Ep60: Mark Bennett, Teacher, Educational Leader & Instructional Coach

Today my guest is Mark Bennett, a Teacher, Educational Leader & Instructional Coach. In this episode, we find out about the role of coaching and conversations in educational leadership and teacher professional development. Mark reflects on how he and other teachers adjusted and responded during the pandemic, and the lessons learned in terms of teaching, learning, education design, and how teachers relate to each other. Mark also reflects on the value of teachers collaborating and becoming learners again, to quickly solve problems or when there are opportunities for deeper and more considered responses including those leading to new thinking, change and growth. We explore the often-central role of teacher-expertise and its relationship to alternative approaches to teaching, learning, and teaching professional development. We chat about the profound simplicity and power of a conversation, the significance of simply being present. Mark believes that the best thing we can do for each other is to be conscious in our conversations, whether they be in the form of a corridor chat, a quick knock on the door, or a more planned event. Underlying all meaningful conversation is the idea that ‘I have time for you, and I want to hear what you have to say’. We chat about the deceptively simple day-to-day skills and non-verbal gestures—such as closing a laptop lid—as a signal you’re ready to create a space for listening and engagement. Mark outlines the value of noticing your own and another person’s responses and experiences during a conversation, such as excitement, nervousness, a frown, or a smile. Finally, Mark talks about the profound role of conversation in shaping a school culture and beyond. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbennettcoach/