For over two decades, the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) has partnered with educational leaders across the country who are observing teaching and learning in classrooms. We see time and again that effective classroom observations can...
Jonathan Aldanese-Wells
Creating Conditions for Effective Instructional Coaching
Nov 28, 2023
Over my years working with instructional coaches and principals in school districts across the country, I have learned that the role of the instructional coach changes from district to district and even from school to school. I’ve observed coaches address practices...
Courageous Leadership in Prioritizing Equity in Schools
Mar 23, 2023
Students in elementary school have a lot to say. They are very thoughtful, and they are incredibly observant. They're not afraid to share their authentic experiences. -- Dr. Randi Lowe, Superintendent of Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union This year, the...
Recent Posts
Approaching Classroom Observations as a Coach
Mar 17, 2026
Principal supervisors play a key role in strengthening instructional leadership across a school system. Their primary responsibility is not to be a “super principal” but to build the capacity of principals. One powerful way to do this is by approaching classroom...
From Closed Doors to Collective Growth
Feb 19, 2026
For many educators, classroom visits carry emotional weight. Too often, being observed has meant being evaluated, corrected, or quietly judged. Walkthroughs have been experienced as punitive rather than as opportunities to learn together on behalf of students, but we...
CEL’s Top 10 Most-Accessed Tools & Resources 2025
Jan 15, 2026
The start of each new year offers an opportunity to take stock of what is working, name what needs attention, and clarify how to keep students at the center of instructional leadership practice. Over the past year, hundreds of educational leaders turned to our...
Helping Teachers Set Goals Grounded in Student Learning
Jan 5, 2026
In this current environment where goal-setting is central to professional learning, this post helps leaders work with teachers to set goals that are grounded in student learning and connected to instructional practice.
The Power of Celebrating Small Wins
Oct 21, 2025
Creating school cultures that elevate students’ belonging and agency is inspiring but challenging work. Shifting a school’s culture doesn’t happen overnight; it happens step by step. Each step up the staircase represents progress toward the ideal state, and recognizing those steps matters. While the ideal state often feels far away or even unattainable, celebrating small wins keeps momentum going. These celebrations remind everyone—leaders, teachers, and students—that the climb is worth it, and that each step is a small victory on the way to the top.