Coaching Conversations

Transforming Your School One Conversation at a Time

“This book most definitely makes a distinct contribution to the field of education and any field where human interaction occurs between a leader and his or her subordinates.”

“A necessary handbook on any administrator’s desk, this book is an evening read that can be readily operationalized the next morning. The book could serve as a basis for conversation during an administrators’ roundtable discussion.”

“Educators often develop strategies and methodologies based on workplace challenges. The skills are not always the most effective but often emerge from the 'baptism by fire' approach. This book offers strategies and skills that may be incorporated immediately. The material is very useful. In fact, I just used one of the strategies with a member of my team!”

“The book helps school leaders be effective coaches to effectuate necessary change in schools. It is a tremendous asset to any school leader who wants to make a significant difference in the lives of children.”

"Imagine having the insight and skills to transform simple conversations into opportunities for growth and reflection. While many school leaders wait for professional development days, the most successful leaders recognize that individual conversations held countless times per day serve as the most authentic example of job-embedded professional learning. Educators can facilitate substantive growth in individuals and organizations—one conversation at a time—and this book shows them how."

The authors assist readers with useful tools to increase their ability to engage and motivate school staff while working collectively toward a positive overall school transformation. The greatest strength of this book is that several of the techniques and skill sets mentioned and utilized are in fact common social work communication practices.