Coaching into Schools Hint: Build relationships first
To introduce coaching into schools, you must clearly demonstrate its value before you can ask to be paid. Schools operate with limited resources, and most of their budgets are allocated well in advance. However, there is an effective process for integrating non-directive coaching into schools, and it often succeeds. This process was used during 2014-2018 in Sweden.
Your approach should highlight the high value of coaching while emphasizing that your initial offer, a presentation or a demonstration, comes at no cost. This may seem too good to be true, so clear and transparent communication about your reasons for doing this work is essential. This guide will show you how to gradually establish non-directive coaching in schools within your community. This process takes time, which is beneficial. As you build relationships with school staff, you will strengthen the case for securing funding for your work in future budgets.
In order to commit to a long-term coaching relationship, the Leadership team needs to know: ● ● ● ● ● What they want Where to get it How much it costs How to fund it What they are losing out on if they don’t do this You can provide them with all of that. Offer as much as you can for free, and keep asking “What is this worth to you?” and “How might you fund the next stage of this?” Stay IN the conversation.
Benefits Make a list of the benefits of being coached. Use different perspectives from within the education system. Leadership / Staff / Learners / Parents When people know the value of non-directive coaching, they will invest in being coached. Some will want to be trained so they can coach others. Some will want ongoing support as they develop their coaching skills.
Hot Tip: Send your proposal as a physical letter rather than an email. Handwritten letters, in particular, capture attention. This discovery was accidental. I tried it when my printer failed, but the response rate was remarkable.
There are five steps to take: 1 Preparation 2 Presentation 3 Demonstration 4 Workshops or Group Coaching 5 Individual Coaching
The first step is Preparation and there are four key questions to address: 1 Why are you offering this free of charge? 2 Who is your audience? 3 What format will you offer? 4 When will this happen?
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