This video is available as a NAESPA membership benefit or for a limited time as a conference attendee.
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Transforming Classrooms: Coaching Systems That Drive Teacher Efficacy
This session explores how a Title I School created a system to enhance collective efficacy by developing collaborative planning and coaching systems to drive success for teachers and students. Participants will learn how to improve instructional rigor, student engagement, and pedagogy while evaluating current systems for effective implementation. The focus is on ensuring access to grade-level standards and fostering teacher collaboration through peer observations and feedback. Key outcomes include creating systems for intentional collaboration to improve instructional practices, analyzing existing structures for equitable student learning, identifying essential instructional coaching areas, evaluating current coaching practices, addressing leadership barriers to collaboration, and developing action plans for better systems and structures. The session aims to equip participants with strategies to enhance collaboration and instructional practices in educational settings.
This talk was presented at:
2026 National ESEA Conference
February 2026
in
Denver, CO
For more information:
Tamara Hall, WestEd: thall@wested.orgJohn Wataoka, Principal: john.wataoka@k12.hi.us
Speakers
John Wataoka
John Wataoka is a seasoned educator with over 18 years of experience as a school administrator. Currently the Principal of Waianae Intermediate School, he previously served as Principal of Waianae Elementary School for eight years. Mr. Wataoka is a recognized leader in education, having been a two-time State Finalist for the prestigious Masayuki Tokioka Awards for school leadership. He was also honored as the Leeward District Middle School Principal of the Year in 2019, received the Superintendent Award for Leadership Excellence in 2014, and in 2023 was honored with the Kana'ipono Award (Righteous in Hawaiian Education) from INPEACE. A graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa (1995), Mr. Wataoka is passionate about creating positive and inclusive learning environments that empower all students to succeed. He is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships between schools and the community to support student growth and well-being.
Kekaha Spencer
As the Science Instructional Coach at Wai'anae Intermediate School (Wai'anae, O'ahu, HI), I have spent over a decade supporting teachers in developing rigorous, engaging, and place-based science instruction. Before coaching, I taught 7th and 8th grade science and served as a department head, and I’m privileged to serve the community where I grew up and reside with my family. I received my BS in Tropical Horticulture (2002), Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary Education in Science (2009), and MS in Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (2010) from the University of Hawaii at M'noa (UH-M). As a current Ph.D. candidate in Curriculum Studies at UH-M, my work focuses on culturally responsive teaching and supporting teachers in working together to strengthen their practice and impact student learning through aloha aina education. I'm deeply committed to working alongside educators to create meaningful learning experiences that empower both teachers and students.
Tamara Hall
Tamara Ilene Hall, EdD, serves as a School and District Improvement Facilitator at WestEd. For the past fourteen years, Dr. Hall has provided technical assistance to administrators, academic coaches, and teachers in supporting implementation of instructional strategies, teacher observation and feedback, strategic planning, and leadership coaching. Her areas of expertise include Depth of Knowledge, Lesson Design, Academic Writing and Speaking, Student Engagement, and Formative Assessment. Prior to joining WestEd, Dr. Hall was a secondary school administrator, where she worked in large comprehensive Title I schools, as well as an adjunct professor for Northern Arizona University in the Educational Leadership Program.
Nicole Kurata
Nicole Kurata brings 16 years of dedicated service to Hawaiʻi's education system. Her teaching background across diverse schools, including Makaha Elementary (2 years), Ewa Elementary (6 years), and her current eight years in the Nānākuli-Waianae Complex, has provided her with a clear understanding on the unique needs of her community.
After spending 3 years supporting teacher growth as a District Induction and Mentor Resource Teacher, Nicole returned to the classroom as an AVID Teacher and Advisory Coach, supporting other teachers in building strong relationships amongst students. This experience ensured her coaching strategies remained grounded in current, daily practice.
Currently serving as the Math Instructional Coach at Waiʻanae Intermediate, Nicole focuses on collaboratively implementing evidence-based instructional strategies informed by student data. Her commitment to supporting her students was recently recognized when she received the 2025 Complex Area Adult Advocate Award from the Hawaii Association of Middle Level Educators.
ESEA Network
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
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admin@eseanetwork.org | 800-256-6452
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About Us
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
Connect with Us
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