Who Are Teachers In Summit Coach Training?

by Ircel Harrison

Philosopher and educator Sidney Hook observed, “Everyone who remembers his [sic] own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.”

Models, methodologies, and techniques of education are helpful in providing a structure on which to build our teaching, but the key person is the teacher, whether that person is the “sage on the stage,” or the “guide on the side.”

If you think back over your own educational experience, you can probably cite more than one teacher who said or did something that moved you in an unexpected direction. You may remember little of the content that the person presented, but you absorbed something of that individual’s personality and perspective.

As we have expanded the teaching staff for Summit Coach Training from Pinnacle, we have sought people who embody not only a faith-based perspective but a commitment to invest themselves in others. To be honest, the two do not always go together!

What do we look for in instructors?

First, people who have had experience in coaching and being coached. They know the value of the coaching relationship from first-hand experience.

Second, those who have experience in ministry. The type of ministry varies from congregational to institutional roles, but all understand the importance of community and the ways that people interact within systems.

Third, they believe in the capacity of every person to grow and become more than they have been. They realize that everyone has potential and is gifted in unique ways.

Fourth, we seek out people we like and who like us! This is not selfish but an awareness that each of us thrives in a supportive community.

Fifth, we invite people on board who have been certified as coaches by the International Coaching Federation. This is, of course, required by ICF for us to have accreditation at a Level One training program, but it also assures that we have a common understanding and commitment to the ICF Core Competencies, and the ICF Code of Ethics. We speak a common language.

If you choose to take a Summit Coach Training course, you can be assured that we have carefully vetted every instructor in order that you will have a positive learning experience. They are people who want you to get the most out of your coach training experience.

To learn more about Summit Coach Training, check out our website or contact Ircel Harrison, Pinnacle’s Coaching Team Leader.