Scott Burrell says New Haven’s new coaching model for language education will help students grow

August 28, 2026 - 09:56

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Scott Burrell met with world language teachers on Thursday to discuss a new coaching model that district leaders say will give students a stronger path to fluency. The session, held in New Haven, focused on shifting how teachers receive support in the classroom, moving away from one-off workshops and toward ongoing, embedded guidance.

Under the new model, coaches will work directly with teachers during lesson planning and instruction, rather than pulling them out for separate training days. Burrell, who has experience in both teaching and administrative roles, emphasized that this hands-on approach lets educators adapt quickly to student needs. The goal is to help students build confidence in speaking, reading, and writing in a second language, not just memorize vocabulary for tests.

Teachers at the meeting raised questions about how the coaching will fit into already tight schedules. Burrell acknowledged the challenge but stressed that consistent feedback is what helps both teachers and students improve. He pointed to early results in other districts where similar models led to higher student engagement and better retention of language skills.

The district plans to roll out the coaching model fully over the next semester, starting with the most experienced teachers as mentors. New Haven Public Schools hopes this investment in teacher development will close gaps in language proficiency across grade levels. For now, Burrell said the focus is on building trust between coaches and teachers, so the support feels practical, not evaluative. He ended the session by telling the group that real growth comes from daily, small adjustments, not occasional big changes.