One of the critical components of building principal effectiveness is coaching, according to the Learning Policy Institute’s 2022 report, “Developing Effective Principals.” Site leaders can reach their fullest potential by having opportunities to learn from and collaborate with experts who provide emotional and tactical support to those in this demanding role.

According to numerous studies, principals say their experience with coaching positively impacts their leadership and is “the most valued of all their professional development opportunities,” according to the LPI report.

Coaching clearly makes a difference to principals — and if you’ve ever considered being a leadership coach, ACSA wants to hear from you.

Leadership coaching is a form of individualized, job-embedded professional development evoking greatness in leaders. It’s about shifting the focus from a problem-solving, “fix it” mentality, to one of identifying strengths, exploring possibilities and designing a new way of being and doing. Leadership coaching is about promoting a growth-fostering relationship between the coach and the leader to bring about transformational change.

ACSA Leadership Coaching emphasizes the application of adult learning, the importance of building trust and rapport, the value of being a good listener and the need to ask questions and provide feedback that promotes reflection and growth in new and experienced educational leaders.

ACSA is seeking to increase its diverse pool of administrators who are interested in coaching the next generation of school leaders. Potential coaches must:

Many school administrators have found being an induction coach for new administrators offers many rewards, not only for the candidate but also for their own personal growth. Leaders grow their skills by taking the leadership coach training. They also say working with newer school leaders exposes them to new ideas and approaches to leadership.

Now more than ever, school site leaders can benefit from a confidential thought-partner to help them identify new ways to articulate their vision, build a strong and positive culture, support teaching and learning and provide every student what they need to thrive.

“Your expertise is needed,” said Tamerin Tooker, ACSA Credential and Coaching Services director. “Please consider sharing your knowledge and talent by supporting and empowering our bright and talented new school leaders.”