and Facilitating Professional Development

One of the most critical roles in a successful Direct Instruction implementation is the Peer Coach. With good, careful peer coaching, teachers will become more skilled and proficient in teaching the program, and students will excel with improved instruction. In an implementation that does not incorporate high-quality peer coaching, some teachers may become stars, while others may show little to no improvement, ultimately hindering the implementation’s overall success.

With effective peer coaching, staff development, and strong leadership, teachers who use Direct Instruction will improve significantly, and students will progress farther and faster than they ever have before.

An effective coach will help the Direct Instruction teacher evolve from a technician to an engineer of instruction. The two-day session covers:

  • Refining observational skills to increase the coach’s ability to provide data-driven feedback (e.g., on pacing, student mastery of material, ratio of reinforcement).
  • Determining the appropriate intervention based on data and observation.
  • Communicating with staff in order to increase instructional effectiveness.
  • Design and deliver a rehearsal session in conjunction with an in-service practice session.

Certificates of Completion: Each participant in the Direct Instruction Coaching Academy will receive a certificate of participation. This certificate is awarded to those who have completed the 2-day training.

Have other questions that aren’t answered here? Call us at 877.485.1973 or email us at info@nifdi.org.

Which best describes your role?

Curriculum Decision Maker
School and District Leader

Interested in learning how to implement Direct Instruction in your district, school, or home? NIFDI can help. Click a button below to learn more. 

Leaders
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What is a Peer Coach?

Peer coaches play a critical role in sustaining strong implementation of Direct Instruction (DI) at the school level. Selected during the first year of implementation, peer coaches are classroom teachers who demonstrate strong instructional practice, effective communication with colleagues, and a willingness to support others. Because they teach the same programs as their peers, they bring practical expertise and shared experience that help build trust and collaboration across the school.

As implementation progresses, peer coaches extend the impact of NIFDI consultants by providing ongoing, school-based support when consultants are not on-site. Their coaching is non-evaluative and focused on improving student outcomes. Peer coaches reinforce effective teaching practices and guide colleagues to make targeted adjustments that directly impact student performance and behavior.

Peer coaches participate in a structured, multi-year training sequence through NIFDI. Over the course of two to three years, they are trained to analyze student performance data, conduct both brief and extended classroom observations, and support data-driven problem solving. Advanced training prepares them to lead grade-level meetings and contribute to broader instructional planning with school leadership.

By developing peer coaches, schools build internal capacity to maintain and strengthen DI implementation over time—ensuring continuity, supporting new staff, and driving sustained student achievement.