Instructional Coaching
When you and your program succeed in teaching, the university succeeds. If you or your department would like support in improving your practices to increase student learning, engagement, and retention, we have dedicated instructional coaches with years of teaching experience who are ready to assist. The instructional coaching program is designed to provide you with teaching strategies, tips, and encouragement to continue to grow in your role as an instructor, no matter where you are at in your career.
Our coaches are a safe, confidential support system for you and your department. These individuals will help you strategize and build confidence in the quality of your course. You will receive a one-on-one consultation aimed at providing personalized guidance to support effective teaching at NDSU.
Instructional coaching is a FREE personalized and confidential service available to all instructors and departments on campus. OTL will not include names of faculty or programs using our coaching service in program evaluation reports. The only reported data will be the number of individuals and departments served within the NDSU community.
Tracks Available
Instructional coaching isn't just for individuals or departments who are having teaching challenges. We can provide assistance even if you already have a well-designed class or program but want to learn more engaging teaching methods, strengthen your assessments, or identify appropriate professional development activities. Our coaches can assist you and your program in identifying goals and strategies that take your class or program to a new level.
Select from one of these two tracks for your instructional coaching needs.
Individual Support
Our instructional coaches will meet with you and listen to your specific teaching and assessment needs. Instructional coaches may offer tips and suggestions for improved course performance and/or recommend professional development opportunities that complement your individual needs and goals. Individual meetings are confidential and information provided will not be shared with your department or college unless you request that it be shared.
Department Direct Support
Our instructional coaches will partner with your department to determine instructional development needs. Our instructional coaches will develop a professional development plan that addresses your department's specific needs making resources and learning experiences available to your whole department.
Instructional Coaching Postcard
Let your faculty and instructor's know that the Office of Teaching and Learning is a safe place to find an instructional coach who can help them feel more prepared for teaching their course. Distribute this card at your next faculty or graduate teaching assistant meeting.

Meet The Coaches
Meet the instructional coaches who are ready to assist you. You may work with one or more of these coaches, depending upon the nature of your request.
Working With an Instructional Coach
When considering working with an instructional coach, your initial meeting will be more efficient if you prepare before you request assistance. You can prepare for your consultation by reflecting on specific teaching challenges you are concerned about. Think about methods and approaches of teaching you want to improve or want to learn more about. Decide if assessment and evaluation strategies are part of your consultation needs.
The process of working with an instructional coach looks like this:
- After requesting a consultation, the OTL instructional coach that best meets your needs will contact you within 2 days to set up an initial consultation.
- Your instructional coach will listen to what you are trying to achieve and ask questions to gain more information.
- Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.
Please use this form to request a consultation with an OTL team member.