Teacher Training in Coaching Approach – Benefits and Challenges

The implementation of the coaching approach in education offers numerous benefits for all participants in school life. Besides enhancing pedagogical effectiveness, its aim is to promote the development of awareness, reflection, and self-regulation skills for teachers, students, and parents alike. This article summarizes research on the benefits and challenges faced by teachers who have participated in training programs for applying the coaching approach in their work. The study was conducted among 243 teachers who underwent professional pedagogical specializations and short courses in which the discipline "Coaching Approach in School Environment" was studied. The focus of the curriculum is on the key skills that a teacher-coach should possess: skills in active listening, questioning, and providing effective feedback. The main elements in the process of training teachers in the application of the approach include theoretical foundational knowledge, practical individual and group tasks, demonstrations, and reflective exercises. After completing the training, participants undertake an assignment oriented towards their practice, provoking self-reflection. Based on their responses, the most frequently mentioned benefits and challenges of implementing the coaching approach in the school environment are identified. Conclusions and guidelines for expanding and deepening the preparation of educators to integrate coaching into their work are outlined.