What kinds of work orientations can be identified in the work of school coaches?

School coaches’ perspectives on their work in the light of qualitative research

Authors

• Matilda Wrede-Jäntti Helsingin yliopisto
• Carolina Silin Yrkeshögskolan Novia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30675/sp.157508

Keywords:

school coaches, schools, school system, work orientation, youth work

Abstract

School coaches are a relatively new professional group in Finland, about which little is known. In the study, we examine the work of school coaches in the light of four social pedagogical work orientations. Our main data were personal interviews with fifteen school coaches in Swedish-speaking educational institutions across the country. The data was analyzed using abductive content analysis.
The results show that school coaches emphasize supporting the well-being of students at an individual level, which emphasizes an understanding work orientation. In a few cases also methods in accordance with an adaptive work orientation appear, such as cognitive-behavioral interventions.
The study also highlights challenges related to school coaching, like unclear job descriptions and the drawing of boundaries to other school professionals. Reflections are made on the possibilities of school coaching to respond to the challenges of schools and call for a broader discussion about the development needs of schools.