Social media can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a great way to grow and develop professionally. Nita Creekmore, instructional coach in Georgia, shares how she uses Instagram to support her role as an instructional coach and why she got started.

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nstagram for coaching, you ask? Yes, absolutely! Instagram is an amazing way to connect with other coaches, support teachers, and to engage with your peers in education all over the world. I’ve completely immersed myself into the world of social media—in particular, Instagram—and below are a few reasons why.

Virtually view educators’ classrooms

I began using Instagram five years ago as a way to capture some of the fun and engaging activities I was doing with my first graders. At first, it was a hobby to me! I loved to capture my students actively participating in their learning.

I also connected with a plethora of other teachers who were also posting their classroom activities and I gained so many fun ideas to try in my classroom as a result. I can easily scroll through Instagram’s magazine-style view and peek inside the world of coaches and other educators from all over the world. I can click on an image to read more, and the posts are always brief. In short, it’s perfect for busy educators!

Build a support network

Three years ago, I became an instructional coach and I captured my transition from classroom teacher to coach right on my Instagram page. I soon realized that fellow coaches on Instagram were eager to share their resources and tips, allowing me to learn some of the tricks of the trade from coaches in the field.

I began following other coaches like Chrissy Beltran and Nicole Turner. I could connect with them for help with specific issues I was facing and they also provided a virtual shoulder to lean on for support. I have since then gained these two coaches, along with many others, as friends and coaching partners.

Share your expertise

Instagram has also opened the door for me to coach other teachers from around the world. I’ve coached teachers through emails, direct messages, and Facetime.

Not only has the experience brought me joy, it has also helped me to expand my horizons. Presenting was always a goal of mine and through my connections and friendships gained on Instagram, I’ve been given the opportunity to present at the 2nd Annual Simply Coaching Summit. (The Simply Coaching Summit is chock-full of presentations from coaches in the field to provide professional development to coaches!)

Final note

Ready, set, download! Don’t overthink it, just start. From the name of your account handle, to the content you decide to post, you have the opportunity to showcase who you are, your passions, and what you do professionally through your coaching work. But most of all, be yourself and be authentic. This is what is most important when you enter into the Instagram world: showcasing the amazing coach you are! 

About our Guest Blogger

Nita Creekmore is a K-5 instructional coach who lives just outside Atlanta, GA. Prior to coaching, she taught 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade for 13 years. Nita obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2002, her Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership in 2013, Reading Endorsement in 2019, and Coaching Endorsement in May 2020. In the 16 years she has been in education, she truly believes that in all aspects of every field, relationships must always come first.

Nita is married to Michael Creekmore, Jr. and has four children—three daughters and a son. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, attending her kids extracurricular activities, and relaxing with a good book. Also, she’s an advocate for maintaining a healthy work/life balance and the importance of self-care.

Be sure to follow Nita on Twitter @loveteachbless!

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