Essential Guide to Coaching and Mentoring, The: Practical Skills for Teachers (The Essential Guides) Paperback – 14 Oct. 2010

The first observation when reading this book is the clarity with which it is set out. Unlike many education theory books, this book is easy to read and one that you dip in and out of as different situations arise.Each chapter has an anecdotal example to clarify the learning message, and bullet points to summarize. This is not so much of a 'telling you how to get there' instruction manual as a 'I'll guide you there' support to help you find your own style. At the end of each chapter there are questions to help you reflect on your reading and understanding. There is a real sense that the author is aware of current issues in education; with all of the advice being credible.I have tried some of the guidance in my own practice and can definitely say that it works! For anybody embarking on the NPQH, or in middle or senior management I would say that this is required reading. Perhaps an enlightened local authority may even have the foresight to buy a copy for all of their schools.My only complaint - that it wasn't available when I became a Deputy 5 years ago!

Great book and very useful for developing teaching and learning, in a supportive, yet challenging way. Book was damaged when it arrived!!

'Coaching' is one of the new buzzwords that is often quoted as a passport to develop performance. However few understand what coaching is and how it needs a culture in school to reap the undisputed benefits.I found the book most useful as both a toolkit for my staff at school and as a guide for my own work as a consultant. There is a huge talent in teachers but most lack the necessary skills and strategies to coach successfully.Judith presents lots of ideas and strategies that can unlock potential in schools.It was a very worthwhile purchaseI particularly liked her case studies and the regular insertions of key points.

I read Judith's excellent handbook Coaching for Schools (2006) again today, just before re-reading The Essential Guide to Coaching and Mentoring (2010) - do be aware that despite the title change they are essentially the same. If you click to read inside the 2010 version on AMAZON's site you will actually see a copy of the 2006 text but this is not what you will actually receive. Good, but don't buy both books. Perhaps there has been a merger of publishers and this is the new edition of the Pearson version by Longman - if so it is a pity that the cover title suggests this is a completely different handbook.