From Coaching to AI: How Marcia Kish is Redefining Blended Learning

Interview with Dr. Shawn Edmondson

Meet Marcia Kish, a nationally recognized instructional coach, author of The Field Guide to the 12 Elements of Student Engagement and Ownership, and the creative force behind DynaGuide — an AI-powered coaching tool for educators. For over a decade, Marcia has helped schools across the country implement blended learning strategies that ignite both student growth and teacher passion.
In this interview, we sat down with Marcia to unpack what’s working in professional development, how schools can shift their mindset about technology, and why small changes can lead to big transformation.

Why Blended Learning?

For Marcia, the shift to blended learning started with one powerful realization:
“It’s not just about adding technology — it’s about creating flexible, student-centered environments where real growth happens.”
Blended learning, she explains, empowers teachers to differentiate instruction, respond to real-time data, and give students more ownership over their learning. It turns educators into designers of learning experiences — and that, she says, is a game changer.

The Most Common Hurdles in Engagement

Marcia’s Field Guide outlines 12 elements that foster student ownership and engagement — but two in particular tend to trip up schools:​

1. Data-Driven Instruction
   Many teachers struggle with implementing data-driven instruction — not because they don’t value data, but because they’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data points and unsure how to translate it into differentiated small group instruction. Marcia works with teachers to simplify the process by starting with just one or two key data sources and using those to form flexible groups. From there, they co-create systems — like rotation charts, progression boards, or digital trackers — that make managing multiple learning levels feel more doable.
   “Once teachers see how to streamline data use and apply it practically, they feel empowered to meet learners where they are — and small group instruction becomes purposeful instead of stressful.”
   
2. Self-Pacing and Progress Monitoring
   This challenges the traditional model of everyone moving at the same pace. Marcia recommends starting small — using progression boards or student checkpoints — to build clarity and confidence in pacing.
   “When teachers see that pacing doesn’t mean ‘anything goes’ — it means ‘clear goals and accountability’ — the energy in the classroom shifts.”
   

NotebookLM Audio version of this blog post

Reframing Blended Learning for School Leaders

​Too often, Marcia says, district leaders think blended learning is just “putting kids on devices.” She flips that narrative:
“It’s not about the tech — it’s about designing intentional learning experiences that combine the best of face-to-face instruction with digital flexibility.”
By focusing on why blended learning matters — personalization, differentiation, and student ownership — leaders begin to shift from buying tools to redesigning instruction.

DynaGuide: AI-Driven Coaching in Action

So how does AI fit into all this? Enter DynaGuide, Marcia’s latest innovation.
This AI-powered coaching tool helps teachers make faster, smarter decisions about instruction — from forming small groups to targeting skill gaps.
“It’s like having an instructional coach at your fingertips.”
In early pilot programs, schools using DynaGuide reported:

• 25% increase in differentiated small groups
  
• Nearly 20% boost in student engagement scores
  

AI vs. Human Coaches: Where Each Shines

While tools like DynaGuide and IRIS Connect use AI to analyze classroom video and offer feedback, Marcia is clear: AI doesn’t replace human coaches.
“AI can tell you what’s happening. But it can’t tell you why it’s happening — or how to adjust for your unique classroom.”
Coaching, she says, is still rooted in trust, relationships, and context.

Using Video as a Tool for Growth

Marcia is a big believer in using video to power teacher reflection. Her best practices?

• Start with strengths to build trust.
  
• Use short clips instead of full lessons to keep reflection focused.
  
• Pair with guided questions like “Where did you see student ownership?” to drive actionable feedback.
  

“When teachers see their own growth in real time, they want to keep watching and improving.”

The Power of Small Wins

One of Marcia’s most popular Weekly Blend episodes was called Small Changes, Big Impact — and it struck a chord with educators.
“Teachers felt relieved to hear that they didn’t have to change everything at once — that even small shifts, like a student goal board or rotating choice stations, could create real momentum.”
This feedback shaped how Marcia now delivers PD: focusing on realistic, ready-to-implement strategies that empower teachers from day one.

Building Buy-In for New Tech

When rolling out new PD tools or tech platforms, Marcia advises districts to:

• Involve teachers early as co-designers, not just users
  
• Start with the “why”, connecting the tool to actual teacher goals
  
• Celebrate small successes publicly to build momentum
  

“Change sticks when teachers feel heard, supported, and able to see real benefits — not when they feel mandated.”

Coaching in a Hybrid World

Virtual coaching has expanded Marcia’s reach across the U.S. and beyond, making it easier to provide consistent support — but it also comes with challenges.
“Trust takes more effort online. You have to be really intentional about creating connection.”
Her solution? Frequent, interactive sessions, reflection tools, and steady follow-up to keep the coaching human — even when the setting is virtual.

Ready to Learn More?

You can explore Marcia’s resources and workshop offerings at blendedlearningpd.com. There, you’ll find free downloads, blog posts, and the full Weekly Blend series.
Curious about DynaGuide? Visit dynaguide.org for a demo or to try it out.
Want to connect with Marcia directly? Find her on LinkedIn, where she shares weekly tips, tools, and conversations with educators around the world.