Where Teaching Meets Coaching: A Lifelong Learner’s Story

I was recently asked what led me to transition from teaching to coaching, specifically working with teachers. Reflecting on this, I realised how much my experiences, passions, and commitment to reflective practice have shaped this journey.

At my core, I’ve always loved being an educator. There’s something profoundly rewarding about the difference we can make in the lives of our students, helping them grow and develop their potential. That same drive led me to embrace lifelong learning. Whether it was my years at university, training to become a teacher, pursuing an MA in my first year of teaching, or enrolling in coaching qualifications later on, learning has always been a source of joy and safety for me. I’ve never truly left ‘full-time education,’ and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Reflective practice has played a key role in shaping both my teaching and coaching journeys. Taking the time to pause and think critically about my own processes, decisions, and experiences has not only helped me grow but also deepened my understanding of how to support others in their development. It’s a cornerstone of the way I work, as it allows me to stay present and intentional, whether I’m guiding a coaching session, facilitating a group, or working with a team.

Exploring new ideas and developing a deeper understanding of the world around me has always been a passion. At 50, I’ve found a special kind of pleasure in revisiting thinkers I studied 25 years ago, viewing their work through fresh eyes. Another enduring love is learning through listening. As a child, I spent quiet mornings listening to audiobooks before I could even read, and that fascination with listening and absorbing stories has stayed with me ever since.

I’m also deeply inspired by collaboration. There’s something magical about working with others to create something new—combining knowledge and perspectives often results in unexpected brilliance. I find cultural exchanges especially fascinating, as they allow us to share insights and blend ideas across boundaries. The fun of mixing metaphors cross-culturally never fails to amaze me.

One of the great joys of coaching is working with teachers and nurses. Teachers, in particular, are often the kindest, most idealistic people you’ll meet, and while coaching is still relatively new to many of them, the potential impact is immense. Nurses, on the other hand, are incredible powerhouses of love and resilience, and it’s a privilege to work with individuals who dedicate so much of themselves to others.

Coaching has shown me the power of transformation. I’ve seen people discover hidden talents, articulate ideas they’ve been holding inside, and uncover possibilities they hadn’t realised were there. It’s a privilege to witness these shifts, whether I’m coaching one-to-one, facilitating group sessions, or working with teams.

Despite my shift into coaching, I’m still an educator at heart. Right now, I’m teaching German to a brilliant group of adult learners and coaching skills to another fantastic cohort. I’ve also been invited to teach a mentoring course, which is an exciting new opportunity.

Outside of work, I’ve always had a wide range of interests. My childhood dreams ranged from working in the V&A’s fashion department to becoming someone who documented ballet choreography. At four years old, I even wanted to be a cleaning lady—perhaps because I’ve always been drawn to preserving and honouring the heritage we bring with us while serving others.

Ultimately, my two careers—education and coaching—complement each other perfectly. They allow me to grow and weave a rich tapestry of knowledge, skills, and experiences. Reflective practice has been the golden thread connecting it all, enabling me to embrace new challenges, learn from the past, and approach my work with clarity and purpose. Coaching, in particular, pushes me to continuously step out of my comfort zone, and in doing so, I feel more connected to myself and to others.

For me, coaching is about accompanying others on their journeys, acting as a walking partner who supports them as they grow, change, and discover. If you’re curious about how coaching can help, whether for yourself, your team, or your school, I’d love to connect.