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.
Follow IanThe Topic: Working with Adults & Teams
The Task: For those with experience working with adults, reflect on the resources shared in this module.
Think back to your early days working with adults. What do you know now that you would have done differently then?
Without a doubt, I am guilty of missing the motivational mark in my early coaching conversations with adults. I totally presumed that because meaningful technology integration was a goal of the school and a huge part of classrooms that teachers would be naturally motivated to engage in projects or discussions relative to tech. What I know now is that I need to start by listening. Listening to each teacher in order to understand what their personal priorities are, what they are most enthusiastic about, and what they are most concerned about throughout a school year.
How are you building on your understanding of adult learning theory in your current work?
This is a never-ending cycle in my world. Debriefing coaching conversations or even emails with mentors, attending workshops, courses such as this, these are all pieces of the growth and development of my understanding of how adult learners can best be supported.
What strategies, processes or approaches have been working well for you?
This year I’ve really focused on the listening and note-taking aspects of meetings and conversations. Training myself to have the discipline to write short notes as others speak and waiting for them to finish their thoughts has been my priority. I’ve found that by reviewing my takeaways with the person whom I am speaking there is a much clearer outcome and vision for what the next steps might be for both of us.
Where do you have room to grow?
I will always feel like I have room to grow in every aspect of working with adults. I am constantly humbled by the creativity, drive, and intellect of those around me. A personal goal of mine is to always find something in each coaching partnership that I can take away as an exemplar to use with myself and as a suggestion for others in the future.
Read more from The Coach participants as they share their learning from the certificate & mentorship program…
Mairin: Leading Professional Learning
Abby: The Power of Learning Walks
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!
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