S13 E1: Filling the Gap: Practical Coaching for Math and Science Educators

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Practical Access, Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines reunite to kick off a new season focused on filling important gaps in the field of education. They introduce their collaborative work on the FLITE STEM Coaching project, a national initiative designed to support math and science coaches working alongside special education teachers. The conversation emphasizes the need for practical tools, collaborative strategies, and innovative coaching methods to bridge the divide between general education and special education. This season promises to offer insights that help educators strengthen support systems and improve student outcomes. 

Key insights include:

Bridging Coaching and Special Education: Effective STEM coaching requires understanding the unique needs of special education teachers and students. Coaches should build relationships and communicate clearly across roles to better align goals.

Filling Practical Gaps: Many teachers are left without real classroom strategies to connect math and science content with student support needs. The FLITE STEM Coaching project is designed to fill this gap with tools and approaches that are both actionable and realistic.

Coaching as Collaboration: Coaching should be a two way conversation. The most successful outcomes happen when coaches and teachers learn from each other and adapt strategies together, rather than rely on one size fits all models.

Emphasizing the Why: STEM coaches are encouraged to focus not just on what to teach but why it matters. Helping teachers understand the reasoning behind instructional choices can improve student understanding and motivation.

Celebrating Teacher Strengths: Instead of correcting mistakes or prescribing fixes, coaches should highlight what teachers are doing well and build from there. This strength based approach promotes trust and growth.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@KUFLITECenter), Facebook (@Center for Flexible Learning through Innovations in Technology & education), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).