For Malorie Morrill Lewis, an Instructional Coach at Lucy S. Herring Elementary School in Asheville City Schools, a return trip to the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) marked another important step forward in her journey to support students and educators.
Lewis, who works with Kindergarten through 5th grade teachers in math, reading, and science, first experienced NCCAT at a program in Ocracoke. This time, she participated in the “Student-Centered Instructional Coaching K–12” program at NCCAT’s Cullowhee campus.
“The session on Student-Centered Instructional Coaching is going to transform the way I coach in my school building,” Lewis said. “It’s shifting my role from simply being a support resource to someone who uses data to help drive instructional moves that lead to student success.”
Throughout the week, educators explored strategies that place students at the heart of instructional coaching. They engaged in sessions on co-teaching models, strength-based feedback, and high-impact instructional practices. Participants also had opportunities to collaborate with fellow coaches from across the state, gaining fresh perspectives and building a stronger professional network.
“The work of instructional coaching is dynamic and essential to school communities,” Lewis said. “This week provided tools and strategies that will immediately benefit my school.”
Lewis’s path to education was inspired by her mother and grandmother, both teachers. While she once considered becoming a family court attorney, it was time spent volunteering in classrooms that revealed her true calling.
“I realized it was for me,” she said. “I love making connections that give children a reason to stay excited about learning.”
NCCAT has been truly impressed by the stories of so many western North Carolina educators who were with students and families like always during and after Hurricane Helene. Lewis reflected on that time as an educator.
"While everyone in western North Carolina collectively experienced the effects of Hurricane Helene, our lived experiences and lasting memories are unique to each of our individual circumstances," Lewis wrote. "Because of this, I do not feel that I can speak sensitively to the question of how our colleagues, students, and neighbors were impacted. However, I would like to express the deep gratitude that I feel for the efforts of my school district, our local government, and the many willing volunteers across the state and nation who sent labor and resources our way to help us survive the immediate challenges when we were without power and water, and who have continued to support as we rebuild our communities. Once we were able to re-enter our schools, our school was adopted by Lacy Elementary School in Raleigh, NC. From them, our students and staff received encouraging letters, video messages, and motivational snacks and treats! This was such a meaningful reminder that public schools offer so much more to our community than just the academic experiences provided in each classroom setting. Though our individual experiences were definitely unique, I believe that we found collective strength in the support that surrounded and continues to surround us as we move forward. "
Lewis encourages other educators across North Carolina to take advantage of what NCCAT has to offer.
“If you’re thinking about it—sign up!” she said. “It’s a great experience where you get to connect with other teachers and learn in a way that’s thoughtful and well-paced. NCCAT gives you time to focus on professional development that truly makes a difference.”
Malorie Morrill Lewis and other educations from "Student-Centered Instructional Coaching" in group photo above.
For video interview with Malorie Morrill Lewis visit out Instagram account @nccatnews.
For more information on upcoming residential programs visit our calendar at https://www.nccat.org/programs/calendar-seminars