Coaching Teachers Online: Building Relationships and Navigating Growth with Humor and Heart
The Virtual Vibe: Success and Sanity for the Online Teacher
June 23, 2025
Coaching teachers, especially in an online or hybrid environment, is a rewarding but sometimes tricky dance. You’re there to support, guide, and challenge—all while keeping things positive and productive. Here’s how to build strong relationships, use the coaching cycle effectively, stay accountable, and know when to loop in your admins. And yes, we’ll keep it light with a little humor along the way.
Build Trust First
Before diving into goals and observations, remember this: coaching is a relationship. Teachers need to trust you before they’ll open up. That means being genuine, approachable, and someone they can confide in without fear of judgment. It’s not just about being their coach; it’s about being their teammate. And trust me, you can’t rush this part. It takes time and consistent effort.
Pro Tip: Schedule informal check-ins just to chat and listen. Sometimes those casual conversations are where the real coaching gold happens.
Utilize the Coaching Cycle
The coaching cycle is your roadmap. It typically involves setting goals together, observing teaching in action, providing feedback, and reflecting on next steps. For a deeper dive into a practical, respectful coaching cycle, The Impact Cycle by Jim Knight is a must-read.
Honest feedback is crucial here. This isn’t about fluffing things up to keep everyone’s feelings intact. If you shy away from honest conversations, the students ultimately lose out. Your feedback should focus on the specific goals the teacher has agreed to work on and dig beneath the surface—without being harsh or personal. How you say it is just as important as what you say. Keep the conversation grounded in improving student outcomes and growth, not just criticism.
Remember, not every teacher will have a growth mindset or be immediately open to coaching. Some teachers may see coaching as a critique rather than a growth opportunity. It’s important to remind everyone (including yourself) that teaching is an ongoing learning journey. Coaching is a chance for both of you to learn and improve together.
Pro Tip: Start feedback sessions by asking teachers for their own reflections first. This invites ownership and makes the conversation more collaborative.
Check-Ins: Accountability with Care
Setting goals is one thing, but following up is where coaching really makes an impact. Regular check-ins help hold teachers accountable for their next steps and provide ongoing encouragement. These don’t have to be formal, sometimes a quick message or a casual conversation can keep momentum going.
Pro Tip: Use digital tools like shared documents or calendar reminders to track goals and follow-ups. It keeps everything visible and organized.
Know When to Pass It On
Sometimes, the issue you’re coaching on goes beyond your scope or authority. If a situation involves persistent performance issues, personal challenges impacting work, or if you’ve hit a wall in coaching, it’s time to loop in an administrator. Passing the baton doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re advocating for the support the teacher needs.
Pro Tip: When escalating, present the situation factually and respectfully, emphasizing your support and the teacher’s progress.
Final Thought: Coaching Is a Two-Way Street
At the heart of coaching is connection. You’re not just helping someone else grow, you’re growing yourself, too. Stay honest, stay patient, and don’t forget to laugh at the quirks that come with being a coach. After all, we’re all figuring it out as we go.
Pause, Ponder & Progress
How am I building trust with the teachers I coach to create a safe, open space?
Am I being honest enough with my feedback while being constructive and focused on growth?
How can I encourage teachers who may be resistant to coaching to see it as a positive learning opportunity?
What systems can I use to keep consistent check-ins and maintain accountability?
When is it appropriate for me to involve an administrator, and how can I do so respectfully?
About the Author
With over 20 years in education - most of them spent in the virtual trenches - Desire’ Mosser has done more than survive online teaching; she’s helped others thrive in it! As the author of SOS: Strategies for Online Survival, she dishes out practical tools, honest lessons, and just the right amount of humor to keep educators going.
Former Pasco eSchool Teacher of the Year and Florida Virtual Schools Mentor of the Year, she continues to champion excellence in virtual learning today. She currently serves as Vice President of B.O.L.D. (Blended Online Learning Discovery of Florida). Her passion? Coaching educators to find their stride, build meaningful connections with students and families, and master the art of scheduling for sanity—preferably with a strong cup of coffee in hand. For more real talk, useful tips, and the occasional caffeine-fueled confession, connect with her on LinkedIn.
