Coaching and Mentoring for teachers

Effective mentoring requires specific communication skills if we are to empower people to grow. Learn micro-skills from Coaching Psychology that are simple and practical.

Mentoring in education has existed for a long time but with changes to accountability with National Teaching standards, appraisals and professional development plans, mentoring has changed. The growth of evidence-based coaching and in education is seeing strong overlay with coaching and mentoring. Here we explore the similarities & differences between coaching and mentoring as well as unpacking the role of a mentor. Also, we are very aware of the learning process and its challenges for students, but what about staff? In order to learn we must grow, in order to grow we need to question our current beliefs, decisions, thoughts and actions. This can be both exciting and confronting. Knowing how to build a culture of trust is crucial if mentors are going to effectively manage the relationship

Coaching is the fastest growing industry in the world and is starting to makes its way into education. Coaching uses specific micro-skills in listening and questioning that support the process of mentoring. By learning these micro-skills, mentors are able to have meaningful conversations that are strategic and encourage reflection.
Also, as teachers, we are always asking questions of our students, coupled with detailed instructions on how to scaffold learning as they move towards achieving outcomes. However, in a mentoring context, the outcome is not determined by us but by the mentee. As a result, we must use specific and effective questioning to help people be solution-focussed as opposed to problem-focussed. By doing so, people become more empowered, more responsible and more engaged with their own goals.

Now that we are clearer on our role and have some basic coaching skills to build a positive relationship, we need specific tools to help us scaffold and be strategic in moving towards our goals. Here we explore three universal and common frameworks, the Coaching Wheel, SMART goals and GROW.
The foundation of any successful mentor program is planning. Here you create your individualised mentoring program that is unique for you and your role at school. Whether this be using the Professional Teaching Standards to reflect on practice, supporting colleagues in career development or working with pre-service teachers, you will have an opportunity to create your mentoring program complete with skills, tools and resources.