--- title: "BetterLesson | Toolkit: Strategies for leading in budget uncertainty" description: Actionable leadership strategies and planning tools for navigating funding uncertainty and its impact on K-12 teaching and learning image: https://info.betterlesson.com/hubfs/Leadership%20consultation%20(1).png --- [![BL Logo](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BL%20Logo.jpg?width=189&height=40&name=BL%20Logo.jpg "BL Logo")](https://betterlesson.com/) - [K-12 Solutions](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/) - ## K-12 Solutions - [Integrated Insights](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/integrated-insights) - [PD Workshops](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/workshops) - [Instructional Coaching](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/instructional-coaching) - [Learning Walks](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/learning-walks) - [Self-Paced Learning](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/bl-connect/) - [Leader Hub](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/leader-hub) - [How We Help](https://betterlesson.com/personalized-professional-development/) - ## How We Help - [Comprehensive PD](https://betterlesson.com/personalized-professional-development/) - [Curriculum Implementation](https://betterlesson.com/professional-development/curriculum-implementation) - [Instructional Leadership](https://betterlesson.com/professional-development/instructional-leadership/) - [Student-Centered Instruction](https://betterlesson.com/professional-development/student-centered-instruction) - [Learning Catalog](https://betterlesson.com/catalog/) - [Who We Help](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/impact) - ## Who We Help - [Classroom Educators](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/pd-for-teachers) - [Instructional Coaches](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/pd-for-coaches) - [Leaders & Administrators](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/pd-for-leaders) - [Curriculum Providers](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/strategic-partnerships) - [Case Studies](https://betterlesson.com/category/case-study/) - [About Us](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/) - ## About Us - [Our Story & Team](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/) - [Newsroom](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/news) - [Strategic Partnerships](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/partnerships) - [Careers](https://betterlesson.pinpointhq.com/) - [Resources](https://betterlesson.com/resources/) - ## Resources - [New Resources](https://betterlesson.com/resources/) - [Budgeting in Uncertainty](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-in-uncertainty) - [PD Funding Guide](https://info.betterlesson.com/k12-professional-development-funding) - [ESSA-Certified PD](https://info.betterlesson.com/evidence-and-research) - [Free Lesson Plans](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/browse/master_teachers/projects) - [Login](https://user.betterlesson.com/login) - [K-12 Solutions](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/) - ## K-12 Solutions - [Integrated Insights](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/integrated-insights) - [PD Workshops](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/workshops) - [Instructional Coaching](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/instructional-coaching) - [Learning Walks](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/learning-walks) - [Self-Paced Learning](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/bl-connect/) - [Leader Hub](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/leader-hub) - [How We Help](https://betterlesson.com/personalized-professional-development/) - ## How We Help - [Comprehensive PD](https://betterlesson.com/personalized-professional-development/) - [Curriculum Implementation](https://betterlesson.com/professional-development/curriculum-implementation) - [Instructional Leadership](https://betterlesson.com/professional-development/instructional-leadership/) - [Student-Centered Instruction](https://betterlesson.com/professional-development/student-centered-instruction) - [Learning Catalog](https://betterlesson.com/catalog/) - [Who We Help](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/impact) - ## Who We Help - [Classroom Educators](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/pd-for-teachers) - [Instructional Coaches](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/pd-for-coaches) - [Leaders & Administrators](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/pd-for-leaders) - [Curriculum Providers](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/strategic-partnerships) - [Case Studies](https://betterlesson.com/category/case-study/) - [About Us](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/) - ## About Us - [Our Story & Team](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/) - [Newsroom](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/news) - [Strategic Partnerships](https://betterlesson.com/about-us/partnerships) - [Careers](https://betterlesson.pinpointhq.com/) - [Resources](https://betterlesson.com/resources/) - ## Resources - [New Resources](https://betterlesson.com/resources/) - [Budgeting in Uncertainty](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-in-uncertainty) - [PD Funding Guide](https://info.betterlesson.com/k12-professional-development-funding) - [ESSA-Certified PD](https://info.betterlesson.com/evidence-and-research) - [Free Lesson Plans](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/browse/master_teachers/projects) - [Login](https://user.betterlesson.com/login) Search Search - [Let's Talk](https://info.betterlesson.com/contact-us?