Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Youtube Vimeo Tiktok

877.485.1973 ⎸ 541.485.1973
Info@NIFDI.org

Kurt Engelmann’s Blog

Dr. Kurt E. Engelmann's Blog

Direct Instruction Perspectives on Education by Kurt E. Engelmann, President of the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI), addresses issues related to effective instruction as well as broader issues in the field of education. As experienced authentic Direct Instruction (DI) practitioners know, once you have seen the effects of DI fully implemented, your perspective on a wide variety of topics related to instruction will change – from grouping and scheduling to teacher preparation and student assessment. Access insightful and inspiring articles from a DI perspective that address practical considerations on providing instruction that meets the needs of every student.

Announcing the Direct Instruction Perspectives Substack
October 28, 2026

Direct Instruction in Preschool – Then and Now!
October 28, 2026

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
Coaches
Teachers
Parents
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.