ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore visited Longfields Elementary School in Prince George’s County on June 5, 2025, to emphasize the role of instructional coaching in improving student outcomes and teacher retention. During the visit, Moore engaged with students and held a roundtable discussion with educators to explore how coaching and comprehensive support for underserved students drive academic success.
“To have the best schools in the country, we need to have the best educators in the country. Longfields Elementary has shown that when we invest in educators and provide instructional coaching, we both improve student outcomes and increase teacher retention,” said Gov. Moore. “I am here to learn how we can build the best educator workforce in the nation, because when we uplift our educators and our students, Maryland wins.”
Instructional coaching offers teachers subject-matter expertise and guidance to enhance teaching practices. It promotes high-quality instruction, supports educator development, and boosts student achievement, especially for underserved populations. The Moore-Miller Administration’s Academic Excellence Program, enacted through the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act in May 2025, leverages coaching to improve literacy and math scores statewide. “Strong, high-quality instructional coaching can transform student achievement,” said Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright. “The Academic Excellence Program provides the opportunity to set the standard for exemplary teacher support statewide.”
Longfields Elementary has seen significant academic gains through coaching in English language arts and mathematics. From 2022 to 2024, the school reported proficiency rate increases of 8.4 percentage points in English language arts and 11.3 percentage points in mathematics, among the highest in Prince George’s County Public Schools. “The success at Longfields Elementary underscores what’s possible when we invest in community schools and in coaching that directly supports teachers and students,” said Prince George’s County Public Schools Superintendent Millard House II. “By building trust, modeling best practices and fostering innovation, we’re seeing teachers feel valued and empowered to help every student succeed.”
Designated a community school in 2022, Longfields receives annual grants to support students in high-poverty areas. Beyond academics, the school provides wraparound services addressing the needs of underserved students and families, strengthening community ties. “We’re seeing real gains in both academic achievement and school culture — and it’s a team effort,” said Longfields Elementary School Principal Carmen Bell. “Our educators, coaches and central office teams are working together to analyze data, share strategies and push forward to support every student.”
The visit highlighted Longfields’ collaborative approach, where educators and coaches analyze data and share strategies to support students. The school’s model aligns with the state’s push to enhance teacher support through initiatives like the Academic Excellence Program. Moore’s engagement with educators underscored the administration’s commitment to scaling successful practices to other Maryland schools.
By investing in coaching and community school models, Longfields has become a beacon for academic improvement. The school’s progress demonstrates the potential of targeted support for educators and students, offering a blueprint for statewide efforts to elevate public education.