_gl=1*17vfrjt*_ga*MTM1NDQyNzEyMy4xNjgwODE4ODI3*_ga_59EGWMTTME*MTY4MjEwNzI3NC4xNy4xLjE2ODIxMDcyODkuMC4wLjA.*_ga_TZKDKD8GBQ*MTY4MjEwNzI4NS45Mi4wLjE2ODIxMDcyODkuMC4wLjA.) - [Let's Talk](https://info.betterlesson.com/contact-us?_gl=1*17vfrjt*_ga*MTM1NDQyNzEyMy4xNjgwODE4ODI3*_ga_59EGWMTTME*MTY4MjEwNzI3NC4xNy4xLjE2ODIxMDcyODkuMC4wLjA.*_ga_TZKDKD8GBQ*MTY4MjEwNzI4NS45Mi4wLjE2ODIxMDcyODkuMC4wLjA.) Search Search ## *k-12 leadership strategies*Leading in the midst of funding uncertainty Built to support confident decision-making in a challenging time, this free K–12 Leadership Toolkit helps district and state leaders protect what works, make smart trade-offs, and lead with clarity. ## Successful planning for the '25-26 school year The freezing of anticipated Title II-A funds isn’t the only story—declining enrollment, rising costs for special education, and other mounting pressures mean leaders must plan for stagnant or shrinking budgets. Yet teacher quality remains the most powerful lever for improving student outcomes. Built to support confident decision-making, this free K–12 Leadership Toolkit is for both our current partners and those we haven’t worked with yet. It’s designed to help you focus resources where they matter most and chart a clear path forward. ## Budgets are getting tighter. Declining enrollment, rising costs for special education, and other mounting pressures mean K-12 leaders must plan for stagnant or shrinking budgets. Yet the quality of instruction remains a critical lever for improving student outcomes. Built to support confident decision-making, this free K–12 Leadership Toolkit is for both our current partners and those we haven’t worked with yet. It’s designed to help you focus resources where they matter most and chart a clear path forward. [![District Toolkit1](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/District%20Toolkit1.webp?width=130&height=130&name=District%20Toolkit1.webp "District Toolkit1")](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#districtleader) ## [Jump to the district leader toolkit](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#districtleader) ↓ [![School Leader Toolkit1](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/School%20Leader%20Toolkit1.webp?width=130&height=130&name=School%20Leader%20Toolkit1.webp "School Leader Toolkit1")](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#schoolleader) ## [Jump to the school leader toolkit](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#schoolleader) ↓ ![District Toolkit1](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/District%20Toolkit1.webp?width=150&height=150&name=District%20Toolkit1.webp "District Toolkit1") ## District leader toolkit Build stakeholder trust, maintain and sustain effective programming, and support learning - [Stronger Together](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#strongertogether) - [Building Trust](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#buildingtrust) - [Effective Programs](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#programs) - [Support Learning](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#learning) - [Budget Uncertainty](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#budget) #### Stronger together Distributed leadership models utilizing current staffing ![Sharing_the_Load](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sharing_the_Load.webp?width=150&height=123&name=Sharing_the_Load.webp "Sharing_the_Load") ## Meet demands by sharing the load Learn how to create a distributed leadership model and do more by collaboratively sharing the guidance and direction of a school [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/113/creating-a-distributed-leadership-model-meet-demands-by-sharing-the-load?from=search) ![Personal_Leadership_Philosophy](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Personal_Leadership_Philosophy.webp?width=140&height=137&name=Personal_Leadership_Philosophy.webp "Personal_Leadership_Philosophy") ## Creating a personal leadership philosophy Create and share a leadership philosophy to build transparency and maximize impact [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1293/creating-a-personal-leadership-philosophy?from=search) ![Leadership_Team_Building](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Leadership_Team_Building.webp?width=140&height=125&name=Leadership_Team_Building.webp "Leadership_Team_Building") ## Leadership team building The work style compass enables leaders to identify, explore and communicate