Coaching that rewrites the future: Samantha and Zarah on finding support, purpose and confidence
When Samantha, SSC Senior Assistant at BDO, and Zarah, RE teacher trainee on our Training Programme, signed up for the Coaching Programme, they were looking for clarity and confidence—what they found was a powerful partnership that helped them grow, reset, and rediscover their purpose.
Here, they tell us more about their relationship and the impressive impact that coaching can have on reaching your goals.
How did you each find out about the programme?
Samantha: My organisation, BDO, let me know about it. I had an e-mail from our Head of Culture saying that this is a great programme and has had real success in the past, and it encouraged the network chairs at our company to join.
Zarah: I joined the Teach First Training Programme after deciding to move into teaching. I was placed in a school in West Yorkshire teaching RE which I really enjoyed and, naturally, with any new role, there were times that I needed to reflect on my practice. When I heard about the Coaching Programme, it sounded like a good opportunity to get additional, structured, professional support alongside training to support with my planning as well as developing my own leadership skills for the future.
Why did you decide to sign up?
Samantha: As part of running my Disability Network, we do a lot of work in neurodiversity. Coaching was coming up more and more as being able to help with things like well-being, time management so it's something I was hearing about. But I didn't quite have a grasp on the difference between coaching and mentoring. I wanted to see how I could develop those skills to help my community.
Zarah: As a Teach First trainee I was teaching a number of classes, alongside managing planning, marking, assessments and training requirements which were all incredibly beneficial to support my practice.I also wanted a space to step back, reflect, and think more strategically about how to manage workload, priorities and my development. The Coaching Programme felt like a useful way to do that and to think about the bigger picture when teaching.
What's the coach/coachee relationship like?
Samantha: Zarah is absolutely lovely. There is a boundary between coaching and friendship—she knows that there's friendship and care, but there's still layers of formality and professionalism.
We look at, and talk about, her goals. We break things down. Because she was considering doing a masters. But her goal was to be less burnt out and to look at time management. So, we had to look at if it was the best time for it and make time to reflect.
Zarah: From the start, the conversations felt very open and constructive. We focused a lot on goals, priorities and longer-term development. It’s been helpful to have someone external to school to talk things through with and sense-check decisions.
The coaching has helped me stay more focused, organised and more intentional about how I approach both my training year and future plans.
What’s your best memory from the programme so far?
Samantha: It's the little moments. It's getting to hear about a nice day with her pupils and how excited they are. And to share that joy and to help her to take in that compliment. And getting to be part of this journey is the best bit. I'm glad to be there through this journey making sure she understands and recognises the impact she's having on these children's lives.
Zarah: The regular check-ins have probably been the most valuable part. They create a space to pause, reflect and reset before going back into a busy school environment. It’s useful having additional structured conversations that help me think more clearly about what’s working well and what I want to improve.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of joining the programme?
Samantha: I would highly recommend this programme. For me it’s been life changing. I've learned a lot from it. I've learned how to be a better listener. I've learned how to help spread joy in the world and to help be a better advocate for others and help with their journey. And spend time with an awesome person along the way. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
Zarah: I’d definitely recommend it to anyone on the Training Programme. Teaching is both a rewarding and thought-provoking role, and having access to someone additional to the school provision with professional experience is really valuable to continue to drive standards and high expectations. The programme gives you time and space to reflect, develop and think about next steps, which is easy to lose sight of when you’re busy day-to-day.
Looking to reach your professional goals – like Zarah?
Sign up for our Coaching Programme and get tailored support from experienced Teach First ambassadors. Applications close Sunday 8 February.
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