PD Magazine 356 OECS PD Magazine NEW (2) | Page 28

Coaching in the oecs The nature of coaching provided to teachers Of all my responsibilities as an ELP Coordinator, I am most pleased with my work as a Coach. I meet with teachers to unlock potential, empower and build capacity for professional development. I enjoy the one- on- one, face to face conversations after each lesson observed to enhance learning and development. As I praise the teachers for the areas where strength is noted, they have a sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility to strengthen areas of weakness that they come to realize. I take pleasure in facilitating through questioning and active listening. At the same time, teachers are comfortable discussing and sharing in a reassuring and supportive climate. It is a wonderful experience to dialogue with teachers, to assist in improving their pedagogical skills and provide opportunities for reflection and problem solving. This experience is mutually rewarding! How being a coach has helped me professionally Serving as an ELP coach, I know what it is like to collaborate with a diverse set of professionals. I have opportunities to share a wide range of best practices, ideas, strategies and solutions. I get to learn and grow, and then impart valuable teaching strategies to my colleagues to assist them in the teaching-learning environment. My knowledge base has expanded with new techniques that I can now impart to other teachers. In addition, I have been pleased to work towards creating a safe space for teachers to share not just success, but also challenges. Edmira Walker, St. Vincent & the Grenadines Coaching JerryAnn Francis, Antigua & Barbuda 23