about different work styles [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/535/leadership-team-building-work-style-compass?from=search) ## Building trust Leadership strategies for communicating with stakeholders in uncertain times --- ![Icon-FocusArea-Principalship](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Focus%20Areas/Icon-FocusArea-Principalship.png?width=150&height=121&name=Icon-FocusArea-Principalship.png "Icon-FocusArea-Principalship") #### Difficult conversations Skills for productive difficult conversations and to cut off unproductive difficult conversations when they arise [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/210/difficult-conversations?from=search) --- ![Icon-FocusArea-Instructional-Coaching](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Focus%20Areas/Icon-FocusArea-Instructional-Coaching.png?width=150&height=150&name=Icon-FocusArea-Instructional-Coaching.png "Icon-FocusArea-Instructional-Coaching") #### 5 steps to increase member buy-in Equipping leaders with tools and strategies to increase the buy-in required to implement and sustain change [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1391/5-steps-to-increase-member-buy-in) --- ![Data-Backed-PL](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Outcomes/Data-Backed-PL.png?width=150&height=165&name=Data-Backed-PL.png "Data-Backed-PL") #### Mapping your impact After visioning, map your impact to maximize your role as an instructional leader [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/358/mapping-your-impact-as-an-instructional-leader?from=search) --- ![Icon-FocusArea-ProfessionalLearningCommunities](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Focus%20Areas/Icon-FocusArea-ProfessionalLearningCommunities.png?width=150&height=146&name=Icon-FocusArea-ProfessionalLearningCommunities.png "Icon-FocusArea-ProfessionalLearningCommunities") #### Seeking authentic feedback We cannot improve what we aren't aware of, so we seek feedback to support our continuous improvement [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/131/seeking-authentic-feedback-to-improve-practice?from=search) #### Building trust In times of change, transparency and connection matter more than ever. These strategies help leaders build trust, foster authentic dialogue, and bring stakeholders along on the journey. ### Hosting difficult conversations Skills for productive difficult conversations and to cut off unproductive difficult conversations when they arise [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/210/difficult-conversations?from=search) ### 5 steps to increase staff buy-in Equipping leaders with tools and strategies to increase the buy-in required to implement and sustain change [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1391/5-steps-to-increase-member-buy-in?from=search) ### Mapping your impact After visioning, map your impact to maximize your role as an instructional leader [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/358/mapping-your-impact-as-an-instructional-leader?from=search) ### Seeking authentic feedback We cannot improve what we aren't aware of, so we seek feedback to support our continuous improvement [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/131/seeking-authentic-feedback-to-improve-practice?from=search) #### Maintaining and sustaining effective programming Even in a tight budget year, programs like after-school learning, EL support, and targeted interventions remain essential to closing opportunity gaps. These strategies can help leaders protect what’s working—and make the case for sustaining it. ### Strengths-based instructional practices Identifying and celebrating strengths equips students to effectively adopt a growth mindset and set learning goals   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/215/strengths-based-instructional-practices?from=search) ### Going micro: narrowing a leadership focus Narrow your leadership focus to one growth area at a time and track your progress   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/536/going-micro-narrowing-a-leadership-focus?from=search) ### Mastery map and standard-based peer tutors In a self-paced or mastery based learning environment, building a mastery map and a network of student experts can help [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/117/mastery-map-and-standard-based-peer-tutors?from=search) ### Developing individualized weekly tutoring plans Develop individualized tutoring plans to support students to master competencies   [>>See the strategies](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1270/developing-individualized-weekly-tutoring-plans?from=search) ### 3 ways schools can implement learning progressions for teacher PD Recognizing the potential impact of learning progressions is straightforward; where the challenging and complicated work lies is in creating and implementing a meaningful learning progression plan. The following tips can help you create a learning progression plan for your school or district.  [>>See the strategies](https://betterlesson.com/blog/education-leader-resource-learning-progressions-teacher-pd/) #### Supporting learning Strong professional learning systems help districts adapt and grow, even with tighter budgets. These resources support leaders in creating focused, scalable, and measurable PD that drives teacher growth and student success.   ### Sharing your professional learning with an authentic audience Share specific evidence of your growth with your stakeholders or broader community   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/380/sharing-your-professional-learning-with-an-authentic-audience?from=search) ### Leveraging teaching video Classroom video is a window into a classroom's learning and teaching, free of point of view, open to teacher and coach reflection   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/26/leveraging-teaching-video?from=search) ### Developing a shared vision for implementing an instructional model in the school community Setting the course to succeed in a specific learning goal in your school means knowing the direction [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/290/developing-a-shared-vision-for-implementing-an-instructional-model-in-the-school-community?from=search) ### Analyzing student data to inform instruction K-12 leaders and educators will use user-friendly data collection tools to transform student data into instructional next steps   [>>See the strategies](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/181/analyzing-student-data-to-inform-instruction?from=search) ### Define, explore, & build student-centered professional learning **DEFINE** When engaging in professional learning around student-centered teaching, the first step is to define what student-centered teaching is [>>See the strateg](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/112/define-student-centered-professional-learning?from=search)y **EXPLORE** Build awareness of student-centered strategies in order to build a classroom implementation plan [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/151/explore-student-centered-professional-learning?from=search) **BUILD** Once you've explored student-centered strategies, it is time to build and try them to personalize student learning experiences [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/153/build-student-centered-professional-learning?from=search) ![Teacher_Coaching-1](https://info.betterlesson.com/hubfs/Teacher_Coaching-1.webp "Teacher_Coaching-1") ## *leadership consultation session*Apply for a free 1:1 leadership consultation In recognition of the budget challenges our K-12 state and district leaders are facing, BetterLesson is offering leaders one free executive consultation on navigating this uncertain teaching and learning environment. [>>Apply now](https://info.betterlesson.com/budgeting-leadership-toolkit-leading-in-uncertainty#consultation) #### Budget uncertainty Shifting funding sources, stagnant budgets, and declining enrollment make strategic scheduling and staffing critical. These creative approaches can help leaders maximize resources and sustain key programs for professional learning and student support. ### Navigating budgetary challenges through strategic scheduling & staffing With 80% of your operating budget tied to staffing, the annual scheduling process is critical. These 10 fundamental scheduling and staffing levers help districts maximize resources without sacrificing quality. [>>See 10 scheduling levers to save your budget](https://betterlesson.com/blog/doing-more-with-less-navigating-budget-challenges/)   ### Portland Public Schools maximizes resources through strategic scheduling Portland Public Schools boosted college and career readiness by using more efficient scheduling. By 2024, readiness rose to 73%—a 15-point increase since the 2021 dip. [>>Read their story](https://betterlesson.com/case-study/portland-public-schools) ### Navigating student enrollment changes Student enrollment in schools is of critical importance when it comes your budget. But how do you increase or maintain your student population? [>>See the strategies](https://betterlesson.com/blog/navigating-student-enrollment-changes-strategies-school-leaders) ### K-12 funding for professional learning Even with the current uncertainty around Title II-A funds, many federal and state funds still exist.high-quality professional development remains doable and necessary. Explore your options -- and see how BetterLesson's high-quality professional learning programs can fit with the funding sources you already have. [>>Get the K-12 funding guide](https://info.betterlesson.com/k12-professional-development-funding) --- ![Solution-Oriented-Leadership-Pathway](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Outcomes/Solution-Oriented-Leadership-Pathway.png?width=521&height=521&name=Solution-Oriented-Leadership-Pathway.png "Solution-Oriented-Leadership-Pathway") #### Navigating budgetary challenges through strategic scheduling & staffing With 80% of your operating budget tied to staffing, the annual scheduling process is critical. These 10 fundamental scheduling and staffing levers help districts maximize resources without sacrificing quality. [>>See 10 scheduling levers to save your