FAQs
| For Coaches |
What is Executive Coaching, and how is it different than mentoring? (Back to top)
Although coaching and mentoring are often used interchangeably, there are distinctions between the two. Coaching involves a more formalized approach to helping leaders maximize their unique leadership potential. The coaching engagement is rooted in specific goals the Principal Leader has identified for themself. The goals of each conversation are generally directed by the Leader, not the Coach. A mentoring relationship tends to have less structure. Usually an experienced individual (mentor) is imparting informal advice or “how-to” guidance to a less-experienced individual (mentee). Executive coaching includes regular, scheduled sessions with a trained executive coach. Even experienced leaders benefit from executive coaching. Learn about how our Executive Coaches come alongside you to level up your leadership.
Who should apply to be a coach? (Back to top)
Proven, seasoned leaders. Principals or education professionals who are experienced, well-respected and have demonstrated success in multiple leadership settings are ideal candidates for coaches.
Ideal coach candidates:
- Have successful experience as an executive-level leader and understand the behaviors and mindsets that executive leadership entails, regardless of industry or sector
- Embrace a growth mindset in their own personal development
- Have a desire to help other leaders succeed
- Are willing to become proficient in a variety of virtual tools that are critical for long-distance learning and coaching engagements (e.g., using a virtual classroom space, video-conferencing and online document-sharing platforms)
- Are committed to an equity mindset — ensuring that every single student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of race or any other identity factors
- Have the capacity to fully commit to the rigor of the program, which includes attending all coach training sessions (virtual and in-person) and holding regular one-on-one sessions with their coachee
How much will I need to travel? (Back to top)
It depends on your location. The week-long in-person summer training in 2022 will take place in Columbia, Maryland. The summer training in 2023 will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. Travel and hotel costs will be covered by your local conference if you do not live nearby.
Additionally, Coaches will travel to visit their Principal Leaders at least once during the school year. All other commitments are virtual.
Once all Executive Coaches and Leadership Principals have formally accepted their invitations into the program, the ACE Academy leadership team will oversee the matching process. Through this process, we consider several factors including location, personal leadership needs, school needs, leadership experience, and leadership style. Coaches and Leaders are welcome to make requests or express preferences during the matching process.
How much time should I plan to commit to the program? (Back to top)
Time commitments include attending week-long in-person trainings in the summer, virtual sessions once per month, completing work before and after trainings, and having one-on-one meetings with your principal leader. (CEU credits will be provided for participation in these activities.) Specific dates include:
- In-person ACE Executive Coach summer intensives:
- Four days, July 18-21, 2022, in Columbia, Maryland
- Two days, July 2023, dates and location TBD
- Two days, July 2024, dates and location TBD
- Monthly virtual learning sessions on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- One annual in-person visit to your principal leader’s school
- One-hour calls once or twice per month with your Principal Leader
- One-hour calls with your Executive Coach mentor every other month
How often will I meet with my Principal Leader? (Back to top)
Coaches and leaders are free to set up a coaching schedule that works for them; however, they are required to meet at least once per month in person or via video call (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime). (When in-person meetings are not feasible, we encourage video calls as the primary form of Coach/Principal Leader engagement.)
Who decides who my Principal Leader is? (Back to top)
Once all Executive Coaches and Leadership Principals have formally accepted their invitations into the program, the ACE Academy leadership team will oversee the matching process. Through this process, we consider several factors including location, personal leadership needs, school needs, leadership experience, and leadership style. Coaches and Leaders are welcome to make requests or express preferences during the matching process.
Do I have to pay to participate in the program? (Back to top)
There is no direct cost to Executive Coaches or Principal Leaders. Our goal is to give school leaders access to a high-impact growth experience. To invest in their leaders, local conferences will sponsor any travel-related expenses incurred by participants. The Bainum Family Foundation, Southern Union, and Columbia Union have partnered to underwrite the cost of training and program delivery.
How are Coaches selected? (Back to top)
- Coach applicants should submit an online application and upload an updated resumé.
- A recommendation form will then be sent to their superintendent, who must then complete and submit it.
- Applications are reviewed by the ACE leadership team on a rolling basis.
- Select applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with the ACE leadership team.
- Selected candidates will receive a formal invitation to the program and sign a participation agreement.
Why is focusing on equity a priority of the program? (Back to top)
It’s difficult to recognize the prevalence of inequities in our education system, even in our faith-based schools. Society at-large grapples to find the language and strategies to overcome such complex challenges that are deeply embedded in our education practices and create obstacles for students’ success in school and life.
Our goal is to help empower leaders with both the skills and the personal mindset to identify where inequities are occurring and how to address them. We believe this is a critical skillset for executive leaders like principals. These conversations can be challenging, and ACE Academy helps Coaches practice exploring these dynamics in a safe space and learn how to coach with an equity mindset so they can model this executive skill for the leader they are coaching.
