Since we believe that coaching is a powerful tool in human development, we were sad to have to postpone CoachFest, our popular conference and retreat for coaches in education. But we knew we still wanted to provide value to our coaching community and maybe even reach other coaches around the country. And that is just what we did with CoachWeek!
We decided to create a week of virtual sessions for coaches in education to connect, learn, grow, and share what is working in our new world of remote teaching and learning. We had coaches, teachers, and leaders in education from 15 different states and British Columbia who joined us for this incredible event.
The Event
CoachWeek happened over five days in March of 2021 with two virtual sessions offered each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The sessions included keynote speakers, coaching dilemmas, coaching success stories, coffee connections and speed dating, and many others. We had many live participants in each session ready to learn, engage, and connect with one another.
“This was my first CoachWeek. It was amazing. I enjoyed all the sessions. It confirmed my decision to leave the classroom three years ago and enter into the world of coaching! I am still impacting students, just in a different way!”
What Resonated
While all sessions were well-attended, some of the most popular sessions during CoachWeek dealt with culture and authentic connections. Participants really enjoyed meeting other coaches during coffee connections and speed dating. This virtual session hosted by Constructive Learning Design coach, Lance Bledsoe, was a fun way to meet other coaches. We started by completing a quick survey and had a list of questions ready for our 6-minute chats with 6 different partners in Zoom breakout rooms. The session lasted a little over an hour and we made some very meaningful connections.
Other sessions that really resonated with coaches were from our keynote speakers, Kenny McKee, Kathy Perret, and Dr. Deborah Jones. McKee and Perret talked about thriving through disruption and the importance of coaching through culture barriers using many points from their new book, Compassionate Coaching, which is coming out this June. Dr. Jones did a deep dive into the relationship between coaches, teachers, and administrators and how clear, consistent communication in these relationships is key to success.
What People Are Saying
Some of the comments we have received from CoachWeek participants solidify our belief that this was a worthwhile and much needed event to support coaches in education.
“I truly enjoyed Coach Week 2021. Excited about next year!”
“This was my first CoachWeek. It was amazing. I enjoyed all the sessions. It confirmed my decision to leave the classroom three years ago and enter into the world of coaching! I am still impacting students just in a different way!”
“The format was great for me to fit into my work day. I was able to attend both the 10:00 and 3:00 sessions every day except one day. I appreciate the recordings. I was able to go back to watch the session I missed as well as go back to review any sessions I found beneficial.”
What’s Next
We are hosting a summer book study on Student-Centered Coaching, The Moves, by Diane Sweeney. You can sign up for the book study at this link, and we’ll be sure to send you all the information as it develops. Ms. Sweeney will be a keynote speaker and breakout session presenter at CoachFest, our in-person event in Blowing Rock, North Carolina November 4-5, 2021. We also look forward to hearing more from our CoachWeek presenters.
We have had many requests to continue to offer a virtual event as well as our in-person event, so that may also be a permanent part of our Constructive Coaching Community.
We want to thank all those who attended CoachWeek and we hope to see you all at CoachFest this fall.