budget](https://betterlesson.com/guide/doing-more-with-less-navigating-budget-challenges/) --- ![Icon-FocusArea-ExecutiveLeadershipCoaching](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Focus%20Areas/Icon-FocusArea-ExecutiveLeadershipCoaching.png?width=229&height=228&name=Icon-FocusArea-ExecutiveLeadershipCoaching.png "Icon-FocusArea-ExecutiveLeadershipCoaching") #### Portland Public Schools maximizes resources through strategic scheduling Portland Public Schools boosted college and career readiness by using more efficient scheduling. By 2024, readiness rose to 73%—a 15-point increase since the 2021 dip. [>>Read their story](https://betterlesson.com/case-study/portland-public-schools) --- ![Tracking-Progress-with-Data](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Outcomes/Tracking-Progress-with-Data.png?width=479&height=479&name=Tracking-Progress-with-Data.png "Tracking-Progress-with-Data") #### Navigating student enrollment changes Student enrollment in schools is of critical importance when it comes your budget. But how do you increase or maintain your student population? [>>See the strategies](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1391/5-steps-to-increase-member-buy-in) --- ![Icon-Budget-Allocation-NoText](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Icon-Budget-Allocation-NoText.png?width=231&height=191&name=Icon-Budget-Allocation-NoText.png "Icon-Budget-Allocation-NoText") #### K-12 funding for professional learning Even with the current uncertainty around Title II-A funds, many federal and state funds still exist.high-quality professional development remains doable and necessary. Explore your options -- and see how BetterLesson's high-quality professional learning programs can fit with the funding sources you already have. [>>Get the K-12 funding guide](https://info.betterlesson.com/k12-professional-development-funding) ![School Leader Toolkit1](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/School%20Leader%20Toolkit1.webp?width=150&height=150&name=School%20Leader%20Toolkit1.webp "School Leader Toolkit1") ## School leader toolkit Build your educators' capacity to lead and improve instruction through effective professional support ![Icon-FocusArea-BuildingResilientStudents-Circle](https://info.betterlesson.com/hubfs/Icon-FocusArea-BuildingResilientStudents-Circle.svg "Icon-FocusArea-BuildingResilientStudents-Circle") #### Supporting learning When resources are tight, the right systems and content can help leaders build school-based professional learning that improves outcomes without increasing spend. These strategies support collaborative practices, curriculum implementation, and instructional growth across your schools. ### Planning for successful curriculum implementation These six strategies support leaders with successful implementation of a new curriculum   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1415/planning-for-successful-curriculum-implementation?from=search) ### Learning Walks: a tool for administrators to take the temperature of learning Stay in touch with the teaching and learning in your school with quick classroom visits that enable data-driven decisions and support   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/149/learning-walks-a-tool-for-administrators-to-take-the-temperature-of-learning?from=search) ### Common planning time Common planning time translates teacher will, skill, and time into personalized, responsive, and effective planning structures   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/110/common-planning-time?from=search) ### How leaders can start a professional learning community (PLC) By setting clear goals, supporting the PLC’s work, and making room to grow together, you will set your teachers on the path to success   [>>See the strategies](https://betterlesson.com/blog/leading-plc-professional-learning/)     **Building a PLC**   In a Professional Learning Community, many hands make light work. It is important to identify, engage, and empower key faculty members and define the goals of any PLC. This strategy outlines the work of a new, or ongoing, PLC.   [>>See the strateg](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/111/building-a-professional-learning-community?from=search)y   **Establishing goals and roles for PLCs** Facilitate the instructional community in identifying the most pressing goals and defining their role within the school's structure   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/148/establishing-goals-and-roles-for-professional-learning-communities-plc?from=search) ### Looking at student work Regular analysis of student work puts the spotlight on what's actually happening in a school's teaching and learning   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/125/looking-at-student-work?from=search) ### Collaborative professional practices for teachers Lesson study, critical friends, and Learning Walks—together teachers can build their vision for teaching and learning by observing each other   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/150/collaborative-professional-practices-for-teachers-lesson-study-critical-friends-and-learning-walks?from=search)     #### Classroom coaching and support Coaching remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen