Instructional coaches play a vital role in strengthening teaching and learning, yet much of their work happens behind the scenes. At Mahopac Central School District, three K–5 literacy and mathematics coaches – Sharon Forman, Daniella Morgante and Vanessa Staviski – provide support to staff to ensure every student reaches their full potential.
“Sharon, Daniella and Vanessa are data specialists, researchers and pragmatists,” Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Matthew Lawrence said. “They provide the boots-on-the-ground support that connects our district-wide instructional plan to daily classroom practice. Their work ensures that the curriculum we choose is informed by resources, scope and data-driven structural models.”
The coaches, who are all former classroom teachers in Mahopac, partner with both general education and special education staff members. Their support ranges from analyzing student data with teachers to modeling lessons in classrooms, and leading committees of teacher representatives from every grade level and school. They also collaborate with their peers in other high-achieving districts across the region to share best practices.
“We want to drive individual student growth,” Morgante said. “We know the science and research behind how students learn, but we also respect our educators and understand that teaching is an art form. Our role is to start with the science and then help teachers find their own path to incorporating these tools into their unique style.”
Staviski added that analyzing data alongside teachers helps make student progress tangible.
“It’s motivating to see growth reflected not only in the numbers, but also in the skills and confidence students demonstrate in class,” she said. “Teachers can be tough on themselves, so we love being able to show them evidence of the learning strides they’re helping students make.”
The coaches strive to make a difference in classrooms every day, a goal Forman explained is strengthened by their close work with teachers and students.
“Our greatest impact comes from working side by side with teachers and students,” Forman said. “When we collaborate, we’re able to support teacher growth and student achievement at the same time and that is very rewarding.”
Dr. Lawrence emphasized that instructional coaches are not evaluators, but specialists who provide embedded professional development throughout the school year.
“They are essential to creating a culture of continuous learning and growth in Mahopac,” he said.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele praised the team’s work.
“Great schools are built on great teachers and our coaches are right there in the trenches helping teachers be their best,” Miele said. “They know the research and data, but most importantly, they know how to make it work in a real classroom. That’s what makes the difference for our students and that’s why I’m so impressed with the work Sharon, Daniella and Vanessa are doing for Mahopac.”