Rise Instructional Coach Adds Support

Rise recently created a new position called Instructional Coach. The purpose of the Instructional Coach is to partner with teachers to build confidence, strengthen instructional practices, and ultimately improve student outcomes.

The Instructional Coach meets teachers where they are, identifying strategies that work best for each educator so they can reach their full potential and become the strongest teachers possible.

Danielle Janisewski was recently hired as the first person to fill this role, taking on the unique challenge of defining and shaping what the position would look like in practice.

Executive Director of Special Education, Dr. Matthew Slattery, said, “Our Instructional Coach, Danielle, has quickly become a trusted partner for our teachers. By meeting staff where they are and providing tiered, personalized support, she has elevated instructional practice while honoring the strengths of our educators. The success of this new role is a direct reflection of Danielle’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to growing great teachers in order to serve students at the highest level.”

Here is a bit of what Danielle had to say about herself and her position at Rise.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I am a mom of three. I went to school to be a math teacher and completed my graduate work at NC State in special education. I taught special education for a while, but when I started having kids, I chose to stay home with them. Once all of my children were in school, I realized how much I missed being in schools. I became a Social Emotional Learning facilitator with CVES for three years, which brought me back into the school system and helped me realize exactly where I was meant to be. When Rise created the Instructional Coach position, I knew it was the right fit for me.

What do you like about working at Rise?
In my role, I work closely with teachers, but I also get to spend time with students. I’m able to see where students’ needs are and help teachers meet those needs. I love going into classrooms and supporting teachers however I can. I also really enjoy visiting the classrooms of seasoned teachers and learning new strategies from them every day.

What are some tactics, goals, or practices that you have brought into the job?
I am very organized and place a strong emphasis on personal development. During my classroom pop-ins, I observe teachers and take note of what’s happening. Later, during our meetings, we work together to create goals. In follow-up meetings, we reflect on those goals and discuss progress and next steps.

What are you most proud of?
I wanted to find a way to help everyone better understand and express their strengths, as well as learn how to work together more effectively. I created a “super strengths” activity where staff members sit in a circle and share their own strengths. Then we go around again, and each person shares a strength they see in someone else. The activity was so well received that people began asking to join the circles. Seeing how meaningful this experience was for staff is something I’m really proud of.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or this position?
This truly is my dream job. When the position was posted, I was so excited. It felt like the perfect fit.