Introduction

In today's dynamic and increasingly complex educational environment, effective Coaching and Mentoring for School Leaders have emerged as indispensable strategies for fostering continuous professional growth, enhancing leadership effectiveness, and ultimately driving school improvement. School leaders face multifaceted challenges, from managing diverse stakeholders and navigating policy changes to fostering academic excellence and ensuring student well-being. Providing targeted coaching and supportive mentoring equips them with the reflective practices, problem-solving skills, and resilience needed to excel in these demanding roles. Without dedicated opportunities for personalized growth, leaders risk isolation, burnout, and a diminished capacity to inspire and guide their school communities. This essential training course focuses on equipping educational professionals with the expertise to master Coaching and Mentoring for School Leaders.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower aspiring, new, and experienced school principals, vice principals, department heads, and educational system leaders with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to both engage in and provide effective coaching and mentoring relationships. Participants will gain a deep understanding of coaching models, explore various mentoring approaches, learn active listening and powerful questioning techniques, and acquire strategies for fostering reflective practice and goal attainment. The course will delve into topics such as building trust and rapport, giving constructive feedback, developing leadership competencies, managing challenging conversations, creating professional growth plans, and establishing a culture of peer support and continuous learning. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Coaching and Mentoring for School Leaders, participants will be prepared to unlock their own leadership potential, empower others, and cultivate a thriving educational ecosystem dedicated to excellence.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• School Principals and Head Teachers
• Vice Principals and Assistant Heads
• Department Heads and Team Leaders
• Aspiring School Leaders
• Experienced School Leaders looking to become coaches/mentors
• Education Consultants and Leadership Developers
• Human Resources Managers in Education
• Mentors for New Teachers or Leaders
• District-level Education Officials
• Individuals responsible for leadership development programs

Objectives

• Understand the core distinctions and benefits of coaching versus mentoring for school leaders.
• Learn about various coaching models and mentoring approaches applicable in education.
• Acquire proficiency in key coaching skills, including active listening and powerful questioning.
• Comprehend strategies for building trust, rapport, and psychological safety in leadership relationships.
• Explore methodologies for providing constructive feedback and facilitating reflective practice.
• Understand how to support leaders in setting goals and developing action plans.
• Gain insights into addressing leadership challenges and fostering resilience through support.
• Develop a framework for implementing and sustaining coaching/mentoring programs for school leaders.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Coaching and Mentoring in Education

• Defining coaching: empowering leaders to find their own solutions.
• Defining mentoring: guiding, advising, and sharing experience.
• Key differences and similarities between coaching and mentoring.
• The benefits of coaching and mentoring for individual leaders and school improvement.
• Ethical considerations and professional boundaries in leadership support roles.

Module 2: Core Coaching Skills for Leaders

• Active and empathetic listening: hearing beyond the words.
• Powerful questioning: open-ended questions that provoke thought and insight.
• Summarizing, paraphrasing, and reflecting feelings to ensure understanding.
• Non-verbal communication in coaching interactions.
• Practical exercises in applying core coaching skills.

Module 3: Mentoring Approaches and Best Practices

• Different mentoring models: formal vs. informal, one-on-one, group mentoring.
• The mentor's role: guide, advisor, resource, advocate.
• Establishing clear expectations and goals for the mentoring relationship.
• Sharing wisdom, experience, and practical strategies effectively.
• Developing a structured mentoring program.

Module 4: Building Trust, Rapport, and Psychological Safety

• The foundational importance of trust in coaching and mentoring.
• Strategies for establishing rapport and connection with leaders.
• Creating a psychologically safe space for vulnerability and growth.
• Maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating reliability.
• Overcoming initial resistance or skepticism.

Module 5: Feedback and Goal Setting for Leadership Development

• Principles of effective, constructive, and growth-oriented feedback.
• Delivering feedback that inspires change, not defensiveness.
• Facilitating leaders in setting challenging yet achievable professional goals.
• Developing personalized leadership development plans.
• Monitoring progress and celebrating achievements.

Module 6: Coaching for Specific Leadership Challenges

• Coaching leaders through change management initiatives.
• Supporting leaders in managing difficult conversations and conflicts.
• Developing resilience and emotional intelligence in leaders.
• Coaching for strategic planning and decision-making.
• Addressing leadership burnout and promoting well-being.

Module 7: Developing a Coaching and Mentoring Culture

• Strategies for integrating coaching and mentoring into the school's professional development framework.
• Training teachers and senior staff to become effective coaches/mentors.
• Fostering a culture of peer coaching and collaborative learning.
• The role of leadership in championing a growth mindset throughout the school.
• Utilizing internal expertise for leadership development.

Module 8: Self-Reflection and Sustaining the Practice

• Self-assessment of personal coaching and mentoring strengths.
• Developing a personal plan for continued growth as a coach/mentor.
• Reflection on successful and challenging coaching/mentoring experiences.
• Sustaining the impact of coaching and mentoring relationships.
• Exploring advanced coaching techniques and certifications.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training