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 1: Find Clarity

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

What were your key “aha” moments during Phase 1: Finding Clarity?

Being brand new to coaching, this phase helped me understand what coaching is. I knew coaching was much more than partnering with another educator in a coaching cycle. I was unaware of all of the roles a coach can have. During our November 13 Cohort Meeting, we looked at Joellen Killion’s list of Coaching Roles. This was one of my key “aha” moments because I realized that I was already doing some of the work of a coach. Seeing this table was also a bit of a relief because it made me feel that it was okay if I was not yet engaging in a coaching cycle with a partner. There are other areas I am confident in doing now, and I know I will get to the  “classroom supporter” role once I learn more in phase 2. 

Another “aha” moment came to me from listening to those in our cohort who are already in a coaching role. A common theme amongst those working in schools with coaching programs is that it is not always clear to leaders and staff members what a coach’s role is. Therefore, establishing a clear definition, belief statement, and the school’s vision for coaching is essential. 

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

Establishing the school’s vision also seems to be a challenge. During phase 1, I heard several coaches state that their administrator’s idea of a coach may differ from theirs. So, this makes me realize that leaders also need to be educated in what a coach is and does.

Overall, this phase made it clear to me that clarity is super important and it is something that needs to be revisited and shared over and over with leaders and staff members.

The obstacles I faced during this phase were all because of procrastination. I need to dedicate more time to learning and practicing. I’d like to utilize time

better by listening to the #coachbetter podcast on my motorbike trip to school each day. I’ve listened to a few episodes so far. These conversations increased my understanding of what a coach is and does. I realized many different ways a coach can support an educator. They have been helpful! 

I’ve also been hard on myself at times; not realizing all the ways I serve in coaching roles. Seeing Joellen Killion’s list of Coaching Roles helped me recognize the coach that already exists in me. Now I need to start documenting everything better!

What artifact did you choose to create and share?

For this artifact, I created My Coaching Definition. The artifact I chose to make made the most sense because I am a classroom teacher at a school without a coaching program or any coaches. This would be one of the first steps towards building a coaching partnership. People need to understand what a coach is and does. 

While creating this artifact, I learned I had clarity on each part of my definition because I could define it. I was able to describe each one because of the material provided in each section of the phase. It is also helpful to take good notes to reference for useful information.

In terms of where I am right now, I consider myself a baby. Haha. But really, I have so much to learn and practice. I’m excited for the next phase and starting some actual coaching myself.

Lastly, I’d still like to create more of the artifacts from phase 1. These are all essential items to have and share. Those will be my next steps and perhaps something I can do while I am traveling to the States over break. I’ll have lots of time on the plane to work.

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

Alexsandra: Creating a Coaching Vision Statement

Tine: Inside the Coach: Coaching Culture Visual

Nicola: Coaching Year Plan

Tracey: Tracking Data & Professional Development Plan

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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!