Photo by Jim Witkowski on Unsplash
Just before we all go to enjoy our well-deserved Easter break, I wanted to share a few thoughts. Maybe this is something you’ve been thinking about too?
For as long as I can remember, teaching has been something I’ve deeply loved. It’s also something I’ve found puzzling at times, particularly when it comes to the challenges that seem to persist, no matter how hard we try. I’m not just talking about the difficulty of balancing lesson planning, paperwork, meetings—so many meetings—and simultaneously meeting students’ needs. I’m talking about the deeper issues of disconnect that can arise within schools.
There can be a subtle yet persistent ‘us versus them’ mentality that develops, especially in schools where teachers, senior leaders, and support staff often find themselves working in silos. At the same time, everyone is exhausted, overworked, and often unsure where these feelings of frustration come from or how to address them. It’s a complex situation, and it’s easy to feel like we’re stuck in a loop that we can’t break free from.
But here’s the thing—I believe that many of the challenges we face in schools are solvable if we shift our mindset and approach. One of the most effective ways to tackle these issues is through coaching.
The Power of Coaching in Education
Coaching creates space for people to reflect, listen, and be intentional about how they work together. It’s not just about ‘doing’—it’s about ‘being.’ Too often, schools can feel like a constant race to accomplish more, but this mindset can lead to burnout and frustration. Coaching encourages us to shift from constantly doing, reacting, and performing to pausing, reflecting, and being present in our roles. This allows for deeper connections, more meaningful conversations, and a greater sense of clarity.
Coaching moves us from reactive approaches to proactive, thoughtful strategies that promote collaboration, growth, and a sense of purpose. It’s about creating an environment where people can do their best work, feel heard, and thrive—without burning out in the process.
This is where I come in. I work 1:1 with staff and leadership teams to help navigate challenges, clarify goals, and develop professionally. But I also work with teams and whole-school cultures to foster an environment of collaboration, where people feel supported and empowered to take on challenges in a sustainable way.
Introducing The Coaching Staffroom
In response to the unique challenges that schools face, I’m excited to announce the upcoming launch of The Coaching Staffroom—a space designed to bring coaching into the everyday reality of school life. This initiative is all about making coaching accessible, practical, and embedded into the day-to-day experience of school staff. By providing coaching resources, group sessions, and tailored support, I hope to help educators feel more connected and empowered in their roles.
The Coaching Staffroom aims to create a culture where everyone can shift from ‘doing’ to ‘being’—where conversations are grounded in reflection, support, and collaboration. Together, we can move beyond the cycle of exhaustion to a place where schools become spaces where both staff and students flourish.
Let’s Talk
If this resonates with you, I’d love to have a quick 20-30 minute chat to discuss how coaching can support you, your team, or your school. Feel free to reach out, or let me know if you’d prefer I follow up at a later time. I’m here to help!
Wishing you a wonderful Easter break—one filled with rest, reflection, and time to ‘be’.
Candida Javaid Coaching & Mentoring 