Instructional coaching - translating research into everyday classroom practice

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is strengthening teaching and learning across its schools through a growing focus on instructional coaching, a long-term approach designed to support teachers and improve outcomes for every student.

BCE Head of Student Learning and Wellbeing, Trudi Lucas said that instructional coaching was a key lever in BCE’s commitment to system-wide improvement, aligning directly to our priorities of building teacher capability, strengthening classroom practice, and improving outcomes for every student.

“Instructional coaching supports teachers to translate research and system strategy into everyday classroom practice, with a clear focus on what will make the greatest difference to student learning,” Trudi said.

Trudi said instructional coaching played a vital role in bringing BCE’s Teaching for Learning model of pedagogy to life. 

“While the model provides clarity on what effective teaching looks like, coaching supports the how, enabling teachers to apply high impact practices through deliberate practice, reflection and ongoing refinement.”

“By guiding reflection, goal setting and evidence-based adjustments, coaching helps teachers refine their practice while maintaining their professional voice and adapting strategies to meet the needs of their students.”

For students, the impact is clear. Stronger teaching leads to more engaging lessons, clearer learning goals and more targeted feedback. 

“Teachers are better equipped to respond to student needs in real time, creating classrooms where students feel confident to participate, ask questions and improve,” Trudi said.

This consistency across classrooms helps students understand what successful learning looks like and supports them to achieve their potential.

Principal of Star of the Sea Primary School, Torquay, Nathan Wilson said the benefits for his school were immediate after attending coaching training with his team. 

“Attending the instructional coaching course was rewarding for me and my team,” Nathan said.

“We walked away with a much clearer shared understanding of how purposeful coaching conversations can lift practice, build trust, and create a culture where growth feels achievable rather than imposed.”

Since returning to Star of the Sea, the team has already begun implementing the approach, and Nathan said the buy in from staff has been remarkably strong. 

“Teachers have commented that the conversations feel more empowering and collaborative, and I have noticed that I am engaging with staff in a way that invites ownership rather than compliance.”

BCE Head of School Performance, Brett Horton said the approach is already showing strong promise across the system building capability in a way that is sustainable and consistent. 

“Instructional coaching is an investment in our teachers and in every student across BCE,” he said. 

“It brings clarity and consistency to teaching practice, strengthens professional dialogue and ensures that high impact strategies are embedded in every classroom.”

As instructional coaching continues to be rolled out across BCE, it represents a shared commitment to quality teaching, strong professional culture and the success of every learner.

“It is encouraging to see this work being embraced so positively across our schools, with a genuine commitment from staff to strengthen practice and improve outcomes for every student.”

All BCE principals will come together on 28 May for an Instructional Coaching Day, demonstrating a unified commitment to strengthening teaching practice and driving consistent, high-quality learning outcomes for every student across the system.