Coaching The Coaches

Training possibilities with Mike Hughes

There is currently considerable interest in the role of coaching in schools. This is not surprising as the evidence continues to grow that coaching is by far the most effective way of helping teachers improve and develop their practice!

The shift in emphasis from Inset to coaching is an exciting and highly significant development and will lead to fundamental changes in the way in which schools approach CPD. It is a model that is compatible with the concept of Performance Management and is an approach that is being actively encouraged and supported by both the DfES and NCSL.

However...

1. coaching in schools is sometimes limited in scope. Often it involves a lesson observation and a feedback session and can easily be perceived as a support mechanism for weaker teachers. While this approach has a place it is important to acknowledge that coaching is much more than this. Coaching is an approach that can permeate the entire institution and release the latent potential of all. (teachers AND children).

2. it is not coaching that improves the quality of teaching and ultimately learning, it is high quality coaching and there is the key question to consider of who coaches the coaches?

These programmes are designed to do just that.

Key Components...

• The WHY and the WHAT of coaching
• How coaching differs from training
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Developing key coaching skills
• Observation for coaching
• From feedback to professional dialogue
• Listening to understand
• Structuring the coaching session
• Working with reluctant colleagues
• Whole school implications

We Offer...

• A variety of programmes ranging from one day courses to on-going
  support programmes
• A three day sandwich course (see below)
• Coaching Master Classes
• Coaching the Trainers (developing people to coach coaches)
• Developing students as coaches (from key stage one upwards)
• The opportunity to gain accreditation at master’s level 
  (details available on request)
• Customised programmes to fit in with your on-going CPD programme

Three Day Sandwich Course...

Days one and two take place consecutively at the beginning of the programme. Day three takes place approximately one term later. It is recommended that schools consider enrolling three people (or multiples of three) on the programme. Between days two and three, participants are encouraged to work in groups of three - coaching triangles - to develop and sharpen their skills. (A watches B teach and coaches them. C observes the process and coaches A on the quality of their coaching and so on) It is understood that this is not always possible and we are happy to welcome individual teachers to the programme.

Programme Details...

If you would like details of the 2007-08 coaching programme or would like to discuss arranging coaching training at you school, please make contact using the details below.

Mike Hughes Education Training and Support
PO Box 797
Cheltenham
GL52 6WR

T: 01242 238990
E: msh.hughes@virgin.net
W: www.mikehughes-ets.co.uk