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.

Watch Isidro’s Video

Read Isidro’s Reflection

What goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of the program?

My big goal at the beginning of this program is to obtain knowledge and the foundation of instructional coaching. This was my big goal since I knew that the approach was far different from what I observed in my previous job in the US. Also, understanding my role as coach and the clarity of the coaching program and expectations in our school were my next goals.

How did each milestone support you in reaching your goal?

I love how this course built the Thrive Model to be successful as an instructional coach. Each milestone helped me fully acquire the essential skills to be successful and confident as a coach. I have a lot in my instructional coaching toolkit right now after completing this course.

What has been your biggest area of growth in the program?

Being confident in coaching conversations using the language of instructional coaching. Also, I’ve seen growth in structured conversation using protocols and deliberate co-planning and co-teaching using student data.

Where do you still have room to grow?

Motivating teachers with unique perspectives is one my areas of improvement. Another area is being consistent and intentional in a challenging situation.

What surprises and/or challenges have you had along the way?

A lot. All stakeholders need to fully understand instructional coaching and how we can support each other to achieve our shared vision and goals.

What would you do differently next time? What did you learn?

Have a clear focus and learn to “say no” sometimes:)

How did the Coach support you in your learning journey?

The Coach helped me acquire the essential skills to be ready to impact teachers and student learning, and be an agent of positive change.

How has your learning inside the Coach impacted your coaching practice & program in your school setting?

Through learning inside the Coach, we start building a sustainable coaching program at GWA and communicating our intentions with the admin so they understand and can better support our initiatives and goals.

What next for your professional learning?

This year is big challenge for me. I am starting my new role as Instructional Coach, I am completing my PhD, and I am completing this comprehensive course. My next step is to finish my PhD this month, enjoy life this summer, and be a normal human being. I plan to do more instructional coaching PDs to further my skills as a coach.

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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!