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Leadership testmonials

Teachers' Stories

Asri Mills

Teacher: Economics & Business Studies

Surabaya, Indonesia

Justine Readings teacher instructional coaching, leadership coaching in international schools

Meet Asri:

Giovani Widyanti Asriningtyas, or Asri, is a secondary school teacher that primarily focuses on IGCSE Business Studies and Economics for years 9 and 10. She started teaching in a formal school in July 2018, where she gained additional teaching experience in Humanities. When the pandemic began, the school was just starting to prepare for its accreditation, and the work she took on brought her to a point where she lost her confidence. She began to feel like she was losing her passion as a teacher. Her sessions with Justine brought her returned her to a high level of confidence in her teaching and in other areas of her life. She is now pursuing her career in the Economics & Business Studies department in one of the prestigious schools in Surabaya, East Java.

Testimonial:

Having Justine as my coach for several months has helped me develop my way of thinking or the way I see problems. When I was in a difficult situation, my mind was clouded, and I could not think clearly, and Justine was there to redirect my thoughts. She helped me focus when I had to make difficult decisions. What I appreciate the most from Justine is that she never makes judgmental statements about you and always tries to understand your situation by ensuring a mutual understanding in every session.

Justine also provided me with complete guidance on my goals. She helped me reach my full potential because she gave me space to reflect so I could build confidence again, achieve my objectives and find capabilities within myself. Justine also recognised my strengths and challenged me with her questions so I could move forward and not just dwell on my problems. That is what makes her an excellent coach.

Thank you, Justine, for your being there as my coach. I will always be eternally grateful for your existence.

Teachers' Stories

Jen Sutherland

Teacher-in-Transistion

Zurich, Switzerland

Jen's story.... (so far...)

For 16 years I had the opportunity to work in Title 1 and small private schools in the US, as well as a variety of international schools around the world. I became team lead, hosted workshops, presented at conferences, and dove fully into learning best practices for my students. However, I began to learn that there wasn't much more forward mobility for a teacher unless they moved into administration, something that never interested me. I recognised that even though pedagogy and curriculum seemed to ride an ever changing roller coaster, I wasn't feeling like I was growing and being fulfilled by what I thought was a lifelong passion. I had noticed myself starting to feel a little lost. With Justine's guidance, I've opened myself up to any possibility that lies ahead. I am loving trying the new things I never had the time, energy, and opportunity to while teaching.

Testimonial:

Justine has helped me more than I honestly could have thought possible. She listens without judgement in a relaxed and comforting manner. What I appreciate most though is the way Justine is my sounding board, helping me to make sense of my thoughts and recognise repeated language. Justine has helped me to see the patterns in my actions, and even in the words I use that have been holding me back, some things I had not even recognised myself. I’ve made some pretty big life changes this year. Justine has helped me navigate through all this turmoil. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m still on quite a journey, but I am feeling better than I have in years.

If you're a little nervous about the idea of coaching, as I was, do not hesitate making an appointment with Justine. If you’ve been feeling a bit stuck, a bit lost, or even unmotivated, I highly recommend you email her. The initial contact is the hardest, but I assure you, this woman is an absolute bad ass.

Kyle Shahan

Grade 4 Teacher,

Düsseldorf, Germany

Justine Readings teacher coach school leadership courses mentoring

Kyle's Challenge:

My name is Kyle Shahan and I've been teaching in upper elementary for 20 years in the States, Japan, and now Germany. My professional interests over this time have expanded to include Making, Mindfulness, and Outdoor Education as ways to increase happiness and also improve learning outcomes. Working in the Outdoor Learning Environment has made me highly sensitive to our treatment of the earth and specifically how we sort and dispose of our waste at school. The trash-strewn playground, irresponsible habits and systems inside the building, and the indifference of both adults and children was a burden upon me. Worse, my first attempts at change were ineffective, and this only generated more frustration, anger, alienation, and despair. I knew I needed help.

Testimonial:

In just a few sessions, I made lots of progress that I could never have done on my own. For example, Justine helped me visualise the outcome that I desired, make specific attainable goals, and set deadlines to get there. We focused on bite-sized and concrete actions that helped me move forward, and followed up on these in our two-week check-ins. Justine is an amazing listener and questioner. She asked pin-point questions that made me deeply reflect and also deeply reason through my concerns. Soon I could feel all those weighty and tangled emotions loosen and actually change into motivation, hope, and optimism. Working with Justine gave me a deeper understanding I really want to make change with people, not just change people. This shift in thought helped me approach challenges with curiosity rather than judgement, I was able to relax and talk more easily with people, find win-win solutions, and discover unexpected allies.

Looking forward, I am eager to continue the improvements I've made at school with teachers, students, and leadership until we are truly a climate responsible school. I am more confident that I can influence people and situations positively, and make changes more effectively. Thank you, Justine!