instruction—but only when it’s sustainable and strategic. These resources help leaders design a clear, impactful coaching model that fits within existing structures. ### Coaching observation Coaching observations focus on using objective classroom data to identify the impact of a teacher's actions on student learning   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/24/coaching-observation?from=search) ### Planning an observation Begin with the end in mind, and you have a roadmap to arrive at your desired destination   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/28/planning-an-observation?from=search) ### Try-Measure-Learn (TML): The heart of continuous improvement Change teaching and learning one step at a time using the BetterLesson coaching model   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/130/try-measure-learn-tml-the-heart-of-continuous-improvement?from=search) ### GROW: 4 steps to an effective coaching conversation Mastering a step by step coaching conversation structure like GROW will help create a foundation for consistent coaching practices   [>>See the strateg](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/42/grow-4-steps-to-an-effective-coaching-conversation?from=search)y ### Creating a calendar for feedback and observation cycles This move supports you to create sustainable and replicable feedback and observation cycles with teachers. [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1189/creating-a-calendar-for-feedback-and-observation-cycles?from=search) ### Active listening Teach students the skills to be effective listeners   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/158/active-listening?from=search) ### Instructional coaching toolkit Explore our library of Instructional Coaching materials. Each section contains essential questions to guide you, and is supported by BetterLesson strategies and resources [>>Open the toolkit](https://info.betterlesson.com/instructional-coaching-toolkit) #### Building capacity New teachers need meaningful support to stay and thrive—even when budgets are constrained. These tools offer targeted strategies for growing early-career educators’ confidence, skill, and impact from day one. ### Modeling a strategy for teachers or students Showing a teacher what a teaching move is or showing a student how to engage in a task creates deeper understanding   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/18/modeling-a-strategy-for-teachers-or-students?from=search) ### Supporting early career teachers in creating family engagement This strategy will help instructional leaders support new teachers in building strong family engagement to enhance student outcomes   [ >>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1352/supporting-early-career-teachers-in-creating-family-engagement?from=search) ### Supporting early career teachers in instructional design and delivery This strategy will support leaders to ensure high-quality design and delivery for new teachers   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1339/supporting-early-career-teachers-in-instructional-design-and-delivery?from=search) ### Supporting early career teachers to cultivate the learning environment This strategy will support leaders in helping new teachers master classroom management and culture   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/1340/supporting-early-career-teachers-to-cultivate-the-learning-environment?from=search) ### Leveraging teaching video Classroom video is a window into a classroom's learning and teaching, free of point of view, open to teacher and coach reflection   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/26/leveraging-teaching-video?from=search) ### Going micro: narrowing a leadership focus Narrow your leadership focus to one growth area at a time and track your progress   [>>See the strategy](https://teaching.betterlesson.com/strategy/536/going-micro-narrowing-a-leadership-focus?from=search) ### Support new teachers as their school leader While the task of supporting new teachers through their first years may seem daunting, there are concrete steps leaders can take to support early-career teachers in classroom management [>>See the strategies](https://betterlesson.com/blog/support-new-teachers-classroom-management) ## **How BetterLesson can help** ![For-Leaders-hero](https://info.betterlesson.com/hubfs/For-Leaders-hero.webp "For-Leaders-hero") Our three-part analysis tool reveals how better academic scheduling and district resource allocation ensure every student emerges college & career ready—even when resources are scarce.   Examine course enrollment and attendance, instructional time, academic scheduling, and key policies to surface disconnects between student needs and district resourcing.   [>> Learn more about Integrated Insights](https://betterlesson.com/learning-experiences/integrated-insights) [![BL-Logo-Inline-large](https://info.betterlesson.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BL-Logo-Inline-large.png?width=2024&height=415&name=BL-Logo-Inline-large.png "BL-Logo-Inline-large")](https://betterlesson.com/) - 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