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 Matthew’s Video

Read Matthew’s Reflection

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

When I began this educational coaching program, my perspective was clouded by past experiences that had painted coaching as a punitive, hierarchical process. As a department head, I recognized a deep-seated bias that prevented me from seeing coaching’s true potential. My initial goal was kind of embarrassing in its simplicity: to unlearn these restrictive associations and develop a more nuanced understanding of the professional support offered by coaches.

How did each milestone support you in reaching your goal?

The program’s activities and milestones were productive and helpful. Through carefully structured self-assessments and reflective exercises, I began to deconstruct my preconceived notions. An early module on coaching conversations challenged me to reconsider communication as a collaborative dialogue rather than a give-and-take. I realized that effective coaching is less about providing answers and more about creating space for self-discovery and professional growth. This awareness was quite beneficial during my first coaching conversation.

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

My biggest area of growth emerged in developing sophisticated interpersonal skills. Where I once saw coaching as a mechanism for correction, I now understand it as a process of empowerment. This shift became most apparent when trying to craft reflective questions that invited deeper thinking and not provoking self-criticism. In my department, this translated to more meaningful conversations with colleagues, where professional challenges became opportunities for collaborative problem-solving.

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

The unexpected challenges were perhaps the most illuminating. I discovered that my own vulnerability was not a weakness, but a strength in coaching. Admitting my own professional uncertainties created a more authentic space for colleague growth. One particularly memorable moment occurred when a team member was struggling with a new instructional approach. Instead of offering immediate solutions, I guided him through a reflective process that allowed him to discover his own innovative strategy.

What would you do differently next time? What did you learn? Where do you still have room to grow?

If I had The Coach to do over, I would do my best to open more space for the coachee and to limit the amount of prior belief and expectations that I brought to my Milestones and coaching cycle. That said, I would never have realized this need if I had not felt the obstructing presence of my own schemas and stereotypes. I learned that I need to make learning a mindset in my coaching interactions, and not just a response. As of the end of The Coach, I consider this an active growth area.

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

In my school setting, these insights have transformed my leadership approach. I’ve begun creating more collaborative professional learning spaces that prioritize individual growth trajectories. Our department meetings now incorporate reflective practices, with time dedicated to sharing challenges, exploring potential solutions, and celebrating incremental successes. This approach has noticeably increased team morale and collective efficacy.

What’s next for your professional learning?

Looking forward, my professional learning journey continues to evolve. I aim to develop more sophisticated support strategies, create a sustainable professional learning dynamic within my department, and advocate for coaching as a transformative educational practice among my colleagues.

The most profound lesson I’ve learned is that coaching is not about fixing or evaluating, but about empowering educators to discover their own potential.

How did the Coach support you in your learning journey?

This program has been more than a skill-development experience; it has been a fundamental reshaping of my understanding of professional development. I’ve learned that true coaching is an act of profound trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to educational excellence. As I move forward, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of supportive, reflective professional learning.

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!