How Effective Coaching Empowers Educators

More than half of educators (55%) say they’re considering leaving the profession earlier than planned, according to a recent NEA member survey. Although educators are often burned out, Professor of Education at Bowdoin College Doris Santoro, says that demoralization may be a more accurate term to understand the roots of educator dissatisfaction and exhaustion.
 
It’s also important to note that she and other researchers have found that high levels of burnout and demoralization may disproportionately impact educators of color, who tend to leave the profession at higher rates than their white colleagues.
 
The National Math and Science Initiative addresses these issues by creating communities of support that educators can tap into. Led by expert coaches, NMSI’s Teacher Villages provide private forums to collaborate, problem-solve and network with like-minded educators across the country.



 

The Right Coach Matters

Athletes have greater respect for coaches who have been in the game themselves and business professionals prefer to be coached by those who have lived the corporate grind. So, it goes without saying that educators want coaches who have been on the front lines of teaching — because they understand the realities of classroom management and are passionate about meeting students’ needs.
 
Studies show that a robust teacher-coach relationship positively impacts both teacher practice and student achievement. NMSI coaches are trained specifically to help teachers grow, with 100% of our coaches being current or former educators themselves. They help inform teachers about best practices within their content area, while supporting them through personalized development plans that align with their goals and interests (e.g., classroom management strategies).
 
Coaching is a process that helps educators grow and develop into the best version of themselves so they can have the most significant impact on their students’ lives. When combined with powerful peer relationships, a key benefit of NMSI Teacher Villages, educators at all stages of their career often rediscover the passion that led them to this career in the first place.
 

Reap the Rewards

Coaching help teachers implement standards-based instruction and curricula, integrate technology and create an energized school culture. While new teachers are often the focus of coaching to help them launch their career, veteran educators can benefit from coaching that helps them sustain and thrive in today’s challenging state of education.
 
The purpose of coaching isn’t to identify deficits, but instead is designed to pave the way for career growth and fulfillment — ultimately leading to better student outcomes. Here are some of the primary benefits when schools invest in coaching resources for teachers:

• Skills development and performance improvement

• Increased confidence and leadership development

• More outside-the-box problem-solving skills

• A feeling of being valued and appreciated

• Enhanced relationships and new relationships

• Stress reduction and better coping strategies

• Increased productivity and goal achievement

• Stronger emotional intelligence

• Increased motivation and engagement

• Greater job satisfaction and retention

 
Learn more about NMSI’s Teacher Villages and Coaching services. It’s our goal to support school leaders, teachers and students, in order to ensure that each person in the educational ecosystem receives what they need to succeed.