Mentoring and Coaching

In my classroom teaching experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work with both formal and informal mentors. Their insights from time in the district have been invaluable as I’ve transitioned to a new campus or a new grade level. It’s always challenging to carve out time for quality conversations with mentors, as there’s often another priority that teachers need to manage in the moment. I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor several new teachers on campus, interns, and student teachers over time. These are rewarding relationships for both the mentor and the mentee, as both can engage in more consistent reflection, data-informed instruction, and work together to solve problems of practice. 

I’m currently in an instructional coaching role and I agree with Aguilar (2013) when she says that consistency is the key to effective coaching that elevates the teacher’s practice. This can be challenging with all of the needs that teachers balance and sometimes a tricky relationship when you have different responsibilities as a coach. It’s also important to build a trusting relationship as a coach because teachers need to be able to show some vulnerability and feel safe asking questions.

 

I honestly had never thought specifically about the differences between mentors and coaches and had almost used the terms interchangeably. It makes so much sense that coaches may work from within or outside the organization. Mentors, on the other hand, are typically supporting from within the organization and a big part of their work with a mentee involves helping that novice to learn the culture and expectations of their new campus or grade level (Moral, 2021).

References

Aguilar, E. (2013). How coaching can impact teachers, principals, and students. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/coaching-impact-teachers-principals-students-elena-aguilar

Aguilar, E. (2023, March 31). What’s the difference between coaching and mentoring? (Opinion). Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/education/opinion-whats-the-difference-between-coaching-and-mentoring/2017/07

Carr, J. F., Herman, N., & Harris, D. E. (2005). Creating dynamic schools through mentoring, coaching, and collaboration. ASCD.

Grossman, P. (2012, May 1). Mentoring that fits. ASCD. https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/mentoring-that-fits

H. Holloway, J. (2023, August 4). Research Link /The Benefits of Mentoring. ASCD. https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/-the-benefits-of-mentoring

Morel, N. (2021, June 2). How to get the most out of a coaching session. ASCD. https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-coaching-session