Overview:
The ISABC Coaching Program is a year-long professional development opportunity for classroom teachers and aspiring leaders in K-12 independent schools. The program introduces educators to the art of coaching, where participants will understand what coaching is, and how adopting coaching tools in their everyday practice can promote better conversations. Through this program, educators can expect to grow their self-awareness and reflective habits; improve their communication skills and build the tools and confidence to engage deeply in conversations in their schools.
Participants:
The ISABC Coaching Program is intended for all classroom teachers and educators. Applicants may benefit from this program if they are seeking to build their confidence and skill set to navigate conversations with colleagues and parents, to build stronger relationships with their students, and to develop supportive networks within the ISABC community. It is good preparation for those who may aspire to move into leadership roles in the future. A maximum of 2* educators per school can participate. The selection process of participants for the program is up to each school.
*number of participants is dependent on the number of schools participating
Purpose and Outcomes:
The ISABC Coaching Program will bring together educators from ISABC schools to enhance their communication, conversation, leadership problem-solving and reflection skills in a safe and welcoming cohort-style community. Coaching in schools provides teachers with a non-directive process of self-discovery, enabling them to unearth insights and solutions from within, fostering self-awareness, confidence, and professional growth.
This experiential program will introduce participants to adopt a coaching approach, supporting participants as they practice coaching and build confidence over the academic year. The goal would be for participants to apply the skills they learn in their schools, modelling the benefits of taking a coaching approach within their communities.
Through participation in this program, educators will:
- Become more self-aware through self-reflection and building capacity to identify insights and solve problems.
- Improve communication skills by exploring coaching tools and building confidence to embed their Pro-D learning into their role at their school.
- Strengthen their well-being through engaging in thoughtful dialogue and reflection as well as ongoing connection and collaboration with their program peers.
Cost:
The program is free is ISABC Members.
Requirements/Schedule:
In addition to attending the meetings listed below, you will be required to connect with your peers in an assigned Peer Coaching Triangle group every month.
- Opening Full Day In-Person Session: September 24th, 2026 – Kind David High School
- Second Full Day In-Person Session: February 1, 2027 – Brentwood College School
- Closing Full Day In-Person Session: April 16th, 2027 – Venue TBC
Peer Coaching Triads:
In addition to the sessions, each participant will be placed in a Peer Coaching Triad to practice coaching. These 6 PCT sessions will occur approximately monthly for an hour (Oct – April). Timings and commitment will be determined by group participants and a charter agreed to, thus ensuring participation and commitment.
Program Facilitator:
Sarah McLean, Certified Organizational Coach, ACC
Sarah is an ICF-accredited coach, certified with the UBC Organizational Coaching program. Sarah has over 125 hours of coach training and over 200 hours of coaching experience. Sarah is passionate about coaching educators, helping them define their WHY, align their values with their actions, and navigate the challenges of education in schools. Sarah believes that by adopting coaching, schools can develop a culture of care and compassionate leadership, fostering better conversations and deepening relationships with students, colleagues and parents. Sarah is keen to support educators develop their coaching toolkit and build confidence to apply their skills to their roles.
Program Facilitator:
Sharon Klein, Certified Fierce Conversations Facilitator & Executive Leadership Coach
Sharon Klein has worked at four CAIS schools across Canada, 10 of those years as Head of School at St. George’s School of Montreal, and St. Margaret’s School in Victoria. She is currently the Head of Academics and Leadership Development at Shawnigan Lake School. Sharon holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina, and a Master of Arts – Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. She served on the CAIS Board of Directors and Evaluation Council for 8 years, and two strategic planning committees as well as several CAIS Accreditation Committees. Sharon served on the QAIS (Quebec) Executive Committee for 4 years, and holds a diploma in Independent School Leadership through the CAIS Leadership Institute.
Sharon is a certified Fierce Conversations Facilitator, (Fierce Inc.) and is a certified Executive Leadership Coach (Royal Roads University) through the International Coaching Federation. In addition, she has presented at several conferences, including the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) and CAIS. Recently, Sharon obtained her certification in delivering the EQ-i2.0/EQ360. model of Emotional Intelligence.
Importantly, Sharon is most passionate about developing people and inspiring and enabling organizations to create meaningful change by growing or establishing a coaching culture.
How to Apply:
To apply please complete the Application Form. Please note endorsement from your Principal/Supervisor is required to submit your application. The completion of the programme requires attendance at all 3 sessions. Please ensure you can attend the 3 in-person sessions before submitting your application. If you have any questions please contact, Bonnie Fisher, .
We look forward to receiving your application.