Wayzata's Peer Coaching Program Elevates Student Achievement and Experience
A recent School Board meeting showcased how Wayzata Public Schools' peer coaching initiative is fostering teacher growth, leading to enhanced student engagement and improved learning outcomes.
Wayzata Public Schools' peer coaching program is making a significant positive impact on student achievement and overall experience, according to a recent presentation at the School Board Regular Meeting on June 22, 2026. The program, central to the district's teaching and learning report, emphasizes a collaborative approach to professional development aimed at directly benefiting students.
The core mission of the peer coaching initiative is "to cultivate a culture of continuous self-directed learning and growth among our staff through a coaching partnership that focuses on reflective conversations rooted in collective data with the ultimate goal of positively impacting student achievement and experience," a mission statement read during the meeting.
Students were more actively engaged and reflective when we used the protocols. Using the protocol created in-the-moment or the opportunity for in-the-moment formative feedback to students versus when they were working completely individually. And then they reflected that allowing themselves to be uncomfortable and changing how they've always introduced that unit improved outcomes for students.
Peer coaches Christine Mishka and Tara Parsons, both former teachers, presented findings illustrating how targeted coaching helps educators implement new strategies. Staff survey responses further underscored the program's success, with teachers reporting that as a result of working with their peer coaches, they had implemented "a next actionable step" and "tried new teaching practices," signaling a tangible shift in classroom methodologies.
I think when there's an opportunity because I think teaching is a profession that is very busy... having these conversations allows you to kind of work it out and talk to somebody and talk out loud... I can only imagine that on our students that has a massive impact, right? Like even if it's something small that you're adjusting within a classroom or how you are relaying information to a student.
Other Topics from This Document
Approval of the agenda and consent agenda items
Recognitions
Audience opportunity to address the board
Administrative reports and recommendations
Teaching and learning report: QC Comp report
Peer coaching mission and its impact
Self-directed learning and growth among staff
Reflective conversations rooted in data
Program shifts for peer coaching
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