Really good mentoring and coaching can unleash the untapped potential of teachers and others within our schools, but both processes must be rooted in a deep understanding of what mentoring and coaching are, as well as what they are not. Mentoring and coaching is increasingly becoming seen as a tool to support the performative agenda in the education workforce and not to support the professional growth of those engaging in these practices.
Mentoring and coaching can unlock the untapped and unrealised talents of both parties within these relationships. Using mentoring and coaching to support the professional growth of the talented people schools, colleges and universities will help develop and retain the best people in our organisations.
Dr. Lizana Oberholzer and Derek Boyle are co-authors of the book Mentoring and Coaching in Education: A Guide to Coaching and Mentoring Teachers at Every Stage of their Careers. However, both authors have a long track record of working as mentors and coaches, as well as develop mentors, coaches, leaders and teams in their careers. Both educators, work at a strategic level with a wide range of associations and organisations to develop future teachers, leaders and educators.
Lizana Oberholzer is a senior lecturer in Teacher Education and Postgraduate provision. She is the programme lead for the University of Wolverhampton’s International MA in Education, as well as the Early Careers Framework and National Professional Qualifications for school leaders. She is passionate about leadership development, governance and teacher development. Lizana supports the BELMAS Research Interest Group for Governing and Governance as a convenor. She is also a BELMAS Trustee as well as a BAMEed Trustee. Lizana works with WomenEd as a regional lead in the West Midlands. She currently the IPDA England Chair, as well as Chair of the IPDA International committee. She chairs the UCET’s CPD forum and is a member of the UCET Executive Committee. Lizana is a member of the APPG for the Teaching Profession, and Chairs the APPG SIG for Teacher Development for the APPG for the Teaching Profession. She is a proud trustee of a Multi Academy Trust, and is a committed educator, striving to provide learners with learning opportunities and life-chances. Lizana is actively involved in the British Psychological Society’s Division of Coaching, and she is the Chair Elect for the division. Lizana is a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, an IPDA Fellow as well as a CMI Fellow. Her research interests centre around professional learning, mentoring, coaching and leadership development within education.
Derek has been the SCITT director at Bromley Schools’ Collegiate since September 2013, but prior to this, he worked in a variety of teaching roles across a number of different schools in Kent. Originally qualifying as a physics teacher, he has also worked as an Advanced Skills Teacher in Medway and as an assistant head teacher in Tonbridge, with pastoral, vocational and careers guidance areas of responsibility. During his time as an assistant head teacher, he had the privilege to work with the link governors from the school and play a significant role in peer mentoring.