In the heart of education lies a silent yet potent force that has the capacity to transform lives beyond measure—coaching. It is not merely a process but a culture that when woven into the fabric of school ethos, can uplift, empower, and sustain both student and staff wellbeing. As we navigate through turbulent times accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's imperative to delve into how schools can foster an environment that prioritizes mental health and resilience through a strategic coaching culture.
The Underlying Wellbeing Challenge in Education
The realm of education is not immune to the challenges that besiege wellbeing. The indicators for measuring mental health have become increasingly refined, particularly as society grapples with the ramifications of a global health crisis. The questions that loom large in educational institutions are:
- Can students effectively self-regulate under pressure?
- Is there adequate support available for navigating new stressors?
- Are pre-pandemic systems sufficient to address current wellbeing needs?
The strain on schools is palpable as they strive to offer unparalleled education amidst growing pressures—a task that weighs heavily on staff wellbeing.
Cultivating an Environment for Wellbeing
While nurturing instincts are intrinsic to teachers, creating an environment where these instincts can thrive involves deliberate efforts. This goes beyond traditional pastoral care—it's about engendering a collective responsibility towards wellbeing within school culture.
Embracing Coaching for Holistic Growth
In an education landscape often focused on outcomes like university placements and exam results, the pressure exerted on both students and educators is immense. In 2018, we acknowledged the need to bolster our pastoral strategies and embarked on a journey towards 'wellbeing for all' with Making Stuff Better's 'Coaching for Wellbeing' program.
This initiative involved training 25 staff members in coaching methods aimed primarily at supporting students' mental health. However, the benefits transcended student interactions as staff began experiencing more profound professional relationships marked by trust and openness regarding their own wellbeing.
The Advent of COVID-19: A Catalyst for Change
The onset of the pandemic necessitated a rapid adaption of our coaching program to a virtual setting. Though challenging to quantify its impact fully, our coaches were instrumental in addressing heightened needs during this period of uncertainty.
The skills acquired through coaching—such as recognizing limiting beliefs and reframing perspectives—proved invaluable as personal toolkits for managing stress and anxiety during unprecedented times.
Fostering Agency Among Students
A significant shift occurred when students began taking initiative in their wellbeing journeys. The establishment of 'The Inner Leader Programme' allowed them access to essential coaching tools over an 8-week course. This empowerment was reflected in students actively seeking support through coaching rather than waiting for teacher-led referrals.
Enhancing Pedagogical Practices
An unexpected yet welcome byproduct of our focus on coaching was its positive influence on teaching methodologies. Educators reported employing more effective questioning techniques and active listening skills, contributing to enriched classroom engagements.
A Proactive Approach to Wellbeing Concerns
A telling sign of our program's success was observed by our Child Protection Officer and SEMH Counsellor, who noted fewer referrals for severe mental health issues. Coaching interventions were seemingly preempting the escalation of such concerns.
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Coaching Culture
Schools remain complex environments where the dual nature of being challenging yet rewarding persists. It's crucial for leaders to intentionally establish mechanisms that cater to everyone's wellbeing needs. Through a dedicated approach to professional learning centered around coaching culture, we've seen firsthand how powerful it can be in not only supporting but also elevating our entire school community.
To learn more about integrating a coaching culture within your school or organization, reach out at +44 121 224 7599 or visit us at Teaching Times Training on Pershore Street, Birmingham.
A collaborative coaching session underway at Teaching Times Training – empowering educators for better wellbeing outcomes.