Reflecting on Coaching Roles

Thinking about the role of a coach in the student-centered coaching course I am doing, I am definitely comfortable with maintaining trust and relationships with teachers. This is natural for me and I am able to effectively build relationships with teachers. I am also good at providing continuous support for teachers are they go through the change process. This goes with the relationship building piece above.

The importance of trust cannot be overstated. As Jim Knight said he emphasizes that trust is foundational to successful coaching relationships. He suggests that without trust, teachers may feel micromanaged or scrutinized, leading to resistance and disengagement. This lack of trust can manifest as a "tax" on the coaching process, making every conversation and collaboration more challenging and less productive.

I believe the opposite is true. Having a high trust in a coaching relationship acts as a catalyst to make learning and work happen at a faster rate. Teachers who trust you, will more likely take professional risks, knowing that "you have their back" and can support them in. This translates to amazing learning!