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Evocative Coaching: Transforming Schools One Conversation at a Time

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Coaching seems to be the latest process to take hold in the educational world. We have a misguided hope that this is the silver bullet that will fix the ills we see in our organizations and their people. Unfortunately, many times `coaching' is nothing more than a disguise for an evaluative, do-as-I say process that has a predetermined outcome at its core. The truth is, coaching done poorly alienates and demoralizes those being coached. Coaching done well has the potential to catapult people into a cycle of increased vitality and self-directed learning.

Evocative Coaching is coaching done well. This book details a collaborative process, incorporating the best of what we have learned from decades of research in building respectful relationships, tapping intrinsic motivation, and cultivating human potential. Kudos to the Tschannen-Morans for developing a path that emphasizes the positive, putting the coachee rather than the coach in the lead.

I have coached teachers and administrators for more than 20 years. This is a coaching process that I can fully endorse. At its core is a belief in the strengths and talents of the individual being coached. The process is seamlessly focused on the positive. It draws wisdom gained from the individual's past to create a preferred future.

If we hope to develop students as collaborative problem solvers then we need to begin today coaching teachers and administrators in a way that renews trust in their own knowledge and problem solving abilities. Evaluation won't get our educational organizations where we need them to be. Evocative Coaching holds that promise.

Not only is this an amazing read (the coach model is unique, innovative, is built on the most current scientific data on effective communication, and fosters the best in conversations and relationships), there is an amazing virtual (phone-based) coach training program that trains educators on how to live and apply Evocative Coaching. Information on the virtual training program can be found at "The Center for School Transformation" website.

The Evocative Coaching model in a nutshell:

THE NO FAULT TURN:
Step 1: STORY LISTENING

1. Initiate
i. Establishing rapport
ii. Appreciative questions
iii. Attentive listening

2. Elaborate
iv. Exploring stories

Step 2: EXPRESSING EMPATHY

THE STRENGTHS-BUILDING TURN:
3. Validate
v. Offering reflections
vi. Celebrating progress
vii. Clarifying focus in the learning brief

Step 3: APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

4. Appreciate
viii. Discovering strengths
ix. Observing vitalities

5. Extrapolate
x. Framing aspirations
xi. Inviting possibilities

Step 4: DESIGN THINKING

6. Innovate
xii. Brainstorming ideas

7. Deliberate
xiii. Designing experiments
xiv. Aligning environments

8. Activate
xv. Confirming commitment
xvi. Session feedback

Evocative Coaching takes coaching into a new realm. Through this book, you learn how to coach the whole teacher, not just one aspect of their teaching, or one area they need improvement. The coach is given specific steps, dance steps, to move the teacher from being in the reciever of information role to the creator of their own improvement. It is an inspiration book that is filled with actual hands-on approaches that can reach all teachers. I highly recommend both the book and the course which is offered through the Center for School Transformation. In the era of cut back, Evocative Coaching reminds us of our passion for teaching and brings back that creative flair all teachers have to create dynamic, meaningful lessons.

Are you looking for a great book on Coaching? Check out Evocative Coaching by Bob and Megan Tschannen-Moran. It's the best book on coaching I've ever read.

Evocative Coaching, Transforming Schools One Conversation at a Time, was written to help those who coach teachers understand some of the challenges these dedicated individuals face and how to coach them to achieve a higher level of professional performance and job satisfaction.

You don't have to be a teacher's coach to appreciate the valuable information that fills this book. Evocative Coaching reminds us what coaching is all about and provides us with new, very usable, techniques to enhance our clients' coaching experience. Evocative Coaching techniques work with any coaching specialty and the information in the book can be especially helpful to those coaches who plan to pursue IAC accreditation.

Bob Tschannen-Moran is the President of Life Trek Coaching International, the founder of the Center for School Transformation and the 2010 President of the International Association of Coaching.

Megan Tschannen-Moran, Ph.D. is professor of Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership at the College of William and Mary School of Education.

Have you ever wished you had a recipe book for how to cook up a better way of working with and inspiring teachers? Well, Bob and Megan Tschannen-Moran have done exactly that in this marvelous book. As a Wellness Coach who strives to meet the needs of educators, I have struggled to help teachers relieve stress related to classroom performance and (frequently unmet) needs for support from administrators. Both of those areas are addressed throughout the book, with a variety of right-brain, creative strategies for engaging and transforming schools. The authors break down this process into a uniquely supportive set of techniques and attitudes that give teachers an opportunity to trust themselves more and become re-inspired with their passion for teaching as well as their innate wisdom for best practices. As is often the case with processes that encourage authenticity and mindfulness, I found that I could benefit by applying the approaches outlined in this book to my personal life. If you teach or you want to help teachers, buy this book, share it with your colleagues, and keep it in a handy location.

Evocative Coaching provides an effective resource for educators who work together in coaching relationships. The dynamic process is easy to learn and apply.This process provides a respectful approach to coaching and an alternative to traditional coaching models current found in schools. Evocative Coaching is extremely well written and a pleasure to read. Reading this book and participating in the companion training conversations/course has transformed the way I plan to work with professionals in the future.

Most people look for ways to improve what they are doing; schools and teachers are no exception. This approach to helping teachers and schools grow in a beneficial way is right on target from a number of different angles. Combining what is known about education, adult learning, communication, coaching, and authentic listening, this book can help anyone who wants to grow, especially those in the world of education.

As I close in on a master's degree for myself, I have read a great number of books for the classes I am taking and areas I am studying. I also am an active reader with lots of pen marks, notes, and highlights in books that I read and connect to. This book has as many or more marks than any other book I own! Thanks for this blessing, Bob and Megan!

I first learned about "Evocative Coaching" in Bob Tschannen-Moran's wonderful "Lifetreck Coaching" Newsletter, and immediately sensed that this is the coaching approach so desperately needed to facilitate transformation in our schools. As a middle school teacher, leader and evocative coaching trainee, I am totally convinced that everyone will benefit from the wisdom and expertise the authors have to share in this amazing book. Bob and Megan Tschannen-Moran have created a positive and practical model for change. "Evocative Coaching" is a book that resonates with - and responds to - the needs of teachers and educational leaders alike. A transformational book, written with heart, and filled with a wealth of tools and insights that just make sense. Having read "Evocative Coaching" and participated in the training program, I feel more confident, reenergized and excited about returning to my classroom and team. Evocative Coaching is a book you will read and live "one conversation at the time".