Coaching the 5 Practices

Supporting Mathematics Teachers in Orchestrating Productive Discussions

Coaching the 5 Practices introduces us to a coaching model designed to support teachers as they plan for orchestrating productive discussions. Using this model, coaches work collaboratively with teachers as they engage in an inquiry cycle that reinforces the importance of pre-planning, reflection, and encouragement in a productive teacher-coach relationship. This user-friendly model, along with the additional tools, resources, and samples, is a welcome addition to the 5 Practices family!

What a gem and a “must” for every coach’s professional library. In this clearly written and wonderfully focused book, Smith, Yurekli, and Stein begin with a clear vision of “ambitious teaching” that is based on the powerful structure of the 5 Practices, and develop an accessible, example-laden guide to impactful coaching of mathematics. By focusing on the challenges teachers face, coaches are provided with a coherent process for significantly improving how math is taught.

I love how this book offers explicit guidance on the “how” of coaching for mathematical discourse, deeper conversations, and teaching growth. Coaching the 5 Practices offers transformational tips and features that empower both teachers and coaches. I’m excited to begin implementing this user-friendly and much needed coaching model into my practice.

As a 5 Practices math coach, I’ve eagerly awaited a resource like Coaching the 5 Practices. After reading, I promptly incorporated strategies—such as facilitating teachers’ reflection and setting clear goals—to enhance my coaching, all while upholding teacher ownership. The inclusion of case studies, coaching conversation scripts, and templates brought the framework to life and enabled me to visualize immediate application. This book is a must-have for all ambitious math coaches!

This book centers teachers’ own thinking on their journeys of instructional improvement, and exudes appreciation for the wisdom of practice. This practical guide for coaching is designed with explicit attention to the parallels between ambitious teaching and coaching. The theories of teaching and learning underlying the coaching model and the model itself are rich and relevant for supporting coaches’ and teachers’ learning.

This book presents a comprehensive coaching model designed for those supporting math teachers who are navigating challenges in implementing the 5 Practices. With its excerpts from authentic coaching conversations, readers can pause, analyze, and reflect to develop their coaching practice. A must-have, practical resource for anyone wondering how to effectively coach teachers in implementing the 5 Practices.

Coaching the 5 Practices will be a catalyst for sense-making and deep mathematical learning in the classroom. Smith, Yurekli, and Stein outline a brilliant coaching cycle that focuses on teacher-identified challenges and incorporates video from the lesson to generate the debrief conversation. Coaches and leaders can reflect on challenging coaching scenarios and build an understanding of the tools and processes of planning for an impactful coaching cycle.

I wish I had this book when I started coaching! The model and the examples of its use are perfect for new coaches and for those of us who have been coaching for years. It offers clear, actionable steps that help us work on moving teachers to a discourse and thought based mathematics classroom that emphasizes conceptual learning and understanding.

The pathway to ambitious teaching is wide and long. This book helps to narrow that pathway by giving you a framework for effective coaching so teachers can shift their instructional practices to follow the 5 Practices. Use these strategies and you will facilitate deep, reflective discussions that will bring insight and relief to a teacher who needs it.