From coachee to practitioner

My journey into coaching started when the idea was introduced at a staff meeting. I was intrigued and decided to register my interest. Throughout the foundation stage, I found myself really valuing the dedicated time and space. I discovered a lot more about myself, my personality and how I operate. This continues to support me in my new role as Assistant Headteacher at Beechfield School, working with staff, families and external agencies whilst continuing to make time for my own professional growth. 

After completing the foundation stage, I decided to move on to become a practitioner myself. This involved working with two staff members from across the trust, taking them through the foundation stage journey whilst continuing to receive supervision myself. I have found it extremely fulfilling being a coach, seeing my coachees develop throughout the sessions and leave with a range of problem-solving tools to use in future. I am really enjoying taking on new coachees, working with staff across the trust and seeing how they progress. 

Since accrediting as a practitioner, I have made the decision to take on lead coach across the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust. This role includes supervising staff in their journey to become practitioners, whilst still being supervised myself. I am so pleased with the coaching culture which is developing across our four schools. We have a range of staff members in different roles, all at different stages, and have established a group of staff who are accredited practitioners. These coaches are able to take on new coachees when needed, meaning new relationships continue to form across the trust.

I look forward to seeing how our coaching culture continues to grow over the next academic year and would encourage everyone to give coaching a go!