Free Reproducibles
Together We Lead
How Principals and Instructional Coaches Team Up for Lasting Impact
Learn to leverage the full potential of your principal-coach partnership. Armed with practical tools and clear action steps, you can lead your educational teams in guaranteeing an effective, transformative education for the students you serve.
Benefits
- Identify core tasks and functions of responsible principals and instructional coaches
- Establish expectations and practices to foster rapport, support, and professional trust
- Delineate high-priority goals and the actionable steps necessary to achieve those goals
- Monitor progress and adapt strategies based on student performance data
- Develop effective, sustainable plans for future improvement based on available resources
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Phase 1: Setting the Stage for Collaboration
Phase 2: Establishing Goals and Actions
Phase 3: Monitoring and Adjusting
Phase 4: Looking Ahead
Appendix A: The Partnership Framework Alignment Guide
Appendix B: Partnership Calendars
PRINTABLE REPRODUCIBLES
Phase 1: Setting the Stage for Collaboration
- Figure 1.1: Sample Discussion Tool for Establishing Norms
- Figure 1.2: Sample Identifying Roles and Responsibilities Tool
- Figure 1.3: Example Discussion Tool for Instructional Leadership Roles
- Figure 1.4: Meeting Planner Template
- Figure 1.5: Tool for Setting Priorities—Individual Reflection
- Figure 1.6: Tool for Setting Priorities—Collaborative Discussion
- Figure 1.7: Sample Meeting Agenda
- Figure 1.9: Phase 1 Checklist—Setting the Stage for Collaboration
Phase 2: Establishing Goals and Actions
- Figure 2.1: Tool for Establishing a Shared Instructional SMART Goal—Elementary
- Figure 2.2: Tool for Establishing a Shared Instructional SMART Goal—Secondary
- Figure 2.3: Partnership Plan Data-Vetting Tool—Elementary
- Figure 2.5: Partnership Plan Worksheet—Elementary
- Figure 2.6: Partnership Plan Worksheet—Secondary
- Figure 2.7: Building Teacher and Team Capacity Reflection Tool
- Figure 2.9: Phase 2 Checklist—Establishing Goals and Actions
Phase 3: Monitoring and Adjusting
- Figure 3.1: Sample Instructional Time Audit Tool
- Figure 3.2: Coaching Shift Considerations
- Figure 3.3: Commitment Creep Analysis Tool
- Figure 3.4: Learning Walk Planning Template
- Figure 3.5: Learning Walk Reflection Template
- Figure 3.6: Sample Action Step Reflection Worksheet
- Figure 3.7: Monthly Reflection Template
- Figure 3.8: Sample Dysfunction Response Planner
- Figure 3.10: Phase 3 Checklist—Monitoring and Adjusting
Phase 4: Looking Ahead
- Figure 4.1: SMART Goal Analysis Protocol
- Figure 4.2: Targeted Support Planning Tool
- Figure 4.3: Agenda-Auditing Tool
- Figure 4.4: Intentionality With Celebrations Matrix
- Figure 4.6: Keep, Stop, and Start Reflection Activity
- Figure 4.7: Professional Learning Planning Document
- Figure 4.9: Phase 4 Checklist—Looking Ahead
Appendix B: Partnership Calendars
SUGGESTED RESOURCES
Books
- Conzemius, A. E., & O’Neill, J. (2014). The handbook for SMART school teams: Revitalizing best practices for collaboration (2nd ed.). Solution Tree Press.
- DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., Many, T. W., Mattos, M., & Muhammad, A. (2024). Learning by doing: A handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work (4th ed.). Solution Tree Press.
- DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., Mattos, M., & Muhammad, A. (2021). Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Work: Proven insights for sustained, substantive school improvement (2nd ed.). Solution Tree Press.
- DuFour, R., & Fullan, M. (2013). Cultures built to last: Systemic PLCs at Work. Solution Tree Press.
- Ferriter, W. M. (2020). The big book of tools for collaborative teams in a PLC at Work. Solution Tree Press.
- Johnson, M. (2015). How to coach leadership in a PLC. Solution Tree Press.
- Many, T. W., Maffoni, M. J., Sparks, S. K., & Thomas, T. F. (2018). Amplify your impact: Coaching collaborative teams in PLCs at Work. Solution Tree Press.
- Marrillia, M. (2021). Giving all teachers the coach they deserve. In S. V. Kramer (Ed.), Charting the course for leaders: Lessons from priority schools in a PLC at Work (pp. 181–196). Solution Tree Press.
- Muhammad, A. (2018). Transforming school culture: How to overcome staff division (2nd ed.). Solution Tree Press.
- Spiller, J., & Power, K. (2022). Leading beyond intention: Six areas to deepen reflection and planning in your PLC at Work. Solution Tree Press.

