(36) Are We Really Coaching? Unlocking Team Potential Through Transformative Coaching

1.30pm – 2.30pm MST, 27 February 2026 ‐ 1 hour

Room: Evergreen (A)

Schools & Leadership

Blending practical tools, reflection, and collaborative dialogue, this workshop explores essential differences between mentoring, consulting, and true coaching within team-based staffing models. Participants will examine how trust, reflection, and skillful questioning unlock the collective potential of educator teams and foster conditions for high-quality instruction.

This workshop begins with a concise overview of the distinctions among consulting, mentoring, and coaching, followed by examples from school settings that illustrate how mislabeling “coaching” often limits impact. Attendees will then engage in a guided practice using “just right” questions designed to deepen thinking, empower team members, and strengthen collaboration. 
Structured role-play and breakout discussions will allow participants to apply strategies directly to their own staffing contexts. Participants leave with actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately, empowering them to:

- Differentiate between coaching and other support roles
- Apply questioning strategies that elevate distributed expertise
- Identify ways to embed transformative coaching into team-based models to sustain instructional improvement and advance student outcomes

Speakers

Elisa Brente

Managing Director, Catalyst for Educational Change

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Elisa Brente

Managing Director, Catalyst for Educational Change

Elisa Brente is a highly experienced educational consultant with over 35 years in K-12 education. Known for her expertise in evidence-based coaching and professional development, Elisa excels at engaging stakeholders in collaborative methodologies that enhance teaching effectiveness and drive positive change.

Her workshops cover a wide range of topics, including Instructional Leadership, Standards-Based Instruction, Co-Teaching, Literacy, and Multilingual Learners, making her a sought-after resource for educators seeking to improve their practice. Elisa holds an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership and an M.S. in Elementary Education, along with certifications in Professional Coaching and Applied Positive Psychology.

Elisa has published several professional resources on literacy and instructional strategies, contributing significantly to the advancement of educational practices. Her commitment to fostering excellence in education is evident in her passion for empowering educators and enhancing student learning outcomes.

: www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-brente-ed-s-9082318