Coaching Done Well (Seasons 1-2)

Jim Thompson and Shane welcome Rachel Lofthouse, a professor of teacher education and director of Collective Ed. They discuss the concept of coaching done well and its impact on student success, the importance of creating a unique and significant space for coaching, and the challenges and variability in coaching practices. They also explore the state of coaching in the UK and internationally, the need for a mature coaching system, and the challenges of coaching in education. The episode concludes with gratitude and appreciation for Rachel's insights and contributions.

Takeaways

1. Coaching done well creates a unique and significant space for both the coach and the coachee to create something that otherwise might not exist.
2. Implementing coaching in education requires a shift in mindset and a recognition that coaching is a distinct activity that requires its own set of skills and qualities.
3. There is a surge of coaching in the UK, but there are also challenges in scaling up coaching and ensuring it is done well.
4. Coaching in education should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather as a practice that needs to be adapted to the specific context and needs of the individuals involved.
5. There is a need for a more mature coaching system that goes beyond quick fixes and focuses on long-term impact and development.
6. Coaching done well may not always have immediate, tangible outcomes, but its impact can be felt down the line through the quality of thinking and reflection it promotes.

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Shane, Jim and Mark discuss what coaching done well looks like. Mark shares his background in coaching and how he connected with Shane. They talk about the importance of respecting the humanity in teaching and partnering with teachers to achieve goals. Mark also discusses his current goal of navigating shared thinking spaces with larger teams and the challenges he faces in achieving this. They explore what a 10 on this goal would look like, including more engagement and iterative conversations. The episode ends with a discussion on the biggest challenge Mark faces in achieving his goal. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of coaching in education. Mark discusses the fear of not knowing if his coaching strategies will work, but also sees it as a learning experience. Jim emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and creating a safe space for teachers to share their struggles. Mark finds value in the dedicated time to think through his coaching approach and gain clarity. Shane appreciates the simplicity and depth of Jim's coaching questions. They discuss the power of collaboration and the complexity of human relationships in education. They also address the question of how to help teachers who struggle to come up with ideas to improve their teaching.

Takeaways

• Coaching done well involves a deep respect for the humanity in teaching and partnering with teachers to achieve goals.
• Navigating shared thinking spaces with larger teams can be a challenge, but it is an important skill to develop.
• A 10 on the goal of navigating shared thinking spaces would involve iterative and dynamic conversations, with participants building on each other's ideas and increased engagement from all team members.
• The biggest challenge in achieving this goal is finding ways to encourage and facilitate more engagement and participation from all team members. Coaching in education involves the fear of uncertainty, but it can also be a valuable learning experience.
• Creating a safe and vulnerable space for teachers to share their struggles is essential for growth.
• Dedicated time for reflection and clarity can lead to actionable steps and energized commitment.
• Collaboration and the complexity of human relationships play a significant role in coaching and education.
• Helping teachers who struggle to come up with ideas requires seeking support from other educators and professional networks.

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Shane and Jim are joined by Aimée Skidmore, a coach and international educator based in Geneva, Switzerland. The main theme of the conversation is the importance of vulnerability in coaching and teaching. Aimée emphasizes the need for coaches to act with courage and authenticity, and to bring vulnerability into their practice. She shares how sharing stories of vulnerability with teachers builds trust and credibility, reduces stress and anxiety, and creates a safe space for growth. The hosts also discuss the power of the eight-minute challenge, where teachers record themselves and reflect on their practice. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the benefits of peer observation and the importance of building trust and authenticity in coaching relationships.

Takeaways

• Acting with courage and authenticity is essential in coaching and teaching.
• Sharing stories of vulnerability builds trust and credibility with teachers.
• Creating a safe space for vulnerability in coaching sessions leads to growth and innovation.
• The eight-minute challenge is a powerful tool for self-reflection and improvement in teaching.
• Peer observation can be effective when there is an authentic connection and a focus on growth.

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Shane and Jim discuss their recent experiences and upcoming plans. They talk about the NFL playoffs, the Lunar New Year, and their podcasting projects. They also introduce the eight-minute challenge, which involves reflecting on a specific aspect of their practice. Shane shares his goal of improving his questioning skills during podcast interviews, and they discuss strategies for achieving this goal. They emphasize the importance of active listening and being present in conversations. They also highlight the value of coaching conferences and the power of self-reflection.

Takeaways

• They introduce the eight-minute challenge, which involves reflecting on a specific aspect of their practice.
• Shane's goal is to improve his questioning skills during podcast interviews.
• They emphasize the importance of active listening and being present in conversations.
• Coaching conferences and self-reflection are valuable tools for personal and professional growth.

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Shane and Jim introduce the 8-Minute Challenge, a way to use video to reflect on practice in a safe and low-threshold way. They emphasize the power of video in helping teachers see what they do and make improvements. The challenge involves recording 8 minutes of practice, reflecting on it, and identifying a goal that will advance student success and well-being. They encourage teachers to share their goals and videos with trusted colleagues or coaches, and to join the coaching community to support each other in their professional growth.

Takeaways

Video coaching is a powerful tool for teachers to reflect on their practice and make improvements.

The 8-Minute Challenge involves recording 8 minutes of practice, reflecting on it, and identifying a goal that will advance student success and well-being.

Sharing videos and goals with trusted colleagues or coaches can provide support and feedback in the journey of professional growth.

Joining a coaching community can offer opportunities for collaboration, sharing ideas, and learning from others.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane and Jim introduce themselves and their purpose of creating a space for conversation and shared growth in education. They discuss the importance of coaching done well and the need for better ideas and alternatives in professional learning. They highlight the lack of teacher autonomy and voice in current education systems and the need to advance student success and well-being. They invite listeners to join the conversation, share their ideas, and participate in the upcoming eight-minute challenge.

Takeaways

Coaching done well may be the most effective intervention designed for human performance.

There is a need for better ideas and alternatives in professional learning.

Teacher autonomy and voice are lacking in current education systems.

The goal is to advance student success and well-being.

Listeners are invited to join the conversation, share their ideas, and participate in the eight-minute challenge.

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