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 3: Grow Community

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

What were your key “aha” moments during Phase 3: Grow Community?

Looking back this was an exciting phase as a lot of different elements came together and became almost like a catalyst for change in our schools’ coaching team.

We had a coaching session for the team with Kim. This session made us realize we might have to take a step back in what is happening in our current reality and what the future aspirations are for us as the coaching team. The energy we got from this session made us rethink some basics such as vision/job descriptions/long term goals (almost like going back to the start of this course!). 

The session about the “coach as a change agent” defines those “Aha” Moments too, as it is something I am aware of in my other role. As a coaching team, we are going through similar phases. Because of turnover of staff/covid years it feels sometimes as starting over the program again, but you have to keep moving forward and working towards those middle adopters moving to the front in adopting innovation and change.

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

Sitting in on another team’s meeting was something I never did in the role of a coach, as being the observer instead of fully participating. I decided to observe and listen and not to participate actively as a coach as I wanted to listen intentionally.  I have learned a lot in this meeting and I got to know more about different roles in the school. So even if I am not an active participant I gained more knowledge about structures/systems and how meetings can be run a different way. It was a great learning experience.

What artifact did you choose to create and share?

I created a visual FOR ESTABLISHING A COACHING CULTURE. Initially I wanted to update my precious artifact I created for Milestone 2, by taking it into the “real” coaching world as suggested, but after our team coaching session with Kim, things shifted, which resulted in the Professional Learning Coach Visual.

Why did you choose to create this artifact?

The artifact is part of a conversation we are having with the leadership team about the position of coaching in the school and how we can support both HR & Leadership regarding professional learning & development in the school. This 1 page visual (based on a current vision document) can support and clarify the goals of our coaching team.

What did you learn in the creation of this artifact?

In any form of communication, the information has to be clear from the beginning. This information has been condensed from a 4-page document into one visual. Hopefully this brings clarity and allows us to explain things clearly without having to read through too much documentation first. By making coaching visible this is a tool that can support this.

How has this artifact moved you closer to growing a community in your coaching role or program?

The artifact will be shared in a meeting with the leadership team of the school. The goal is to have an open conversation of which role the coaching team (program) can play in supporting the teachers to improve student learning. This could be one way for the coaching team to support and grow community & professional learning.

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

The aim is to make coaching an integral part of our school plan 2024 – 2027. And as Maggy said in the meeting: “For every challenge there is an opportunity”, so that is what we are focussing on right now.

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

With a new colleague starting this great course we are further establishing the program.

Personally, I would like to keep coaching individual teachers to help improve student learning and growing teachers’ mindsets to promote that culture of learning.

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

Nicola: Coaching Year Plan

Tracey: Tracking Data & Professional Development Plan

Kelly: Seeing Yourself as a Leader

Tracey: Tracking Coaching

---

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!