Instructional Coaching Certificate

Arcadia University’s Instructional Coaching Certificate prepares educators and school professionals to support teacher growth, improve instructional practice, and advance student achievement through collaborative, classroom-based coaching.

Instructional coaching is a professional learning model in which a highly skilled coach works with teachers in a collegial and supportive manner to strengthen educational practices. Coaches provide ongoing, personalized support through non-evaluative collaboration, inquiry, reflection, and consultative feedback, helping teachers refine their practice and solve instructional challenges.

This credential may be added to an existing Pennsylvania Department of Education Level I or Level II educator certificate for eligible educators seeking the PDE endorsement. It may also be incorporated into an individualized Master of Education degree at Arcadia University. Students may combine this credential with another education certificate—such as ABA, Autism, STEM, AI in Education, Social-Emotional Learning, or ESL—and/or additional graduate coursework to complete a master’s degree.

An Arcadia University certificate may also be awarded to students who are not applying for a Pennsylvania Department of Education endorsement credential in this area.

Instructional coaches serve as effective facilitators of adult learning. Through this certificate, educators develop the knowledge and skills to lead reflective, inquiry-based professional development that supports continuous improvement, collective leadership, and stronger instructional outcomes.

Students learn how instructional coaching can help teachers:

Recipients of the Instructional Coaching Certificate are prepared to support teacher learning and instructional improvement in schools, districts, and educational organizations. The certificate supports professional growth for educators pursuing roles in instructional coaching, teacher leadership, curriculum support, professional development, educational leadership, and school improvement. 

Pennsylvania educators are eligible to apply for the appropriate PDE endorsement through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).