Coaching

The goal of ACEP's Coaching programs is to introduce strategies to develop the capacity of individuals and teams to improve their professional practice. It draws on aspects of the philosophy of coaching developed by the Centre for Cognitive Coaching and links the theory into a practical approach to coaching for a range of specific situations.

The ACEP's Coaching programs present the following strategies:

Establishing rapport and trust with colleagues
Using paraphrasing to assist understanding and organise thinking
Identifying strengths and areas for coaching (5 states of mind)
Framing effective questioning
Selecting appropriate coaching processes
Exploring Coaching Models- GROW, GAIN SO FAST and more
Using the e⁵instructional model as a focus for observations
Adapting coaching styles for different contexts
Learning Walks
Lesson Studies
One to one coaching
Team coaching and planning

The importance of building a collaborative relationship is addressed together with how best to develop trust and confidence to engage in taking the risk of changing practice.

New Instructional Coach Training Program

The Instructional Coach Training program is one of three new coach-training programs to be delivered under the auspices of the Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership.

The Instructional Coach Training Program is designed to combine the core elements of effective professional learning with the essential goals of improving teacher practice.

Embedding accountability for practice and performance in face to face relationships
Reducing isolation and sharing professional practice through direct observation, analysis and feedback

Learning outcomes

Participants will be trained as instructional coaches who are able to:

Encourage and model collaborative, reflective practice
Promote positive cultural change
Encourage the use of data analysis to inform practice
Promote the implementation of learning and reciprocal accountability
Support a shared understanding of effective teacher practice across their school
Facilitate learning and outcomes; promote evidence-based practice, strengthen connections between student assessment, curriculum and instruction
Support school improvement; advocate school improvement agendas that are aligned with the school’s strategic plan, collaborate with leadership and share knowledge

Program overview

Audit of coaches’ pedagogical, curriculum and disciplinary knowledge
Content relating to coaching theories and rationale, and the relationship between teacher beliefs and practice
Content relating to group protocols, and strategies for curriculum team planning and assessment
Use of e⁵Instructional Model to observe, provide feedback and model specific instructional strategies related to e⁵domains and capabilities
Modelling of coaching techniques and practices
Problem-based learning activities eg addressing challenges constructively, building teacher motivation, developing and sustaining a team approach to reflective practice and professional learning
Identification of future learning needs

Kaye Fletcher has worked extensively in developing and facilitating professional learning programs in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Having completed the Advanced Course in Cognitive Coaching, Kaye has co-designed and delivered several Coaching programs for educators. Kaye brings her experience in teaching processes to assist reflection and improved practice (Protocols & PoLT) to this specially designed program for professional learning leaders.

Recent Coaching programs in 2008 included a 3 Day program for Teaching and Learning Coaches in EMR and a 2 Day Program for Principals and leading teachers in the Barwon South Network. In 2009 the ACEP Team has been designing and delivering several programs within regional networks, including in the EMR, BSW and SMR.

Testimonials from participants-

"I love this work. It is challenging, thought-provoking and hard yet provides a great structure and framework for developing deep insightful conversations and dialogue."

"Thanks for the sessions last week. It certainly helped me reflect on my experiences working as a coach and is helping me think more about my coaches."

"I really love the way this training occurs, its perfectly timed, not too heavy, not too light, just right!"

" Great program. Presenters were engaging, organisaed and delivered the program in a non-threatening manner so that people were actively involved in learning coaching."

"I have come away with a clearer head and feel I have new tools to help me refine my practice. Thanks again for sharing your experience and wonderful sense of humour and accepting my many interruptions!"

"We wanted to make our next step coaching usng the e5 Instructional Model. I feel now we can go back to school and easily implement this."

Coaching Programs in 2010: TBC

Contact Kaye Fletcher This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about ACEP's 2010 Coaching Programs.