877.485.1973 ⎸ 541.485.1973
Info@NIFDI.org

#1 – Spring 2009

ADI News • Lessons Learned: A Retiring Principal’s Experiences • Classroom Management Models that Don’t Work? Considerations for the Building Administrator… • Florida Middle Schools Implement Corrective Reading with Fidelity; Pupils Reap Benefits • High Percentage of Charter School’s Students Testing above National Average • New Mexico School District Uses Direct Instruction to Close Reading Proficiency Gap • Horizons and Language for Learning Close Achievement Gap Among Limited English Proficient Students • UNCW Program Helps Children Improve Reading Skills • Governor Looks at Reading Program • New DI Tools Engage Students, Educators • Remedies for Fixing Problems with Lesson Progress–Without Sacrificing Mastery • Mastery Learning and Rate of Learning • Martin’s Musings

Categories: Volume 09

Click here to view all documents.

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

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.