You’ve reached your career goal. There’s a long and distinguished list of accomplishments on your résumé. And students are showing progress resulting from the many initiatives you’ve implemented.

But what are you doing to ensure a new generation of leaders will be prepared to take your place when you retire?

Experienced school and district leaders have an incredible opportunity to “pay it forward” to new and existing administrators by becoming an ACSA Leadership Coach.

What is leadership coaching? Leadership coaching is a form of individualized, job-embedded professional development focused on 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.

Why are coaches needed? ACSA is seeking to increase its diverse pool of administrators who are interested in coaching the next generation of school leaders through the association’s Clear Administrative Services Credential and Precision Coaching programs. Potential coaches must:

• Possess a current Clear Administrative Services Credential.
• Have served as a successful administrator for a minimum of three years (principal or higher preferred).
• Be willing to become an ACSA employee and complete all onboarding activities.

Many school administrators have found being a coach for new administrators offers many rewards, not only for the candidate but also for their own personal growth. New coaches will grow their skills by completing ACSA leadership coach training (ALC) and coach certification. 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 ACSA Credential and Coaching Services Director Dr. Tamerin Tooker. “Please consider sharing your knowledge and talent by supporting and empowering our bright and talented new school leaders.”