The Perfect (Teacher) Coach

Reviewed by Elanor Westbury, SENCo and English Teacher, Kings Lynn Academy.
Very friendly and easy to navigate layout, which allows you to follow the book and take a step by step approach to techniques and theories or "dip into" and refresh skills that you haven't used for a while.
Jackie and Terri are clearly passionate about the difference that coaching can make in an educational setting and this comes across loud and clear. The references to Ofsted and CPD give an edge of authority and make The Perfect Teacher Coach as an essential tool for a busy teacher - not something additional and almost optional. Reviewed by Phil Loveday, Headteacher, Bridgnorth Endowed School.
As a school we are certain that coaching is an incredibly powerful tool in teacher and student learning. The authors provide a book that is easy and clear to read, that covers the basic premise behind coaching as well as developing strategies. The way the book is written creates a positive mindset for the reader in imagining what they might do in a particular situation. The wealth of suggestions and solutions coming from real examples and scenarios provides a real grounding for the skills that it develops. The chapter on questioning was one of the best that I have read - it provides clarity around the types of questions and when and where they are best used. It also makes coaching look easy!
This book very cleverly made me realise that I often coach effectively and that this happens when I have genuine empathy with the coachee, also it has also given me the confidence to think beyond a prescribed set of coaching questions as I develop my coaching still further.
This is a book that will support the development of coaching skills in all teachers, young or old, experienced or NQT, but it also highlights the importance of coaching skills in support staff and teaching assistants. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative read. Reviewed by Elizabeth Barratt, Teaching Coach, Th