Coaching Philosophy Statement
Cameron Fall
University of Colorado Denver
ECED 5410: Coaching Foundations
Kristen Klaassen Coaching Philosophy Statement
Coaching is an art, a practice, and a way of being. It is a reciprocal and transformational partnership grounded in equity, trust, and relationship- and strengths-based practices. It emphasizes and amplifies the individual potential and strengths of partners while avoiding ideologies that focus on fixing, advising, correcting, or controlling (Aguilar, 2020). Coaching is the conceptualization of the art of being curious and not judgmental. It is a brave and safe space where barriers to growth and development are dismantled, resilience is facilitated, and learning continues onward.
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Coaches allow the room to see and value the perspectives and experiences of others while embodying values of curiosity, humility, and courage (Aguilar, 2013). When conversations are intentionally guided by principles of invitations and not demands, mutual partnerships are formed where authentic and transformative conversations can take place. Coaching allows partners to feel safe enough to share their goals, aspirations, joys, and successes as well as their fears, doubts, and feelings. It takes the focus off of the desires of the coach and onto the desires of the partner. Partners have their own agenda and coaches follow their lead while meeting them wherever they may be, both in their careers and in their professional and personal learning. Coaches facilitate the future development of their partners through shared reflective and transformational experiences focused on current and future learning and the skills necessary to develop along the way (Aguilar, 2020). Coaching is a meaningful partnership where strengths, dispositions, values, beliefs, and ways of being can be shared, developed, and empowered in equitable and just …show more content…
Coaching provides a co-constructed work plan that is guided by partners and the learning that they seek. By asking thoughtful and reflective questions through each stage of the coaching process and engaging in structured activities with partners, coaches empower partners to develop, grow, and change (Aguilar, 2013). Coaching allows others to be exactly who they are and to engage in professional development opportunities and learning that are guided and directed by co-constructed goals. References
Aguilar, E. (2013). The art of coaching: Effective strategies for school transformation. Jossey-Bass.
Aguilar, E. (2020). Coaching for equity: Conversations that change practice. Jossey-Bass.
Allen, R. (2021). Bias, Race, and Microaggressions in Early Childhood. Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children & Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.dec-sped.org/dec-ecta-equity-series.
Pretti-Frontczak, K. (n.d.). Coaching with compassion: Expanding your view on coaching for sustainable results. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from