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 0: Foundations Milestone

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

What were your key “aha” moments during Phase 0: Foundations?

The “aha” moment for me as I worked through the 4 modules was how familiar the information was in the first three modules (Growth Mindset, The Power of PLN, and Learning Looks Different Now); yet how new the information was in the last module (The Importance of Equity). It’s not that the DEIJ work is not present in our school, it was how little personal responsibility I’d taken to read further around the subject to learn and unlearn. It’s heavy reading & listening and maybe fear of what it would uncover kept me from diving too deeply, but I am certainly on the pathway now.

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

I did get stuck when it came to writing my belief statement about The Importance of Equity because I realized I didn’t know what I believed about it. I had to keep coming back to the materials and did a lot of thinking and settled on what my current belief is at this point. However, I’ve given myself permission to be flexible and fluid with these belief statements.

What artifact did you choose to create and share? Why did you choose to create this artifact?

I chose to create a set of belief statements. I chose this as I thought it would help me to move towards my larger goal which is to develop my identity as a coach. If I know and can articulate what I believe, then I can align actions in my daily practice and help me to live out those beliefs and further shape my identity. 

Coaching Beliefs

What did you learn in the creation of this artifact?

I learned it was hard for me to commit to putting beliefs in written form and send that out for others to see. It also surfaced how interconnected these four strands are. For example, growth mindset came up so many times when reading about the role of technology, growing a PLN, and the importance of equity. This interconnectedness was further highlighted when listening to the #coachbetter podcasts @k_shelton @PerrerasAlysa @SJEducate @de_fine

How has this artifact moved you closer to your goals for your coaching role or program?

Creating this has definitely given me a lot to think about and helped me to think about what is really important to me in this new role and how I want to live it. I want to share this with my team so they know more about me and how I want to show up. I also hope they will call me on it if they see actions that do not align with these beliefs.

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

I’m certainly at the beginning. The belief statement is created, but since I’m off on holiday I’m going let it sit with me and continue reading before the new school year starts. Shaping my identity as a coach is an ongoing process. I have some great models to aspire to.

What are the next steps you need to take to get closer to your goals for your coaching role or program?

Continue reading, exploring and reflecting on my practice.

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

Nicola: Taking a Targeted Risk as an Instructional Coach

Kelly: Focus on Equity

Ashley: Working with Adults

Kate: The Importance of Relationships in Instructional Coaching

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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!