Joo-Lee follows coaching dream
Jul 16 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal
A FORMER teacher is using more than 20 years of experience in class to inspire the newest members of her profession.
Joo-Lee Stock, 45, has launched a coaching business as schools increasingly look to buy in training for teachers faced with ever more complex demands.
The former director of performing arts from Durham said: “Every teacher is passionate about developing children, however, the demands of teaching are such that full potential is never reached. I coach newly appointed and promoted teachers in secondary schools to bring out their true potential within the classroom.”
Joo-Lee added: “I have taught in schools in Malaysia, Belfast and the North-East and have been a teacher for more than 20 years, so I can fully appreciate how difficult it can be to find the balance between teaching, focusing on the curriculum, developing the children, and your own career.”
Coaching is a growing industry in the UK, and schools have started to employ coaches to develop the business side of their school. Joo-Lee says she stands apart from the competition by coaching the teachers to help them become self-sufficient and to drive themselves, rather than relying on senior managers to solve problems.
“This is a great time to start up as the Government-led Department for Education Skills have implemented a five-year strategy for children and learners to improve, and coaching is on the agenda,” she said.
“I decided to leave the teaching profession to follow a dream of coaching others to maximise their potential.
“I have amassed a wealth of experience and skills within education and want to use this experience to help others to make a real difference.
“After obtaining a postgraduate certificate in further professional studies in education, Joo-Lee trained as a coach with the University of Chester and the Coaching Academy in London.
She works on a one-to-one basis, as well as with groups and departments. The sessions include increased communication, understanding school ethos, forward thinking, and how to solve problems.The sessions focus on improving motivation, reducing absenteeism, managing stress and improving overall performance.
Joo-Lee says she is fortunate to be in the North-East for business start-up advice and support.“Business Link, Women into the Network and the Arts Council have been fantastic to me and my business ideas,” she said.
“I received a cultural business venture grant from the Arts Council and Business Link supported me with valuable seminars for networking, and funding towards my coaching and marketing training.
“When you have a clear goal to succeed, it is great to have such resources and support to help achieve it.
“My future ambitions are to make a real difference to the real customers – the children.
“To do this I want to make a difference to schools so they can bring the best out of their teachers.
“To watch someone grow in confidence, skills and talents is an experience I always cherish.”
