Google Certified Coach Programme

 Kia ora koutou,

I'm really excited about the PLD opportunity that the Google Certified Coach Programme offers.  In the past I have completed Google Certified Educator Level One, Google Certified Educator Level 2 and Google Certified Innovator.  While some may say I've definitely drunk the Google Kool-Aid, as my role as a facilitator involves supporting teachers to use free tools to enable visibility, empowerment, connectedness and ubiquitous.  Google just does this so well.

Google Sites enable learning to be housed in one place, to be visible and rewindable and that learners can connect to their learning from anywhere, at any time and for any pace.

Google Docs and Google Slides enable our learners to be involved in trackable learning, visible in real time, able to be commented on by the teacher and peers and enables peer collaboration and interaction which all enhances learning.

Along with this, there are some incredible extensions that work really well with Chrome and the Google tools, with Screencastify and Mote being some of my very favourites. These provide an incredible opportunity for all learners to be 

As my role as a facilitator involves coaching a number of teachers I continue to look for opportunities to upskill in this area.  Last year, for personal interest, I undertook a Life Coaching Diploma with the New Zealand Institute of Business Studies, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  This was applicable to the work I do coaching teachers as well as with my wellness side business.  At the end of the year, I was excited to see Google offering a new certification relevant to coaching.  From past experience, I know that Google offer incredibly well structured professional learning and exceptional teaching tools, so I know that the Google team will have put together something quite special for us to engage in.

Teacher Inquiry is an aspect of professional accountability that is present in most schools, but my experience as a teacher was that this inquiry, expected of all teachers, is often rather haphazard, with many teachers requiring scaffolding to completed their inquiry to the depth that it is of use in terms of facilitating professional change.... and all too often no structure or support exist.  I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Google Certified Coach learning can enhance my effectiveness as a coach and mentor in my facilitation role.  

The Challenge Based Coaching model that is used, is found below.

An optional add-on to the course is a Book study using a book called Courageous Edventures by Jenny Magiera. I've seen Jenny supporting with other Google learning in the past, so I am enjoying the opportunity to explore her work a little deeper as well.  Although I love my digital learning, a book always really helps me to immerse myself in the learning. I'm enjoying it immensely already and thanks to an online ebook it wasn't as expensive as educational resource books often are.

The last thing I'd like to share from the beginning of this journey, is how much I smiled reading the word 'meaningful' in the Google Certified Coach curriculum.  They're talking about supporting teachers to implement the use of technology in the classroom in meaningful ways!  I can't emphasise enough how important it is that technology not be used just for technology's sake, but actually in meaningful ways in the classroom.  A device, like anything else, can be a powerful tool to enhance learning.... or a powerful distraction.  Using technology to enable learners to be placed on babysitting platforms that remove the integral role of the teacher from the learning progression and support their learners receive, is a terrible move... but one that has occurred many times as schools attempt to provide opportunities for digital learning.

Our teachers are out greatest asset!  They are the ones who know their students; their needs, their challenges and their interests.  If we remove the key role of of the teacher in creating responsive learning pathways for students, nothing we offer them will be adequate, let alone accelerative.  

I'm excited to see Google thinking carefully about some elements that our programme really value and dedicate time to as well.  Here's hoping that this learning can be as fruitful as it looks!

In some discussions with some of my teachers this term, there is definitely a continual desire amongst our local teachers to work toward their goals for their learners.  What a wonderful opportunity for us all.