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: Consistency?
My three key “aha” moments in this phase include a clear understanding of the principles of adult learning, coaching stances, and effective questioning strategies.
Did you face any obstacles during this phase of the program? How did you overcome them?
Time management was my greatest challenge. But I learned to block time for professional development and to complete parts of this phase. I like to do work after work hours, but doing this consistently isn’t healthy. So, blocking time to plan and complete coaching work was very helpful.
What artifact did you choose to create and share?
I chose to create an infographic of the student-centered coaching cycle that we can use in our program and share with the administrators and teachers in our school.
A coaching cycle infographic & process
Why did you choose to create this artifact?
I chose this artifact because I realized it was important to our coaching. I had an informal conversation with my fellow coach and mentioned creating a detailed infographic of the student-centered coaching cycle. This coaching material shows the start and final phases of the coaching cycle and outlines the time we work for each stage of the cycle. The second page of the infographic presents how stages of the cycle are categorized into three phases: planning, learning, and reflecting (I chose reflecting instead of “improving).
What did you learn in the creation of this artifact?
I learned that being intentional in planning for a coaching cycle and providing administrators and teachers with materials that will help them understand the coaching program that exists in our school is beneficial. I mentioned “administrators” because they also need to know the work we do as coaches and how we impact student learning. And by having this brief and concise material, I would not be doing tasks that are not coaching-related, like covering multiple classes in one day.
How has this artifact moved you closer to your goals for your coaching role or program?
I’ve done two cycles of coaching and utilized the current material we have in our school. Thanks to my fellow coach for organizing all these resources.
I plan to use this in my third cycle of coaching. Now that I have completed the clarity and consistency phases, I am now 60% equipped with the essential tools I need to launch a more successful and structured student-centered coaching cycle.
Where are you at in terms of your goals for your coaching role or program right now? What are the next steps you need to take to get closer to your goals for your coaching role or program?
I keep on doing some marketing strategies to build relationships with teachers and increase coaching buy-ins at my school. As mentioned above, I have already completed two coaching cycles, and I am co-planning with my fellow coach for the new teacher mentorship program. Having the essential coaching tools you need to impact teachers and student learning is essential to a successful coaching program.
What are the next steps you need to take to get closer to your goals for your coaching role or program?
I will be using this material in my next coaching cycle and will evaluate how it is helpful to coachees, the coaching program, and student learning. Also, I will present this artifact with my fellow coach and chief academic director and plan how we can add it to our existing program.
Read more from The Coach participants as they share their learning from the certificate & mentorship program…
Melissa: Creating a Needs Assessment
Lindy: Leadership vs Instructional Coach Coaching Conversation
Nikki: A Pathway to Instructional Coaching for All
Ana Cristina: What is Coaching?
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