Sample+Cohort+1+and+2+Letter

---Sample Cohort 1 or 2 Coach letter--- Dear Representative X or Senator Y,

I have been a Classrooms for the Future (CFF) Instructional Coach for X year(s). Prior to CFF, there have been many educational technology initiatives. However, those initiatives were missing one piece that has made all of the difference in PA – the CFF Instructional Coach. Rather than simply providing millions of dollars worth of equipment to our teachers and telling them to “Go for it,” our Governor, Legislature, and Secretary of Education have been forward-thinking. They appreciate the value of Professional Development. In fact, Pennsylvania is so committed to Professional Development that CFF has funded a half-time instructional coach in each school that received the grant for the past 3 years.

Coaches work closely with teachers. We co-plan, model teach, co-teach, and reflect upon the experience. We focus on raising the bar by increasing complexity and higher order thinking skills, by encouraging authentic, real-world lessons and activities, and by encouraging teachers to let go and provide students with opportunities to take ownership of their own learning. It is through this process that we are transforming education across the state.

In addition, unprecedented cross-district collaboration is occurring across the Commonwealth through our coach network. Instructional coaches from districts across Pennsylvania are sharing curriculum ideas, connecting teachers for cross-state projects, and sharing resources. Administrators are asking instructional coaches to contact their coach network to get feedback on ideas they have for their local district, so that they can benefit from the experiences of others.

CFF Instructional Coaches are agents of change in Pennsylvania high schools. Please continue to fund CFF Coaches through the Professional Development line item in the Education budget.

Regards, Name District Email PhoneForJune