The role of a teacher is to transfer knowledge to their students and to help them develop certain skills and abilities. On the other hand, a coach must support and motivate its pupils by listening, asking questions and challenging them. Although these roles seem different, what if a teacher applied the rules of coaching into the classroom and became a motivator as well?

​This concept formed the foundation of the new edition of the Emotional intelligence and coaching Skills for teacher’s course held in Palermo from 15/09/2025 to 20/09/2025. The participants came from across Europe, with Joanna from Medical University of Bialystok in Poland, Kathi and Cathrin from Leonardo da Vinci Campus Nauen in Germany, and Iris from Berufskolleg Wirtschaft und Verwaltung Remscheid in Germany.
​The opening sessions introduced the concept of coaching in education, Teachers practiced setting their own goals and discovered how clear, structured objectives can support both their personal growth and the development of their students. Coaching was presented not only as a technique but as a mindset: one that emphasizes empathy, teamwork, and motivation in the classroom.
​One of the most important themes of the course was emotional intelligence. Effective coaching and teaching both depend on the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions, both in oneself and in others. Developing self-awareness helps teachers stay calm in challenging situations, while empathy strengthens the teacher-student relationship. Participants learned how emotional intelligence fosters trust, motivates students, and allows educators to create supportive learning environments. By managing emotions constructively, teachers can help students approach challenges positively and improve both academic and personal outcomes. 
​Midweek focused on the art of asking meaningful questions. Questions are not just a way of checking knowledge; used effectively, they spark curiosity, encourage critical reflection, and stimulate creativity. Participants explored practical strategies for crafting powerful, student-centered questions that deepen learning and promote dialogue rather than rote answers. To support this, the course introduced Magicschool, through hands-on activities, teachers experienced how innovative questioning techniques can stimulate problem solving, curiosity, and imaginative exploration, making lessons more engaging and dynamic.
​The exploration of questioning continued with a focus on building sequences of inquiry that promote deeper participation. Teachers practiced designing open-ended questions that encourage students to explore solutions rather than depend on the teacher for answers.
Alongside this, the concept of growth mindset was introduced. Teachers reflected on how shifting classroom culture toward valuing effort, resilience, and learning from mistakes can change how students perceive challenges. Just as a good coach inspires athletes to see setbacks as opportunities, teachers can encourage students to embrace difficulties as part of growth.
​The final day highlighted feedback as one of the most powerful tools available to a coach-teacher. Participants practiced giving constructive, motivating feedback that guides students without discouraging them. They also explored essential coaching strategies such as managing conflicts, learning to guide dialogue, fostering mutual understanding, and supporting students in finding their own solutions.
By the end of the week, participants had not only shared their diverse cultural perspectives but had also developed practical skills to apply in their classrooms. Blending teaching with coaching empowers educators to inspire, guide, and support students in achieving their full potential, not just academically but personally and emotionally.
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Discover more about this course here.
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