Implementing the Vision of the Chapel Office Journey Map

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Reflection on the Journey Map of coaching student leaders to Implement the Vision of the Chapel Office - Creating a Coaching Culture at Abilene Christian University.

Timeline: August 2023 - May 2024

1. Inquiry Stage - Identifying Reality (Aug-Sep 2023):

• To identify the reality, I will start by understanding and practicing the vision before coaching the student leaders through departmental training. This will involve thoroughly studying the vision statement, objectives, and desired outcomes, and aligning my understanding with the intended goals.

• Building relationships with my supervisor and the student leaders will be a priority. I will schedule one-on-one meetings with each of them to understand their expectations, gather insights, and establish rapport and trust.

• I will visit all small group chapels to observe the current dynamics, identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities, and gather valuable information for future coaching sessions.

2. Knowledge/Skill Stage - Applying the Playbook (Nov-Dec 2023):

• To effectively apply the instructional playbook, I will dedicate time to learning its content thoroughly. This will involve reading the playbook, attending relevant training sessions, and seeking guidance from experienced coaches or mentors.

• Researching how to introduce the strategies in the playbook will be crucial. I will explore different methodologies, case studies, and best practices in implementing coaching cultures in educational settings. This research will enable me to tailor the strategies to suit the specific needs and context of Abilene Christian University.

• Continuously learning about creating a coaching culture will involve attending professional development workshops, conferences, and webinars. I will stay updated with the latest trends, research, and resources in instructional coaching, leveraging these insights to enhance my own skills and knowledge.

3. Implementation Stage - Establishing a Coaching Culture (Jan 2024):

• At the start of the semester, I will meet with the student leaders and discuss the vision in detail. This meeting will serve as an opportunity to align their understanding with the desired outcomes, clarify any doubts, and create a shared commitment towards establishing a coaching culture.

• One-on-one sessions with the student leaders will be conducted to identify the current reality of their respective chapel groups. These sessions will involve active listening, asking probing questions, and gathering data about the strengths, challenges, and aspirations of each group. This information will inform the coaching strategies to be implemented.

• Deploying the strategies will entail designing and facilitating workshops, training sessions, or group discussions to introduce the concept of instructional coaching to the student leaders. This will involve providing them with practical tools, resources, and techniques to implement coaching practices within their chapel groups.

4. Repeat Stage - Improve & Repeat (August 2024)

• To improve and repeat the coaching process, I will conduct a thorough examination of the strategies employed during the previous cycle. This evaluation will involve gathering feedback from the student leaders, assessing the impact of the coaching culture, and identifying areas for improvement.

• Learning and making improvements will involve staying updated with emerging research, attending advanced coaching training, and seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors. I will reflect on my own coaching practices, identifying areas of growth and refining my skills accordingly.

Note: At the start of the new school year, I will repeat the process with new student small chapel leaders. This will include revisiting the vision, conducting one-on-one sessions, and implementing the strategies that have proven effective in the past. This cycle will ensure continuity and promote the sustainable development of a coaching culture.

Philosophy of Instructional Coaching Inspired by Jesus' Discipleship Model

My philosophy of instructional coaching draws inspiration from Jesus' discipleship model, where he nurtured and developed his disciples to become impactful leaders. Rooted in the teachings and principles exemplified by Christ, my coaching philosophy aims to guide the student leaders in fostering a transformative small chapel group environment where everyone is able to experience spiritual formation. It is built upon the following foundational principles:

Relationship-Centered Approach: I believe that instructional coaching should be built upon strong relationships between coaches and coachees. My coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of trust, respect, and empathy. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where coaches feel comfortable exploring their strengths, challenges, and aspirations.

Personalized Learning: Just as Jesus tailored his teachings to the unique needs of his disciples, my coaching philosophy recognizes the individuality of coaches (student leaders). I value the diverse talents, experiences, and learning styles of each student leader, and I adapt my coaching strategies to meet their specific needs. Personalized learning will empower the student leaders to discover their own path, fostering a sense of ownership and growth.

Experiential Learning: Jesus employed experiential learning methods, using real-life situations and practical applications to engage his disciples. Similarly, my coaching philosophy promotes experiential learning, where educators actively engage in reflective practice, experimentation, and application of new strategies. By experiencing firsthand the impact of their teaching, educators gain valuable insights and grow as professionals.

Questioning and Reflection: Jesus often posed thought-provoking questions to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection in his disciples. In line with this, my coaching philosophy places a strong emphasis on questioning and reflection. I will ask open-ended questions that challenge educators' assumptions, stimulate deeper thinking, and guide them toward meaningful insights and solutions.

Growth Mindset and Continuous Improvement: Jesus' disciples faced challenges and made mistakes, yet they experienced growth under his guidance. My coaching philosophy embraces a growth mindset and promotes a culture of continuous improvement. I will foster resilience, optimism, and a belief in the capacity for growth and change. I will celebrate progress and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and development.

Modeling and Demonstration: Jesus not only taught his disciples through words but also modeled the values and behaviors he wanted them to embody. In line with this, my coaching philosophy emphasizes living by example which is part of my strategy in the playbook, to model the vision, this starts with us the leadership team. Hence, I will strive to be a coach who leads by example. I will demonstrate effective practices for leading small groups, showcase a commitment to lifelong learning by reading the books that I recommend to the student leaders, and embody the qualities of empathy, humility, and servant leadership.