The Power of Validation: How Coaches and Administrators Can Strengthen Teacher Growth
by Sarah B. Ottow
We often talk about the importance of validating students—recognizing their strengths, affirming their identities and creating environments where they feel seen and heard. But what about the adults in the building? Just like students, teachers can thrive when they feel valued, respected, and supported. A school culture that prioritizes validation for educators leads to greater engagement, stronger instructional practices, and, ultimately, better outcomes for students.
Why Validation Matters for Teachers
Teaching is a complex, deeply human profession. Educators pour their energy into their students, navigating curriculum, relationships, and ever-changing demands. When coaches and administrators acknowledge the hard work teachers put in—especially when implementing new strategies or taking instructional risks—it builds trust, motivation, and a willingness to continue growing.
Validation doesn’t mean sugarcoating challenges or giving excessive praise or empty affirmations. It means recognizing effort, progress, and impact in meaningful ways. It’s about saying, I see you. What you’re doing matters. When teachers feel validated, they are more open to feedback, more willing to refine their practice, and more likely to take ownership of their professional growth.
Simple Yet Powerful Ways to Validate Teachers
For instructional coaches and school leaders, fostering a culture of validation means more than just acknowledging hard work—it means creating spaces where teachers feel psychologically safe to learn and grow. Here’s how you can embed validation into your leadership:
Acknowledge Strengths First – Before jumping into what could be improved, highlight what’s already working. This fosters a strengths-based approach that encourages teachers rather than overwhelming them.
Listen with Intent – Coaching conversations should feel collaborative, not evaluative. When teachers share their experiences, challenges, or concerns, truly listen and validate their perspective before offering solutions. PRO TIP: If you’re an evaluator, your first coaching conversation should hopefully be before your first evaluation. Time is a valuable resource but try to fit in some shorter, non-evaluative formative checks!
Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection – Educators are constantly refining their craft. Recognizing small wins—like a teacher trying a new engagement strategy or making a shift based on student needs—goes a long way in keeping motivation high.
Bridge Validation to Next Steps – When teachers feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to engage in meaningful professional learning. Use validation as a launching pad to co-create next steps and empower teachers to take charge of their development. BONUS: Build on the strengths already shown to show them that they can, in fact, bring about new change, adding to what they are doing effectively!
Ensure Leadership Alignment – When administrators model a culture of validation, it trickles down. School and district leaders who genuinely affirm the work of teachers help create an environment where professional growth is embraced rather than feared.
The Ripple Effect on Students
A validated teacher is a confident teacher. And when teachers feel confident, they create learning environments where students also feel affirmed and empowered. This is the heart of our work—ensuring that when educators flourish, students flourish.
By embedding validation into our coaching and leadership practices, we don’t just support teachers—we ignite a culture of trust, growth, and lasting impact.