Because racial equity is a critical discussion happening across the nation, the Executive Coaching for Principals Program examines equity most often through this lens. However, we understand that this is just one facet of a larger, important vision for ensuring equity in schools. We hope leaders will apply their learnings and skills to examine all types of inequities that may prevent children from reaching their potential, including those related to socioeconomic status, gender, or any other circumstance/characteristic.
I still have questions. What should I do? (Back to top)
We’re ready and able to answer them! Please send us a message using our contact form.
| For Principals Leaders |
What is Executive Coaching, and how is it different than mentoring? (Back to top)
Although coaching and mentoring are often used interchangeably, there are distinctions between the two. Coaching involves a more formalized approach to helping leaders maximize their unique leadership potential. The coaching engagement is rooted in specific goals the Principal Leader has identified for themself. The goals of each conversation are generally directed by the Leader, not the Coach. A mentoring relationship tends to have less structure. Usually an experienced individual (mentor) is imparting informal advice or “how-to” guidance to a less-experienced individual (mentee). Executive coaching includes regular, scheduled sessions with a trained executive coach. Even experienced leaders benefit from executive coaching. Learn about how our Executive Coaches come alongside you to level up your leadership.
Who would benefit from working with an Executive Coach? (Back to top)
Early or mid-career leaders with at least two years of experience as a principal or vice principal. This program is anchored in the belief that our most talented leaders deserve more relevant on-the-job support and challenging professional growth. Please note that the Executive Coaching Program is not intended to provide remedial or corrective intervention for principals — the coaching is designed to take emerging leaders to the next level.
This is a perfect fit if you:
- Are open, adaptable, and energized through learning experiences
- Embrace “failure” or “weakness” as opportunities to grow and deepen leadership practice
- Are committed to “creating space” for your Coach by protecting scheduled coaching sessions and engaging your Coach in leadership goals
- Are willing to become proficient in a variety of virtual tools, which are critical for long-distance coaching engagements (such as video calls and online document sharing)
- Have the personal capacity to fully engage in regular virtual sessions with your Executive Coach.
Will I need to travel? (Back to top)
Nope! This opportunity is mostly remote, though your Executive Coach will come to visit you in person at least once per year.
How often will I meet with my Coach? (Back to top)
One to two hours every month, usually via video call (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime).
Who decides who my Executive Coach is? (Back to top)
Once all Executive Coaches and Leadership Principals have formally accepted their invitations into the program, the ACE Academy leadership team will oversee the matching process. Through this process, we consider several factors including location, personal leadership needs, school needs, leadership experience, and leadership style. Coaches and Leaders are welcome to make requests or express preferences during the matching process.
Do I have to pay to participate in the program? (Back to top)
There is no direct cost to Executive Coaches or Principal Leaders. Our goal is to give school leaders access to a high-impact growth experience. To invest in their leaders, local conferences will sponsor any travel-related expenses incurred by participants. The Bainum Family Foundation, Southern Union, and Columbia Union have partnered to underwrite the cost of training and program delivery.
How are Principal Leaders selected for Executive Coaching? (Back to top)
- Principals should complete an online application and upload an updated resumé.
- A recommendation form will be sent to his/her superintendent, who must then complete and submit it.
- Applications are reviewed by the ACE leadership team on a rolling basis to make sure this opportunity is a good fit for your current leadership needs.
- If it is a good fit, the applicant will receive a participation agreement, and ACE Academy staff will match you with an Executive Coach.
Why is focusing on equity a priority of the program? (Back to top)
It’s difficult to recognize the prevalence of inequities in our education system, even in our faith-based schools. Society at-large grapples to find the language and strategies to overcome such complex challenges that are deeply embedded in our education practices and create obstacles for students’ success in school and life.
Our goal is to help empower leaders with both the skills and the personal mindset to identify where inequities are occurring and how to address them. We believe this is a critical skillset for executive leaders like principals. These conversations can be challenging, and ACE Academy helps Coaches practice exploring these dynamics in a safe space and learn how to coach with an equity mindset so they can model this executive skill for the leader they are coaching.
Because racial equity is a critical discussion happening across the nation, the Executive Coaching for Principals Program examines equity most often through this lens. However, we understand that this is just one facet of a larger, important vision for ensuring equity in schools. We hope leaders will apply their learnings and skills to examine all types of inequities that may prevent children from reaching their potential, including those related to socioeconomic status, gender, or any other circumstance/characteristic.
What leadership assessments will I participate in? (Back to top)
At the start of the program, the Principal Leader will take a variety of leadership assessments that provide them with a rich and full picture of their strengths, growth areas, and leadership style. Among these assessments will be a 360 Feedback Survey based on the Korn Ferry Leadership Architect. The Principal Leader will have the opportunity to identify respondents to complete the survey. These may include staff, peers, colleagues, supervisors, or community members with whom they work closely.
I still have questions. What should I do? (Back to top)
We’re ready and able to answer them! Please send us a message using our contact form.