COACHING
Elevating Coaching to the Status of a Formal Content Area in Education
William Shapiro // New Jersey Director of Coaching , Union City
A
friend of mine is an educator with United Soccer Coaches and his name is Auke Wiersma . Whenever I have had the pleasure of having Auke as an instructor , he begins every course by asking a question of the participants : “ How many of you are teachers ?” Invariably a few hands get raised and after a few moments Auke points out that everyone on the course should have raised their hand since ALL coaches are teachers . If you are reading this article , you are more than likely a member of the United Soccer Coaches organization , and one of the reasons that you are a member is that you want to continue to work on your own coaching education . As such , if you are reading this article , you are a teacher . Unfortunately , I believe that sometimes coaches do not get the respect they deserve in terms of their contribution to teaching and learning .
In modern educational discourse , the value of coaching as a formal content area is often overlooked . While subjects like Language Arts , Math and History have long been considered fundamental to a well-rounded education , coaching encompasses a set of skills and knowledge crucial for personal development , success and overall well-being . Coaching , in its essence , is a practice aimed at guiding individuals toward their goals , unlocking their potential and fostering personal growth . It involves the development of skills such as active listening , effective communication , goal setting , problem solving and empathy . Coaches empower individuals to overcome obstacles , make informed decisions and achieve success in various aspects of their lives . I do not mean to downplay core subjects since they are also crucial to the educational process . I am a public school teacher with over two decades of experience as a high school teacher and soccer coach . I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of coaching in students ’ lives . While traditional content areas like Language Arts , Math and History are undeniably crucial , coaching offers unique benefits that are equally valuable in shaping students ’ academic success , personal development and future prospects . I believe that the recognition of coaching as a fundamental content area in schools is incredibly important .
Beyond academic knowledge , students require support in navigating challenges , managing stress , building resilience and cultivating a growth mindset . Coaching equips them with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in an ever-changing world . In today ’ s competitive job market , possessing technical skills alone is insufficient . Employers seek individuals with strong interpersonal skills , emotional intelligence and adaptability — qualities nurtured through coaching . Additionally , the prevalence of mental health issues among students is on the rise . Coaching provides a proactive approach to addressing mental health concerns , promoting self-awareness , self-care and emotional resilience .
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