A VSTE Certified Coach Blog Series on Transformative Coaching
This blog is authored by VSTE's Certified Coach Program Coordinator, Katie Breaud
Introductions can be truly awkward as a coach. People have an innate understanding of sport coaches and life coaches, but when you say that you’re an instructional technology coach (or insert your coaching title) there can be that blank-stare moment. In the hustle and bustle of back-to-school chaos, it’s easy to be seen as the “fixer.” The person who will come into the classroom and make sure the student devices are ready. Or help hang posters and make sure copies are ready for Open House. While these experiences can help build relationships, they may also muddy the waters around a coach’s professional role. In order to build trust, transparency, and long-term success, defining our role matters, and it isn’t a one-time thing.
Why Clarity is Critical
As defined in Forward Edge’s Core of Coaching Framework, building relationships is the bedrock of successful coaching and a key component of that is clarifying the coaching role. When teachers truly understand what a coach brings to the table, and knows what to expect when they engage with a coach, they thrive. Professional educators need to know the “why” in all professional learning situations to attach value to the experience. Coaches who are able to communicate clearly about why working with a coach is a value-add reduce confusion, resistance, and stress.
Three Ways to Define Your Role with Intention
- Align your message to school or division goals: Coaches should have a deep understanding of their school and/or school division’s goals. Use these goals to explain your purpose and reason for placement. Be specific. Include talking point examples such as: “My role is to help ensure all students succeed through personalized instruction.”
- Be transparent about boundaries: Teachers need to know if coaching interactions are confidential or not, how coaches will behave in their classrooms, and how coaching support works. Remind teachers: “I’m not an evaluator. Our coaching work is a safe space for growth.”
- Be consistent across all interactions: Develop a “coaching elevator pitch” that highlights what you bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to re-introduce yourself early and often. Keep your messaging consistent across all formats including emails, face to face interactions, professional learning sessions, and newsletters.
Tying This to the VSTE Certified Coach (VCC) Program
If you’re already a VCC, remember how this aligns with your training in coaching clarity and equity of support. As we head back to school, keep in mind that “starting fresh” is a continuous process and not a one-time event. What artifacts do you already have that could be updated to better serve your teachers this coming year? Is there a strategy you hoped to implement this coming year that needs to be put into action? Hold yourself accountable and reach out to the network if needed!
Tools Coaches Can Use
If you’re hoping to improve your role clarity this coming year, consider incorporating any of the following:
Coaching menu or service business card (include your contact information!)
Introductory welcome email to all staff
A short video introducing your coaching focus
A visual calendar so that staff will know where to find you and your general schedule
Coaching Reflection Prompt
How did you introduce your coaching role this year, and what part of your message seemed to resonate most with staff?
This post is part of a monthly series inspired by the VSTE Certified Coach program and the Core of Coaching Framework, designed to support and grow coaches across Virginia.
Transparency Statement: This blog post was co-developed with support from an AI writing assistant (ChatGPT). The author retains full creative control and authorship of the post content. AI was used to brainstorm ideas, organize outlines, and review grammar and spelling.
