The project, C.O.A.C.H. (Coaching schOols to fAce Change aHead) focuses on designing a blended Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) Programme in ten modules for school leaders, department managers and teachers to strengthen quality
processes, effective cooperation and well-being in schools through an individual and organizational development. The core of the
project is, thus, the firm belief in the common underlined importance of supporting school staff to develop professionally.
C.O.A.C.H. rationale is rooted in the common priorities highlighted by EU 2020, and in the strategic framework ‘Education & Training
2020’. In particular, among the four objectives, the second strategic objective: ‘Improving the quality and efficiency of education
and training’ highlights the importance of continuous professional development for teachers and school leaders. Consequently, the
project addresses directly this transnational aim promoting through mobility, the quality and efficiency of education and training,
the promotion of equity, social cohesion, and active citizenship and the enhancement of creativity and innovation.
The project need is further strengthened by the Communication from the European Commission ‘Rethinking Education: Investing in
skills for better socio-economic outcome’ and more directly in the Annex ‘Supporting the Teaching Professions for Better Learning
Outcomes’ where the teachers' demand for professional development is proved to be greater than the actual possibilities they have.
More EU documents, in particular, the Commission/OECD: ‘Teachers’ professional development - Europe in international
Comparison’ and the Eurydice / Eurostat 2012, ‘Key Data on Education in Europe 2012’ and 'Key Data on Teachers and School
Leaders in Europe – 2013' emphasize the demand of professional improvement as a means to enhance educational effectiveness.
Thus the project intends to promote school development through self aware school leaders, and high quality and well-trained
teachers and staff, who can help learners to develop the competencies they need in a global labour market; in fact evidence shows
that a primary influence on learners’ performance is the quality of teaching and learning.
In the six participating countries (IT, AT, NO, RO, TR, UK) the school staff has highlighted and confirmed the common challenges they are facing and their need to stimulate and foster innovation, teamwork, flexibility and the introduction of pioneering approaches and creativity. Besides, the nine partners have shared a joint belief in the need to drive up both standards and levels of achievement in education to match the present ever rising demands of society, as well as encourage transversal skills in school leaders, teachers and, consequently, in students to ensure the capacity to face increasing inevitable changes.
In short, in the 21st century a radically broader and more sophisticated set of competencies is needed. C.O.A.C.H. blended Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme will, therefore, allow participants to adopt, adapt and evolve their own personal and professional approaches, and enlarge their mindset and skills. The CPD Programme is designing and training a new role in education: the 'school coach' capable of promoting quality, self-assessment and well being in schools.
1) to foster quality improvements, innovation, excellence and internationalisation through enhanced transnational cooperation
between education and training providers and other stakeholders.
2) to develop strategic partnerships between institutions involved in education and training or other relevant sectors aimed at educational development.
