<b>Coaching in Education? Action research with school managers

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the experience of coaching  with managers in a  private school, evaluating the potential of the tool in this context. The investigation had the action-research as method, being considered as research subjects different managers of private school. The thoretical guideline came from the fields of Education - Lück (2000,2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011), Paro (2010), Libâneo, Oliveira and Toschi (2005), Santos and Sales (2012) and Rodrigues (2009) - and Coaching with Dutra (2010), Whitmore (2010), Pérez (2009) and Goldsmith (2012). The coaching process was recognized as an experience that allowed school managers to review their professional practices and necessary changes. Participants rated it as a device which provided opportunities for reflection and a space for dialogue, strengthened the group and provided closeness and integration. As a result of the process, the managers identified the development of planning and organizational capacity enhancing their performance in the daily life of the school. As challenges can be mentioned the instability of the private school, the multiplicity of demands attributed to managers and a possible initial resistance in the school environment, as the practice of coaching prevails in business today.