Coaching Tips

I’ve been asked to write some insights on coaching for the General Teaching Council’s ground-breaking Teacher Learning Academy to stimulate discussion amongst the network’s school leaders.

I’m jumping at the chance because it’s a great opportunity to pass on some of the hows of effective coaching.  It’s also a challenge though, as I’m not sure I’m able to distill key concepts, and at the same time make those meaningfully applicable for teachers who will be supporting one another in their professional development.

Still, I’m excited at giving it a go.  It’s rare that we truly listen deeply enough to another human being to be able to let go of our agenda and really get into his or her shoes.  In my experience, both professionally and personally, magical things happen when I do.  I get to hear others unfettered by what’s going on in my head, and they get to hear themselves too. It works all round!

I used to be a classroom teacher of English in an inner-city school in south Leeds.  (It was my first job, and looked green enough for the Sixth Form prefects to mistake me for one of the younger kids…)   I was very grateful to have a mentor.  He was invaluable in showing me the ropes and giving me advice based on his years of experience.

Coaching is different though.  When done well it unlocks our own wisdom and fuels us on our trajectory.  I would have loved to have had that too.  I wouldn’t do without a coach now.