A teacher I coach had an interview last week. It was at a good local school, and she was rather nervous about her own conduct, any questions posed, and so forth. We had no time to meet up beforehand, but she did message me right before the interview. She needed some reinforcement, but also some tips on certain questions that are generally asked in this field. I quickly messaged her some possible scenarios, and then it was time. Once I got home, she phoned me up exhilarated. She was so excited I could hardly follow her. She gave me every detail (he said-she said) of the interview - which was a good lesson for me as well -, and in the end thanked me about 6 times for my coaching. Confidence. I
Teaching children how to rhyme and the power of words Poems are often underestimated in our modern classrooms. A poem might be added to an existing study or used to fill in time. Sadly, they are rarely studied for their own sake. When children study poetry, and learn to create their own poems, it increases their language skills immensely. The act of, not only remembering the words, but the rhythm in which they are expressed, plays a powerful part on a child’s ability to learn and recall all kinds of information, not just the poem itself. How powerful is poetry? Ask yourself these questions: Do you still remember nursery rhymes word for word? Can you sing your favorite childhood television co
Recently I've started coaching a beginning teacher. This sounds easier than it actually is. Yes, I charge private tuition fees if it's one-on-one, as one must pay the bills, but not everything is discussed within the limits of that hour. In fact, it's very much like having your own mentor class in a school setting. A lot of time is spent reviewing work, messaging back and forth asking and answering questions that can't wait until the next session, and reassuring when emotions flare up, giving advice on how to communicate with colleagues, and much more. Yes, in the business sector advice is not given for free, and that's how it should be. However, as a coach or mentor, one simply cannot do aw
