Teacher coaching: emperor’s new clothes?

After two days of continuing professional development I am still none the wiser. How can all this touchy-feely stuff actually substitute for just getting some decent training?

blazer

The last set of clothes were so 2012. Of course a new outfit is required.

Theredtree

Is coaching something to do with sitting down with the children and their parents, advising them where they are going wrong and then telling them what you plan to do about it?

snowyhead

Coaching is where an experienced teacher observes and “coaches” a less experienced teacher to help them get better. Although in reality it’s being used to force teachers out.

brambo

Didn’t that used to be called mentoring? Although the reality remains constant.

tidal

I think that the process of “coaching” (registered trademark 2013) is more formal and structured? ... I think it might be a wise and lucrative career choice if I were much perkier, and less cynical.

Theredtree

Mentoring is where the mentor instructs and guides the mentee towards the outcome, whereas a coach will guide the coachee towards finding the answers and the direction themselves.

poemeelectronique

It’s the latest merry-go-round initiative rubbish. The other idea people seem reluctant to discuss is the notion that all teachers can improve when some clearly do not have the required disposition or many of the “uncoachable” traits a teacher needs.

keyboard2

How many school leaders (acting in a coaching capacity) does it take to change a light bulb? First the light bulb has to want to change.

Theredtree

The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those who don’t have it.

Scintillant

www.tesconnect.comcoaching.