The Handbook of Knowledge-Based Coaching: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF SCHOOL CULTURE ON COACHING

Teachers, administrators, and coaches may be unaware of the most pervasive cultural patterns in their schools. School culture operates on conscious and subconscious levels (Lindahl, 2006, p. 3):

• Highly observable manifestations (behavior, language, rituals)
• Somewhat less observable aspects (unwritten rules that “everyone” knows)
• Deeply embedded subconscious core operations (common, unquestioned, fundamental assumptions and values)

The most embedded patterns of school culture are the most persistent and are consequently the most difficult to identify and change, for coaches and teachers alike.

Coaches must practice and teach their staff the art of critical reflection—especially critical self-reflection—in ...