Implement a Coaching Program
IMPLEMENT A COACHING PROGRAM
A coaching program should reflect the unique needs and goals of the school or district in which it exists. Listed below are some of the important factors to consider when establishing a coaching program.
1. OVERCOME RESISTANCE TO CHANGE
Beginning a coaching program where none has existed represents a change for your school, district, or organization. And change inevitably meets up with resistance. Recognize that resistant responses represent real concerns and real fears. They may reflect earlier experiences and unpleasant circumstances. However, overcome resistance by continuing to communicate the benefits of coaching to those who will listen. In most cases resistance can be overcome with:
- Collective energy.
- Sound arguments.
- Meaningful conversations.
2. ESTABLISH COACHING NORMS
To ensure that coaching remains separate from evaluation, it’s useful to establish norms and guidelines about the coaching relationship. Norms are established with full participation of all involved in the coaching program. They’re written, and whenever possible, they are also posted. Possible norms include:
- The coachee is not broken or in need of fixing.
- The relationship is custom tailored to the coachee.
- Except when expressly stated otherwise, all conversations in the coaching session remain private and confidential.
- The coach and the coachee agree to show up on time at scheduled conferences.
- Communication is open, honest, and truthful at all times.
3. MAKE TIME FOR COACHING
Coaching programs require time. Stephen Barkley, Executive Vice-President of PLS, asserts that we don’t find time for coaching, we MAKE time. Ways to make time include:
- Coaches observe coachees on videotape rather than during actual class time.
- Several teachers take turns teaching one another's classes in order to free up time for coaching conferences.
- Certified staff, such as counselors, specialists, and administrators, teach classes while coaches and coachees meet.
4. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS COACHING CAN RESOLVE.
Highlighting the issues or circumstances that point to the need for a coaching program can open the conversation that leads to the development of a coaching program. Schools have successfully solved problems such as:
- High attrition rates of beginning teachers.
- Implementation of state-mandated programs in reading and math.
- Low standardized test scores.
5. GET COACHING TRAINING.
Coaching programs and coaching relationships vary from person to person and from school to school. A program may begin with two teachers who help each other, with a group of teachers who meet to create a program, or with an administrator outlining a school-wide initiative. No matter what form it takes, a coaching program usually gets under way correctly with peer coaching training for everyone involved.