Coaching as a leadership development tool for teachers

Abstract

Without support for the development of leadership talents and the chance to climb the career ladder, many teachers will leave the teaching sector in search of other career opportunities that will provide an outlet for their interests and talents. Coaching is potentially a way to help teachers fulfil, support and encourage their leadership talents. Being able to employ management and leadership skills is said to be a major determinant of success or failure in education but those who believe that they can make a difference are more likely to see coaching as a tool that can help them expand and strengthen their teaching skills. Although educational leadership has been extensively investigated over the years, educational coaching as a form of leadership development has not been as well researched. This raises the question: can coaching help to create a teacher-leader? The results from this case study have shown that the use of coaching workshops and one-on-one sessions may be an effective way for educational professionals to develop their leadership skills through continual professional development.