Introducing St. Thomas’ Instructional Coach, Dr. Nicole Del Oso ‘06
Avery Kiefer
St. Thomas is excited to introduce a new role that will provide even greater support for our faculty while enriching the learning experience for students: Instructional Coach. Joining us for the 2026–2027 school year, Dr. Nicole Del Oso ‘06, a current third-grade teacher and proud St. Thomas alumna, will step into this role, collaborating closely with Associate Head of School Holli Scharinger to support teachers across all grade levels.
To give you a closer look at this exciting addition, we went straight to the source. In the Q&A below, Holli and Nicole share insights about the role, how it will strengthen support for teachers and students, and what it means for advancing the mission of St. Thomas.
I am eager to offer support that feels meaningful and actionable—something teachers can use in their classrooms right away.
Dr. Nicole Del Oso '06
Q: Holli, why did St. Thomas decide to create a new Instructional Coach role?
Mrs. Holli Scharinger: As our school continues to evolve and adapt, we want to ensure our teachers have the resources, guidance, and professional support they need to implement the curriculum, deliver the best instructional practices, and meet the needs of all students. This role allows us to offer targeted support, coaching, and collaboration that will benefit both out teachers and students.
Q: Nicole, what will your role as Instructional Coach entail?
Dr. Nicole Del Oso: I'll be working alongside teachers to support instruction in a practical and collaborative way, whether that's sharing research-based strategies, thinking through lessons together, or being in classrooms to support in real time. I'll also partner closely with Holli on building professional development that is relevant to our community and our students' needs. My goal is for teachers to feel equipped and supported with the best tools, so they can continue to deliver the highest-quality learning experiences for our students.
Q: Holli, how will this role support teachers and your work as Associate Head of School?
Mrs. Holli Scharinger: The introduction of this role establishes a robust framework for instructional leadership. By partnering with Nicole, we can offer more comprehensive, synchronized support across all departments. This collaborative structure allows Nicole to provide the consistent, hands-on coaching essential for refining classroom techniques, while I dedicate my focus to the broader arc of faculty development—specifically through goal-setting, rigorous evaluation, and long-term professional growth.
When teachers are supported, confident, and inspired, students benefit immediately.
Mrs. Holli Scharinger
Q: Nicole, how does your experience as an upper elementary teacher and St. Thomas alum prepare you for this position?
Dr. Nicole Del Oso: Having been a student here and now a teacher, I have such a deep appreciation for the culture, values, and community of St. Thomas. I understand what makes this place so special to all of our families. My doctoral work in Teaching and Learning at FIU has also provided me with a deeper understanding of instructional practices that can have a meaningful impact in the classroom. I think that combination will allow me to support our faculty in ways that are both grounded in research and tailored to the specific needs of our school.
Q: Holli, how do you see Nicole’s work benefiting students directly?
Mrs. Holli Scharinger: When teachers are supported, confident, and inspired, students benefit immediately. Nicole’s guidance will help teachers implement strategies that engage learners, address diverse needs, and foster academic growth. Ultimately, this role ensures that every student experiences the best teaching St. Thomas has to offer.
This role is a direct investment in our classrooms, and in ensuring both our teachers and students receive the very best of St. Thomas.
Mrs. Holli Scharinger
Q: Nicole, what areas of instruction or student learning are you most excited to focus on with teachers?
Dr. Nicole Del Oso: I am especially excited about supporting our teachers in using data to really understand student learning and make informed instructional decisions. I’m also looking forward to focusing on language and literacy development, meeting the needs of all learners through differentiated instruction, and building strong foundational math skills. I can’t wait for opportunities for teachers to collaborate across grade levels and with special area teachers. There is so much we can learn from each other, and I’m excited to create space for conversations and shared ideas.
Q: Holli, how will Nicole work alongside leadership to implement best practices and support ongoing faculty development?
Mrs. Holli Scharinger: Nicole will collaborate with grade-level teams, grade-level and department leads, the Center for Excellence, and me to identify areas of need and provide tailored support. She will help us implement instructional strategies school-wide, ensure continuity in professional development, and create opportunities for teachers to reflect, grow, and innovate.
Q: Nicole, what do you hope to accomplish in this role in the first year?
Dr. Nicole Del Oso: In my first year, I really want to listen, learn, and continue to build strong relationships with our teachers. From there, my goal is to offer support that feels meaningful and actionable—things that teachers can actually use in their classrooms right away. I’m also excited to introduce coaching tracks that are responsive to what we’re seeing in classrooms, so we can proactively support teachers with strategies that address those needs. Ultimately, I hope to foster a culture of collaboration and lifelong learning.
Being able to collaborate, share ideas, and support both teachers and students is something I’m truly looking forward to… It is such a special opportunity to contribute to a community that means the world to me and laid the foundation for my own love of learning!
Dr. Nicole Del Oso '06
Q: Holli, what does this addition mean for St. Thomas’ commitment to academic excellence and teacher growth?
Mrs. Holli Scharinger: This role underscores our dedication to ensuring that our faculty are supported at every level. By investing in teachers’ growth and providing instructional coaching, we reinforce our commitment to academic excellence and a student-centered approach to learning.
Q: What excites you most about this new role and the impact it will have on the St. Thomas community?
Dr. Nicole Del Oso: I’m so excited to work closely with such talented, dedicated teachers and to learn from them as well. Being able to collaborate, share ideas, and support both teachers and students is something I’m truly looking forward to. It is such a special opportunity to contribute to a community that means the world to me and laid the foundation for my own love of learning!
Mrs. Holli Scharinger: I am truly excited about the increased support this brings to our faculty. This role is a direct investment in our classrooms, and I can't wait to see how it sparks new energy in our teaching and learning. By partnering in this way, we’re able to really move the needle on our academic goals and ensure that both our teachers and students continue to get the very best of what St. Thomas has to offer.