Thank you for your interest in becoming a Teach First coach.

Recruitment of volunteers for the Teach First Coaching Programme 2008 is now closed. We will open applications for the 2009 programme next February. 

>> Download the Coaching Brochure as a PDF

What is Teach First Coaching?
Coaching is the art of facilitating and developing another.  Teach First coaches volunteer to meet one-to-one with a Teach First participant during the second of their two years on the programme, providing them with valued support as they continue their Teach First journey both inside and outside the classroom.

"Coaches can help by listening without prejudice. They can be impartial and unbiased and, if asked, can give their opinion. They can ask questions to help the teacher find direction, and sometimes use their contacts to help."

With the support of 500 volunteers over the last four years, including former Minister of State for Schools Jacqui Smith MP, Teach First participants are breaking down barriers between business, government, the non-profit sector and education. They are also making an impact – education ministers have credited Teach First as being a key reason for schools in London being amongst the fastest improving schools in the country. As we have expanded, our teachers are having a similar positive  impact in both the Midlands and the North West.

Who can be a coach?
Coaches come from all sectors. Many work for Teach First’s supporting companies; others represent schools, international charities, government bodies, professional coaching bodies and the media; some are entrepreneurs running their own organisations. Volunteers should be professionals with at least three years’ work experience. All coaches share a commitment to helping challenging schools by using their skills and experiences to support and encourage the participants on the Teach First programme.

What will I learn?
As a Teach First Coach, you will learn recognised coaching techniques through an initial training session from professional practitioners and have the opportunity to practice these techniques with your Teach First participant as you help them progress with their goals. You will also hear about the realities of teaching in a challenged school from a Teach First participant. Finally, you will be able to build your own personal network as you meet and share experiences with both new and repeat Teach First Coaches.

What training is provided?
All coaches new to Teach First are asked to take part in an induction workshop with the aim of familiarising yourself with what it means to be a Teach First Coach. Repeat coaches will be invited along to share their experiences and best practices, and our supervisor professional coaches will introduce recognised coaching techniques. Building on past coaching successes, we are keen to equip coaches to play a greater role and hope that the coaches will gain a lot from the induction workshops.

What is the time commitment?
New Teach First Coaches sign up to attend a one-day event, which includes an initial half-day induction (generally from 14:00 to 17:30h) and a matching session (18.00 to 21.00h), where they will be matched with a Teach First participant.  Those who have coached for Teach First previously are only required to attend the matching portion of the event.

London Coaching Induction and Matching Dates:
Tuesday 20th May
Thursday 12th June
Wednesday 18th June

Midlands Coaching Induction and Matching Date:
Tuesday 3rd June
                   
North West Coaching Induction and Matching Date:
Wednesday 4th June

Once matched, you are asked to meet with your coachee at least twice, with further contact agreed between both parties at your convenience. We generally find that the most successful relationships include a variety of face-to-face and telephone meetings.  You might also arrange to visit your teacher’s school during Teach First Week, starting the week of 24th November 2008, where supporters guest-teach or observe a lesson.

How will matching happen?
After the coaching induction, the Teach First participants will arrive at the venue for the coach matching session that evening. We will coordinate a series of short conversations designed to create good matches. Participants and coaches will then feed back their preferences and the matching process will take place. By the end of the evening, coaches and coachees will have been matched with each other and made plans for their next meeting.

Is everyone matched?
We are keen to take advantage of the skills of all our volunteer coaches and work hard to ensure an equal number of coaches and participants at each matching event to allow one-to-one matches for everyone.

However, sometimes there is a mismatch in numbers. If this happens, we may invite a few coaches to take more than one coachee. You can indicate your willingness to do this on the application form.

How many coaches are needed?
We have around 140 places in London, 40 in the Midlands and 30 in the North West.

How do I sign up?
If you are interested in coaching a Teach First teacher London, the Midlands or the North West, please fill in the Teach First Coaching Application Form for 2008 available here.

Key Contacts

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