6 Questions Educators Should Ask About a Career Coach

Career coaches for transitoning educators are popping up all over the place, which I think is a wonderful thing because there are tons of teachers looking to leave teaching and they deserve guidance from those that have made the transition themselves.

I’m one of those career coaches. I run an online course and coaching group, Classroom to Boardroom. Classroom to Boardroom stemmed from my second and larger business, educators 2 educators, but it is the project that brings me the most professional satisfaction. Nothing is more fulfilling than assisting a miserable teacher in finding their path to a fulfilling career.

I want to make sure that educators looking for guidance end up in the right hands, so I’ve created a list of questions I believe every educator should ask about a potential coach.

Questions to Ask a Potential Career Coach

Does their own career show variety and success?

Take a look at the person giving you advice on career transition. Did they successfully make the transition? How long have they been in their new industry or in their new role? Look at their LinkedIn Profile carefully and understand their career path well.

Do they have public success stories?

Take a look at the people they have helped and the jobs they now hold. Does the coach share numerous and various success stories on their LinkedIn profile or public website? Are they willing to let their graduates talk to you about their experience?

More importantly, what about the students that left the course without finishing or a student that didn’t have a typical success story. Are they sharing those stories as well?

Are they changing and growing themselves?

What type of growth and networking has the coach shown in the past and in the present? Have they challenged themselves and tried on various hats within the industry? Are they writing, speaking, and contributing to the ever-growing community of teachers trying to break into the education or ed-tech industry? or beyond?

Do they have positive working relationships with EdTech companies?

Do you see the coach helping candidates get roles with credible, healthy companies? Do you see the person interacting positively with leaders within the industry on LinkedIn, Podcasts, YouTube, or other resources?

Take a look at their recommendations on their LinkedIn profile? Did people enjoy working with them in both the capacity of coach and colleague?

Do they have positive working relationships with educators?

How do you see the coach interacting with educators? Do they support and encourage them? Are they posting helpful hints or talking down and lecturing teachers? Those posts, comments, and interactions tell you a lot about what it would feel like to be one of their students.

Do they have positive relationships with other coaches and industry leaders?

How does the coach speak about and interact with other coaches in the same industry? Again, how your coach treats others is a big clue to how they will treat you.

Making a decision to take a course or hire a coach is an important one, so take your time and choose wisely. In the meantime, I’m here to provide my wisdom and resources to you.

My Answers to These Important Questions

Do I show variety and success in my career?

If you look at my LinkedIn Profile, you’ll see I have experience in teaching, non-profit education, a startup ed-tech company, a sizeable ed-tech company. In addition, I’m a founder of a thriving professional development company. This experience has given me great insight into helping others along the same journey.

Do I have public success stories?

Last year, we launched Classroom to Boardroom. Within the first twelve months, my students landed jobs at Discovery Education, Scholastic, Percepta, eSpark Learning, 101edu, SkillStruck, Otus, and many more!

As for students who exited Classroom to Boardroom without making the transition? I’ve coached them into new career paths as solopreneurs and education leaders. As examples, check out Meredith Newlin (The Transformed Teacher) and Emily Eggers (Teaching from the Couch). Not all success stories are about landing an ed-tech; some are about finding their true educator passion outside the classroom.

Am I changing and growing?

Every single day. As an entrepreneur, I can’t help but change and grow. So I’m constantly reading new books (The Business of Belonging is what I’m reading right now) and chatting with ed-tech leaders like Donnaly Crull from Skillstruck and Rob Warren from Discovery Education to keep my skills sharp.

Do I have positive working relationships with edtech companies?

The simple answer is Y-E-S. 

Ask anyone that knows me well - I’m a relationship person. I’m still close to people I worked with 22 years ago. I’ve built strong relationships with my colleagues over the years, and as they have moved on to new roles at new companies, I’ve maintained those relationships. Just listen to the Classroom to Boardroom podcast episodes with Lauren Benefico or Anya Dudek, and you’ll hear exactly what I am saying.

Do I have positive working relationships with educators?

The evidence is in the pudding… is that the phrase I’m looking for? 

Whatever the phrase is, all you need to do is look at my activity on LinkedIn and this blog. I’m your cheerleader and coach, and there’s no need for me to talk down to you. Period. 

Do I have positive relationships with other coaches and industry leaders?

I do because I believe in collaboration over competition. I support other coaches such as Ali Parish and Anneliese Pixton. We all support one another and want to do what’s best for teachers. Period. There’s room for us all, and we are on your side!