The Role of Coaches in a School Leader Preparation Program: "The Cooperative Triad"

As aspiring school leaders or interns complete their graduate program and year-long school-based internship in an urban school setting, they receive support from an on-site school leader mentor and an external coach. This trio, coined the cooperative triad, fosters leadership development through a collaborative approach. When alumni begin their career as a school leader, they continue receiving support from the leadership program as well as an external coach. Because of their important role, this study sought to understand how coaches conceptualized their role, what influenced their ability to carry out the role, and their influence on the internship and alumni experience. Utilizing a qualitative case study design, researchers engaged in data collection and analysis across interviews with seven coaches, seven interns/alumni, and five mentors. Findings highlight the importance of creating a coaching structure while remaining flexible, building trust and community with participants, and continually developing coaches in their practice. Further, the cooperative triad model demonstrates the potential for positive school-wide impact, as the coach supports both aspiring and practicing leaders.