In this feature, we chat with Siobhan – who wears many hats as Deputy of Middle School, Coaching Coordinator, Impact Coach and others – and find out what she does in GESS and what motivates her.
We hear you have a solid background in educational mentoring and coaching. Could you tell us more?
In 2008, I commenced my journey in Ireland by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Mentoring. Upon completion, I seized the opportunity to establish a Mentoring Programme within my home school, earning the endorsement of the school administration. Subsequently, this initiative paved the way for my involvement with the National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT) from 2013 to 2018. As the Regional Development Officer (RDO) for this educational institution, my responsibilities centered around the implementation of the national policy known as ‘Droichead’ on behalf of the Teaching Council of Ireland. Our primary focus was dedicated to the induction and support of new educators as they entered the teaching profession. This period marked an exceptionally dynamic and transformative era in Ireland, and it remains one of the most cherished and memorable chapters of my career.
In 2018, I expanded my knowledge and skills with a Diploma in Personal Leadership & Executive Coaching and became an accredited member of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) as a Practitioner Mentor and Coach. By the beginning of 2022, I qualified as a Team Coaching Foundations Certified Coach with the Global Team Coaching Institute (GTCI).
Throughout my career, I have been exceptionally fortunate to encounter inspirational role models and mentors who have wholeheartedly supported my professional growth. Their positive influence on me as an educator has transformed me into an advocate for lifelong learning — a passion I aspire to nurture and share, adding value to the educational institutions and individuals with whom I collaborate.
How is this passion working out in your role in GESS?
Since joining GESS in August 2019, I have been able to serve my two passions in life, as an Educator and a Mentor and Coach.
In August 2021, I was appointed Mentoring & Coaching Coordinator for the European Section’s Secondary School. My two years prior as Science and Math Teacher, Homeroom Teacher and Grade Level Coordinator helped me significantly in developing the Homeroom Teacher Model for AY 2021/22 and incorporating a Mentoring & Coaching approach.
Since April 2022, I was appointed Deputy Director of Middle School in the European Section. I have enjoyed growing into this role over the past couple of years, giving me the opportunity to hone my mentoring and coaching practice through all aspects of my teaching and administrative duties.
It looks like you have a holistic and well-rounded perspective of what works best for our students. What do you envision doing even more?
“Coaching in education has shown to have a positive impact on student wellbeing by enhancing their emotional intelligence, increasing mental toughness, improving their attitudes, and fostering hope for the future.” Dorrington and Nieuwerburgh
Coaching in education is used to cover a range of interventions and approaches, designed to improve the performance and wellbeing of both learners and educators. Coaching promotes an environment and ethos of lifelong learning. With these in mind, 2022 kickstarted GESS’ journey into the Mentoring & Coaching Process, focusing on students’ academic and personal goals.
However, there are other avenues I would love to expose our students and teachers to, such as Professional Practice, Educational Leadership and Community Engagement.
One area in particular is Student Success and Wellbeing. This would see our senior students take their first steps in mentoring and coaching their juniors, referred to as peer-to-peer coaching. Not only will this give the participating students a chance to give back to their own school community, it will allow them to appreciate the role of Mentor/Coach more by taking ownership of the process through serving others and increasing cross-school grade collaboration.
Lastly, what are traits you feel are important for this role, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
First and foremost, being a good role model – this is vital in holding me accountable to my values, mission and vision. I would like to see my habits and behaviours mirrored in our students.
Commitment in terms of time and effort is also critical for relationship building and understanding students. Listening (conversational, reflective and deep listening) and having empathy are traits that set students at ease in coaching conversations.
Lastly, I would say open communication and collaboration with everyone involved in the journey. Which brings me to what I enjoy most about my work – as an educator, coach and mentor, I am in a privileged position to create an environment that helps set students up for success and create their own solutions to the roadblocks they may encounter – this will not be possible without the fantastic team of fellow GESS educators.
