Coaching for Educators
Educators that worked through the pandemic will be the most experienced, resourceful, and technology-savvy individuals to ever lead the next generation.
Of course, that is provided that they remain educators. Today’s educators need a different type of professional development. Educator coaching is different. Rather than asking educators to learn new methods or require new processes, this professional development allows educators to positively focus on and use skills and values they already possess regardless of policies and mandates.
Remember why you teach and control what you can
Educators today are asked to teach students in a way that is far different from how they were taught. The job of an educator is to prepare today’s youth to be tomorrow’s adults. While many of the basic skills remain the same, technology and government mandates have changed the way those skills are taught and tested. Essentially, even fundamentals like the 3 Rs of education, reading, writing, and arithmetic, have changed and will continue to change. This constant and dramatic change can create daily challenges for educators, most of whom initially became teachers due to their desire to help and guide others. Coaching can help remind educators of the skills and desires that led them into education. Knowing these constant and controllable aspects can anchor amid the storm they brave every day. As a former teacher, coach, and administrator I can certainly help educators focus on what they control and how to use it to feel good about the work they do.
Some coaching concepts for individuals and teams
Focusing on the values and abilities that have made each individual successful as an educator.
Determining the “why” behind the individual, district, and state goals and working within those frameworks.
Understanding and combating the common reactions to conflicts that often happen between educators, students, administration, and parents.
Learning to determine and take ownership of the aspects of education within an individual’s control, and vice versa.
Personalized Professional Development
Coaching is personal and is not a cookie-cutter professional development program. It can be done individually or with a team of educators, either way, it will not be the type of professional development that puts you to sleep. It can be tailored to fit a school’s improvement plan. Many superintendents are able and willing to find grant money for professional development focusing on social-emotional wellness.
Contact me to start the conversation with your administration.
As a teacher/coach who started in 1986, I was somewhat hesitant to hire a life coach. I already had all the answers to life’s questions, right? Wrong! I didn’t even know the right questions. Matt challenged me during sessions to think outside of the box, to get rid of the box and to embrace change. I laughed out loud every time we met (sometimes at me, sometimes at him, and sometimes at the “challenge”)I left sessions feeling empowered to do the impossible while teaching and coaching during a pandemic! If you want to be the best you possible, spend some time with Matt, your mental health will thank you. And the students (or people) you work/live with will notice the new positivity you bring to the table!
I left sessions feeling empowered to do the impossible while teaching and coaching during a pandemic!
Pam Marcoline.
Deer-Creek Mackinaw Junior High School.
Educator. Cheer Coach. Track Coach