As an experienced Coach in the education sector, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that coaching can have on teachers and their practices. Whether it’s helping educators develop their skills, build their confidence, or overcome challenges, coaching is a powerful tool that can drive real and lasting improvement in schools.
If you’re skeptical about the power of coaching, let me put it this way: coaching is like a secret weapon for school improvement. It’s a way to unlock the full potential of your teachers, unleash their creativity, and help them take their practice to the next level.
And the best part? Coaching is backed by science. Research has shown that coaching can lead to significant improvements in teacher effectiveness and student outcomes. In fact, studies have found that coaching can help teachers improve their skills, increase their confidence, and better engage their students.
So, what exactly is coaching, and how does it work? At its core, coaching is a supportive and collaborative process that helps educators grow and develop. It’s based on the idea that everyone has the potential to improve, and that with the right support and guidance, teachers can reach new heights in their careers.
One of the key models used in coaching is the GROW model, which stands for:
- Goals: What do you want to achieve?
- Reality: What is your current situation?
- Options: What are your choices and alternatives?
- Will: What actions will you take?
But coaching isn’t just about setting goals and making plans. It’s also about self-reflection and self-awareness. That’s where tools like the Johari Window come in. The Johari Window is a tool that helps individuals understand their own strengths and weaknesses, and how they are perceived by others. This self-awareness is key to helping teachers improve their practice and reach their goals.
So, what can you expect if you embark on a coaching journey? Well, here are a few of the benefits you can expect:
- Improved teaching skills and effectiveness
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Better engagement and relationships with students
- More effective and efficient lesson planning
- A stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment in your career
One of the most important components of our role is to build trust and establish a relationship with our coachees. This is the foundation for a successful coaching experience, as without it, the coachee may not feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, experiences, and concerns.
Think of trust in a coaching relationship like the foundation of a house. You can have the most beautiful and well-designed house in the world, but if the foundation is weak, the house will eventually crumble. The same is true in a coaching relationship. Without a strong foundation of trust, the coaching experience will not be as effective, and the desired outcomes may not be achieved.
So, how do we build trust and establish a relationship as a coach? It’s a combination of things, but some of the key components include active listening, being respectful and empathetic, and creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. We can also use self-reflection tools such as the Johari window to help us understand our own biases and tendencies, and to ensure that we are bringing our best selves to the coaching relationship.
And while building trust and establishing a relationship may take time and effort, the payoff is worth it. A study by the International Coach Federation found that individuals who receive coaching reported improved relationships with their colleagues, higher levels of job satisfaction, and increased productivity.
So, to all my fellow coaches out there, let’s work together to build strong foundations of trust and establish positive, supportive relationships with our coachees. After all, as the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” And as coaches, it’s our job to show that we care about the growth and development of our coaches.
To conclude, coaching is a powerful tool that can help drive real and lasting improvement in schools. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or just someone looking to take your practice to the next level, coaching can help you reach new heights in your career. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash your potential and take your practice to the next level!
Get in touch if you are interested in developing your school leaders with our intense 6 week course on Coaching and Mentoring for Impact.