We want to give you a peek inside our Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program. Coaches taking part in this academic-year-long journey have graciously given us permission to post some of their learning and reflections from the private coursework they are undertaking during this program. Where possible, we have shared the course and the action task to give context for the guest post.

The Topic: Phase 2: Implement Consistently

The Task: Share your artifact and a written reflection on your learning during this phase.

What were your key “aha” moments during Phase 2: Implement Consistently? 

My key aha moment was not the key questions to ask during a coaching conversation which I created for my milestone, but some of the framework and types of language used. I have been formally trained as a mediator, and there are so many similarities between the two types of conversations. Mainly that my role is  as a facilitator and ‘other’ and this conversation should never be centered around me because it is not about me. I really liked the techniques of using tentative language and second and third person personal pronouns. It is inviting and inclusive which leads the teacher to make final decisions. There are always options for the teacher in using this type of language. I also connected with the coaching framework of paraphrasing technique of paraphrasing the content of the teacher’s responses first, naming the emotion second, and only then asking my first question.

Did you face any obstacles during this phase of the program? How did you overcome them?

I think my biggest obstacle for this phase was to really put myself out there for my MYP faculty as a coach and not “just” as the MYP Coordinator. I had to approach colleagues that I would both be comfortable working with to practice my skills with and ones who are in a stage of their teacher cycle / career / units who would be willing to work with me on a new idea.

What artifact did you choose to create and share? (Please link to your actual artifact)

I chose 3 artifacts to create:

COACHING CONVERSATION CYCLE TEMPLATE

COACHING CONVERSATIONS TOOLKIT

QUICK GUIDE: COACHING CONVERSATIONS TOOL KIT

Why did you choose to create these artifacts?

I started creating the coaching conversation toolkit first. I felt as though I needed a list of questions that I connected with and that I would actually use. I collected them from a variety of sources and sometimes changed the language to what was comfortable and familiar to me.. I then realized that I wanted a place to PUT this conversation and to record it and share with teachers, so created the template. I am only using it for the first time now, so I will see how this template and structure work for me and will modify it as needed. I then realized that I had so many questions, that what I really needed was a short one-page list of questions that I would begin my coaching practice with – so I created the quick guide too.

What did you learn in the creation of this artifact?

See above – but I have only begun using them, so I am still not sure of their practicality and application as of yet.

I did, however, post my list of curated questions on my personal page Facebook. I was astounded with the positive feedback and the variety of careers that this was relevant in.  From trainers to physician assistants to social workers, the feedback that this was a useful tool for many was eye-opening for me, as it proved that coaching, no matter what job we have, is relevant to multiple fields. 

How has this artifact moved you closer to consistency in your coaching role or program?

Part of consistency is the language we use and the lexicon that is associated with our role. All disciplines have jargon that are associated with them and I have appreciated finding connections between coaching and mediation. Although, educational coaching has less of specific terminology and more of specific approaches and techniques.

Where are you at in terms of consistency in your coaching role or program right now?

Just beginning! I am trying out what it means to be a coach within the coordination role and it is so much more fulfilling than getting teachers to document curriculum. So the part about it feeling good is a positive first step.

What are the next steps you need to take to further increase consistency in your coaching role or program?

Looking at ways with which to gather feedback from teachers about the process that is not time consuming for teachers but still informative for me.

Read more from The Coach participants as they share their learning from the certificate & mentorship program…

Nicola: Coaching Cycle Roadmap

Tracy: Coaching Menu

Tina: How do Coaches Work?

Tracey: Tech Coaching Menu

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Level Up Your Coaching with The Coach!

If you are ready to dive deep into your coaching practice, to help you #coachbetter and build a thriving coaching culture in your school, please join us for our next cohort of The Coach!

Wherever you are in building a coaching culture in your school, The Coach will give you the strategies, skills and tools you need to make coaching a success and will empower you to confidently apply instructional coaching strategies in any situation – from building a coaching program, to having coaching conversations, to being a leader in your school community. We facilitate only one cohort each academic year so we can offer individualized support for each participant.

Coaches of all levels are welcome: you’ll start the program with a self-assessment to determine exactly what the next steps are for you!