New York City School Leadership Coaching

Are you committed to your vision of a better school for all students, but struggling to actualize that vision? In the midst of all your hard work, do you sometimes wish you had a knowledgeable, experienced and trusted advisor you could consult about the complexities of leading a school on behalf of your students and their communities? New York City principals have access to just such a confidential thought partner through our School Leadership Coaching program.

Facing the complex challenges of school leadership

Principals must understand and be able to respond to ever-changing policies and priorities at the federal, state and district levels. Every day, school leaders must make critical, data-informed school improvement and instructional decisions that have real and immediate impact on growth. Our coaching programs are deeply connected to the day-to-day work of school leadership. Together, you and your coach create sustainable systems that maximize student learning.

Our coaches have been there

NYC Leadership Academy coaches are retired principals and superintendents knowledgeable about the NYC school system’s accountability tools, leadership competencies, and reform initiatives. They are trained in our unique coaching methods that help you develop and strengthen the skills you need to lead effectively. As confidential thought partners, coaches help school leaders to assess their leadership needs and develop the skills they need to identify and achieve their school goals.

Flexible and Responsive Coaching that Meets Your Needs

Your coach will schedule sessions and activities based on your calendar and priorities, delivering the majority of coaching services at your school. First-year New York City public school principals are entitled to 72 hours of NYC Leadership Academy coaching and typically choose individual and team coaching to help them address specific initiatives and goals and to develop retreats to engage in school planning and foster school team work. Principals in their second year and beyond can use their school-based budgets to purchase from a menu of coaching services. They may opt for:

• One-on-one coaching
• Small group coaching
• Project-based coaching

A Standards-Based, Experiential Model for Leadership Development

Our approach to school leadership coaching is grounded in research-based leadership standards and reflects our commitment to standards-based, experiential leadership development and support. The four pillars of our unique model are:

• Facilitative Learning Process – participants learn through inquiry, reflection and feedback
• Competency-Based Coaching – competencies and standards align coaching work to tangible results—in terms of principal, staff, and student growth
• Responsiveness to District Needs – the coach takes district policies and initiatives into consideration to ensure that principals are trained to respond appropriately to district priorities and requirements
• Tailored Support – coaches and principals craft learning opportunities from work-based circumstances