FASA Coaching & Mentoring
FASA believes school leaders need support and there is value in both coaching and mentoring. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct purposes and value.
- Coaching is about performance and practice.
- Mentoring is about guidance and growth.
Coaching
- Focus: Performance improvement and goal attainment.
- Relationship: A coach (who may or may not have direct experience in the same role) facilitates reflection and helps the administrator identify solutions and strategies.
- Goal: To enhance specific skills, practices, or outcomes — often aligned with school or district priorities.
- Approach: Structured and goal-oriented. Coaching sessions typically include data analysis, action steps, and reflection cycles.
FASA's Coaching for Principals Program
Mentoring
- Focus: Long-term professional and personal development.
- Relationship: A mentor is typically a more experienced leader who provides guidance, advice, and perspective based on lived experience.
- Goal: To help the mentee grow holistically — as a leader, decision-maker, and person — by sharing wisdom, lessons learned, and career insights.
- Approach: Developmental and relationship-based. Mentoring conversations often center on career pathways, leadership philosophy, and navigating challenges.