Insights from the First GEG Instructional Coaches Meeting

Jeff Bradbury is an author, podcaster, public speaker, creator of the TeacherCast Educational Network and father of the world famous #EduTriplets.

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Monday, September 8, 2025, marked an exciting milestone as we launched the inaugural Google Education Group (GEG) for Instructional Coaches. This exciting new global initiative aims to create a vibrant community where coaches from around the world can collaborate, share resources, and support each other in their educational journeys.

The energy during our first meeting was palpable, with over 500 instructional coaches already registered for the group. As it was mentioned at the beginning of the meeting, “This belongs to everybody.” The founding principle of this GEG is to be a community that is truly for coaches, by coaches.

If you are an Instructional Coach or Digital Learning Leader and interested in joining our new GEG, please take a moment and fill out our Registration Form.

Takeaways from our First Meeting

• The GEG Instructional Coaches group belongs to everybody. All are welcome to contribute and share resources.
• We aim to create a connected community for coaches.
• Gemini is a valuable AI tool for educators.
• Notebook LM allows for personalized resource curation.
• AI literacy is crucial for students’ understanding of technology.
• Coaches need to save time and streamline their processes.
• Community building is essential for effective coaching.
• Sharing resources enhances collective knowledge.

Embracing AI as Instructional Coaches

A significant portion of our discussion centered around how instructional coaches can leverage AI tools like Google Gemini and NotebookLM to enhance their practice and support teachers more effectively. These tools have become game-changers for many coaches looking to streamline their workflows and create personalized resources.

Google Gemini has quickly become a “go-to” tool for many instructional coaches. Its capabilities allow coaches to generate ideas, create resources, and solve problems more efficiently. As one participant mentioned, “Gemini has become my go-to” for tasks ranging from lesson planning assistance to creating differentiated resources for teachers.

NotebookLM emerged as another powerful tool for coaches, enabling personalized resource curation. This AI-powered notebook allows coaches to organize their thoughts, collect resources, and generate new ideas based on existing content. The ability to curate and contextualize information makes it particularly valuable for instructional coaches who need to tailor their support to different teachers and subject areas.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of AI literacy for both coaches and students. As we integrate these tools into our coaching practices, we must also help teachers understand how to thoughtfully incorporate AI into their classrooms while teaching students critical thinking skills to navigate this technology responsibly.

What makes this GEG unique is its focus on bringing together instructional coaches regardless of geographic location or specific coaching role. Whether you’re a reading coach, technology coach, math coach, or any type of instructional support specialist, this community welcomes you.

GEG Instructional Coaches will host two meetings each month – one focused on Google tools and applications, and another centered on coaching pedagogy. This balanced approach ensures that members develop both their technical skills and their coaching practice.

Additionally, the GEG features a centralized resource hub where coaches can share and access valuable materials. From blog posts to lesson plans, podcasts to slide decks, this growing collection represents the collective wisdom of instructional coaches worldwide.

If you’re an instructional coach, digital learning leader, or anyone who supports teachers in enhancing their practice, we invite you to join this dynamic community. With over 500 members already registered, the GEG Instructional Coaches group is poised to become a powerful force for professional growth and collaboration.

To join, simply fill out the registration form using your personal Google account (as some school districts may block Google Groups). You’ll gain access to all upcoming meetings, resources, and the opportunity to connect with fellow coaches around the globe.

By coming together as a global community, we can elevate the profession of instructional coaching and continue to make a meaningful impact on teacher growth and student achievement.

Will you join us on this journey? Our next meeting is scheduled for September 18th, where we’ll discuss building relationships and launching coaching cycles. We hope to see you there!