The traditional role of a teacher is to impart knowledge and help students develop essential skills. However, a coach adopts a different approach: they support and inspire learners by listening, asking questions, and motivating them to reach their full potential. But what if teachers incorporated coaching principles into their classrooms and became motivators too? This concept was central to the recent edition of the course " Coaching skills for teachers, school and adult education staff", held in Tenerife from 12/01/2025 to 18/01/2025. Participants from various corners of Europe came together for the training, bringing a rich blend of perspectives. Among them were Friederike and Sabine from Europaschule am Friedenspark in Germany, and Sandra from Berufliche Oberschule Wasserburh also in Germany; Merris from Tallin 21st School in Estonia; Dercia and Herminia representing Exemplos Sábios in Portugal; Zulfija, Birgita, and Kristina from Šiaulių sporto gimna in Lithuania. The first topic covered during the course was Emotional Intelligence, which refers to the ability to recognize and understand not only one’s own emotions but also those of others. Emotionally intelligent teachers can connect with their students on a deeper level, helping them better manage their feelings and navigate challenges. Coaching, on the other hand, is about empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. To build coaching skills, participants learned how to set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. They practiced crafting these goals to improve both personal and professional development. Conflict management was another crucial coaching skill explored during the training. Self-awareness and emotional regulation are key to preventing conflicts from escalating. Rather than being inherently negative, conflicts can lead to growth and positive change. A coach’s role is to facilitate dialogue and guide students in analyzing the situation, identifying solutions, and reflecting on their actions—without imposing their own solutions.
This week-long training allowed participants to share experiences, learn from diverse cultural perspectives, and enhance their coaching skills while discovering how to implement them effectively in their classrooms. Learn more about this course here |
Welcome to the ELA Blog. Here you will find articles and photos of our courses and have a look at the topics addressed during the week in Bologna, Palermo and Tenerife. You will also have the chance to take a peek at our projects and check out what we have been up to.
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