Empowering teachers and educators through coaching

What has led you to coaching?

Well, let me take you back to my earliest days as a teacher... I was that little girl with a ‘classroom’ full of teddy bears and dolls, who regularly attended my impromptu school sessions. I’ve always been a teacher at heart; and education has been my passion for as long as I can remember. My entire journey through school, college, and university was aimed at one thing: becoming an educator.

I spent two decades teaching in primary schools, taking on various roles in the classroom and leadership. But as the years went by, I found myself growing increasingly disillusioned with the education system. The command-and-control culture, the endless focus on data and test scores, and the political pressures were making education feel more like a battlefield than a joyful learning experience. 

Seeing how stressed and unhappy both students and staff were becoming, I decided enough was enough. Learning should be enjoyed not endured! Here I started searching for new ways to bring joy and relevance back to education, ways that would give more control to those in the classroom and make learning a happier experience for everyone involved.

One day, during my daily delve into the world of educational innovation, I stumbled upon an advert for a free coaching webinar from The Coaching Academy. “Why not?” I thought. A little curiosity never hurt anyone. Little did I know quite how much curiosity was going to become such a big part of my life!  By the end of that webinar, I knew I had found something special. That very day, I signed up for the Personal Performance Coaching and Coaching within Education diplomas, and I haven’t looked back since. It was like finding the missing piece of a puzzle I'd been working on for years!

How has coaching benefited your own life?

Where do I even begin? Coaching has turned my life upside down—in the best possible way. Personally, and professionally. It’s changed who I am as a parent, wife, friend, teacher, and consultant. It has also helped me be kinder to myself—something I didn't even realise I needed!

I've let go of so many worries that used to weigh me down. I now have a totally different approach to problem-solving. I don’t stress about things beyond my control anymore, which has made me both calmer and more proactive. I know, it sounds like a paradox, but trust me, that’s the magic of coaching.

And let’s not forget the art of listening. Coaching has taught me how to listen – really listen – not to respond, but to understand and that has been completely game-changing in all directions.

How did you discover The Coaching Academy?

It all started with The Coaching Academy's free Introduction to Life Coaching webinar hosted by Rachel Russell. Honestly, I signed up on a whim, not expecting much. But two hours later, I was hooked. If a short, free session with one of their trainers could have such a powerful impact on me, it made all the sense to sign up with them.

How did the qualification slot in with your day-to-day life?

When I enrolled in The Coaching Academy, I was launching my business, What If Education?®, while also managing the delightful chaos of raising two young children. The idea of taking on two diplomas was a bit intimidating; I won’t lie. But the flexibility of the program made it work. Everything was online and self-paced, so I could study in the evenings after the kids were in bed, or on weekends. The workload was surprisingly manageable, and the benefits I was reaping made it all worthwhile.

What was the most rewarding part of your coaching journey?

There have been so many! But if I had to pick one, it would be the realisation that the best way to support myself and others is to listen with curiosity, not judgment. And to focus on changing only what’s within our control. It sounds simple, but it’s been profoundly rewarding again and again.

What are the best resources that have helped you along your coach training journey?

While I hesitate to refer to them as "resources," the TCA trainers deserve a special mention. Their expertise, wisdom, and unwavering support throughout the learning process have been nothing short of inspirational. They have played a pivotal role in not only my development as a coach, but who I am as a coach too.

How are you using your coaching skills?

Coaching is now a key part of What If Education?®. I work with school leaders and teachers, using my coaching skills to help them make education a happier, less stressful, and more relevant experience. It’s all about partnering with them to find new ways of working that benefit everyone—from the teachers to the students and out into the community.

What is your favourite coaching tool or question to use?

I love asking, "What beliefs would someone who has achieved this goal need to have?" It’s like turning on a lightbulb for so many people. My favourite tool has got to be "The Wheel." It was the first thing that captured my attention in the free webinar, and I love how versatile and effective it is.

What types of feedback have you received from clients regarding the impact of your coaching on their personal or professional lives?

It’s incredibly rewarding to hear clients say that our coaching conversations have helped them rediscover their love for their job, connect with their teams in new ways, and experience the same personal life-changing impact that coaching has had on me. 

What’s the biggest area in coaching you are curious about and why?

I’m really curious to explore how coaching can address the challenges faced by school leaders and educators. I truly believe that a coaching approach to school leadership, teaching, and learning can resolve or at least improve many of the issues they face. The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to see how far this can go.

Where do you see yourself taking your coaching skills/business in the coming years?

I’m loving what I’m doing with coaching right now. My goal is to grow this part of What If Education?® over the next year, extending our reach and using a coach approach to make a positive impact in as many schools as possible.

What tips would you give someone wanting to pursue a coaching career?

Get ready for a journey of self-discovery! Coaching isn’t just a career; it’s a path to personal growth. You’ll gain so much more than just a professional qualification. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself while helping others do the same.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I just want to say a huge thank you to all the trainers, staff, and my fellow students at The Coaching Academy. The past 18 months have been full of learning, discovery, and lots of fun. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it!

Thank you Kate for sharing your inspirational journey with us!

Inspired by Kate's story? 

If you're interested in Coaching within Education, do join our free Introduction Life Coaching webinar and follow-up session, Insight into Coaching Within Education.