“The coaching experience for an independent school leader was invaluable. Having an environment to share goals, concerns, and aspirations with a seasoned professional allowed for personal growth. The coach assisted me analyzing my strengths and weakness, as well as, making a plan for progress. The essential part of coaching is the confidentiality which gives a leader freedom to seek advice.”

Georgia Independent School Educator

Coaching unlocks an individual’s potential for maximizing performance. It is highly effective for uncovering true values and producing the alignment without which optimal performance may never be realized (Leadership Coaching Institute-Fortune Magazine). Coaching principles are timeless and global. They provide a significant bridge from hierarchy to self-responsibility (Whitmore). Coaching involves a collaborative relationship where the coach and the client are equal partners. “Individuals who have been coached have indicated that it has increased their self-awareness, improved their ability to communicate, enhanced job-performance, and developed better relationships with their co-workers.”

Coaching is a method of directing, instructing, and training a person or a group of people, with the aim to achieve some goal or develop a specific skill (Harvard Business Review).

SUSAN BANKE CO-FOUNDER of CoachED

Susan Banke, Ph.D., has held various leadership roles in independent education for more than thirty years. Her experiences include teaching, coaching, and administration at secondary and elementary independent schools. She served as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal at Dade Christian School (FL), served as Upper School Principal at Charlotte Christian School (NC) and recently served as Upper School Principal at Whitefield Academy (GA). While working with CoachED clients, Susan is also an associate professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Kennesaw State University (GA). Dr. Banke holds masters and doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership from Barry University. She is an advisory board member for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cheer Division, and is a board member of the World Children’s Center Academy. Susan was recently asked to become a member of the founding committee for MentorU (CO). This program will provide mentor training and assistance to emerging school leaders at independent schools. Dr. Banke is the founder of Principals 101, an organization of middle and high school principals who meet monthly to improve the quality of education in metro-Atlanta independent schools.

DAVID TILLEY CO-FOUNDER CoachED

David Tilley, Ed.D., has worked as an educational administrator for more than forty years. He served for ten years as principal and central office administrator for the Cobb County School District (GA) before becoming head of school at Mount Paran Christian School, where he has served for over thirteen years. He has also held positions of Vice President for Student Life at both Lee University (TN) and Houghton College (NY). Dr. Tilley holds his master’s degree from Georgia State University and his doctoral degree from The University of Tennessee. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA), Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Leadership Studies Program at Kennesaw State University (GA) and on the Board of Directors for Feed My Lambs. He is a co-founder of the Atlanta Christian School Association (ACSA).

COACHED EXISTS TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERS IN MEETING THEIR POSITION-RELATED GOALS AND INSTITUTIONAL MISSION, AS WELL AS ENHANCING PERSONAL GROWTH AND SUCCESS.

The Virtual High School (VHS, Inc.) is an online learning pioneer. Since 1996, the nonprofit organization has set the standard for quality online education. VHS provides middle and high school courses for students and online professional development for educators. We’ve provided professional development to thousands of teachers in our 20 year history. In fact, the National Education Associate (NEA) modeled its standards for online teaching after ours. We know how to teach teachers, because we are teachers. Our curriculum and instruction coordinators are certified classroom teachers with the experience and training to be great online teachers and mentors too.

VHS is known for its high-touch, customized service and support. We’ll partner with your school or district to customize a program that meets your unique needs. We believe that at the center of great education there is always a great educator. Let us help you achieve more, enrich more, engage more – by using proven tools and techniques to supplement the already great work that you’re doing. We can show you how.

Here are some of the ways:

• 1 hour PD webinar
• Half-day on-site PD session for up to 30 participants
• Webinar/PD topics of your choice including:
  • Incorporating blended learning into classroom teaching
  • How to measure quality in an online learning program
  • Key components that help ready students for online learning success
  • Study skills for college and career readiness
  • Digital citizenship for 21^st century students
  • Teacher graduate level online training program (Online Teaching Methodologies)

VISnet member schools have access to sign up for any of the above PD options. Please contact Jim Dachos for more information.