Meet the DCS Instructional Support Team

Students today learn in a much different way than previous generations did. The DCS Instructional Support Team (IST) focuses on the way students learn. Dexter teachers, specialized staff, and administrators continually collect and study statistical and anecdotal data from students, teachers, and alumni. They benchmark other districts, and investigate the latest educational research to adapt instructional methods to meet the changing needs of the students. This collected information is the foundation of the District’s Instructional Framework. 

The Instructional Framework is the common language and research-based instructional practices for teaching and learning at Dexter Schools. This framework ensures staff are all on the same page when discussing Dexter’s core teaching practices. This includes specific lesson strategies, instructional practices & design, instructional coaching, and integrated and student-directed learning opportunities, all of which are facilitated by the IST instructional coaches. 

The DCS Instructional Support Team (IST) stewards the Instructional Framework. They focus on the way students learn to help teachers present information in a way that not only builds upon previous learning, but also allows students to think critically about what they are learning and how it applies to the world. 

The IST team plans and delivers one-on-one, small group, and whole group professional development (PD) and coaching throughout the district. This PD is based on data gathered from instructional rounds, literacy work, surveys, testing, data rounds conducted by teams of teachers. Other PD topics throughout the year focus on strategic plan goals, such as the Learning Continuum, extended learning opportunities, and more. For the past three years, District staff have participated in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), facilitated by the IST.  These PLCs relate to the District’s strategic goals and collaborate to create pathways to achieve these goals.

The goals of the IST are to improve collective effectiveness amongst staff, improve communication, and be a resource and advocate for our staff and students. Executive Director of Instruction Ryan Bruder heads up the Instructional Support Team. He moved into this role in 2021 after serving as Principal of Beacon Elementary. 

IST Instructional Coaches support individual staff, teams, grade levels, buildings, and the district through instructional rounds, collaborative planning, professional development, and coaching of the DCS Instructional Framework and Learning Continuum. Our coaches are skilled at supporting all staff as DCS continues to work toward personalized, competency-based learning.  Instructional Coaches are Ryan Fisher (DHS), Kelli Gatecliff (DEEC), Beau Kimmey (Grades 5-12), Maureen Kline (Creekside), and Pam Krebs (Wylie). 

The IST also includes specialized learning supports such as English Language Learners (ELL), Virtual Learning, and 504 plans. The goal of the ELL Program is to provide students whose dominant language is not English with instructional guidance that will enable them to participate fully in their educational experience in our schools and in their social lives in our community.  ELL Coordinator Janine Comella works with students at the DEEC and Creekside, while Emily Xu and Kim Mendez support ELL students at Mill Creek and DHS, respectively.

Virtual Learning, coordinated by Ann Pregont, offers numerous opportunities for our students. Some students choose to learn 100% virtually, but the option can also supplement other programs when appropriate, such as when a student experiences a scheduling conflict or would like to take a course not offered in-person at DHS (such as language/electives).

Denise Dutcher has moved into a new role as a Personalized and Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) Coach within the district, supporting and enhancing teaching practices across multiple classrooms and buildings. She also serves as a Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) Coordinator. Adrian Edwards is also a Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) Coordinator, as well as the District’s 504 Coordinator (504 plans are created for students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities). District Social Worker Leslie Madill supports staff, students, and families across the district and connects them to resources outside of the school setting. 

Last but not least, the Technology Team plays a vital role in supporting the work of the IST.

The Instructional Support Team plays a vital role in Dexter’s academic success by ensuring both teachers and students have the resources, guidance, and collaborative opportunities needed to thrive in our continually changing world.