How to become the coach of your classroom

The role of a teacher is to transfer knowledge to their students and to help them develop certain skills and abilities. On the other hand, a coach has to support and motivate their pupils by listening, asking questions, and challenging them. Although these roles seem different, what if a teacher applied the rules of coaching into the classroom and became a motivator as well?
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This concept was fundamental during the new edition of the course “Coaching skills for teachers, school and adult education staff” that took place in Bologna from 13/04/2025 to 19/04/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Jussi Hakala from Live SR in Finland, Masina Virginie and IGS Sophie Sondhelm from France, Anna Monreal-Weber from Germany, and Máire Ní Mhurchadha from the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board in Ireland.

The week began with an introduction to coaching, offering participants practical tools to “coach” themselves by raising awareness of their own inner resources and identifying ways to find balance in their personal and professional lives. This self-reflective approach laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of the coaching mindset.

The next topic was Emotional Intelligence, a crucial skill for any educator. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to recognize and manage not only our own emotions but also those of others. Teachers with high emotional intelligence can better understand their students’ emotional states, build stronger connections, and help them navigate their feelings in a constructive way.


Non-directive communication was the focus on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of active listening, paraphrasing, and summarizing. These tools are key to effective coaching, as they empower students to feel heard and supported without imposing external judgments or solutions.
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On Thursday, the group explored the power of questions, particularly through the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will). This framework allows teachers to guide students in setting and achieving their own goals. Alongside this, participants also reflected on conflict management, learning to view conflict not as a failure but as a potential opportunity for growth. Self-awareness and emotional regulation are fundamental in these situations, allowing educators to foster constructive dialogues instead of escalation.

The week concluded with hands-on sessions on coaching tools for managing conflicts and fostering positive communication, both with students and with oneself. These tools are designed to create a supportive and empowering classroom environment, where students are encouraged to reflect, take initiative, and grow into confident learners.
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This training week not only enhanced the participants’ coaching skills but also provided a valuable space to share experiences and learn from each other’s diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
 
Discover more about this course here.