Experiences of aspiring school principals receiving coaching as part of a leadership development programme

Dr Christian van Nieuwerburgh is a professor of coaching and positive psychology at the University of East London (UK), executive director of Growth Coaching International, visiting professor at the University of Bergamo (Italy) and Honorary Fellow at the Centre of Positive Psychology of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne (Australia). Christian is recognised as a thought leader in the field of coaching in education and has published numerous articles, book chapters and books on the topic. He regularly delivers keynote addresses globally and undertakes research into the application of coaching and positive psychology in educational settings.

Margaret Barr is lead associate (Scotland) for Growth Coaching International, a research supervisor on the MSc Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology programme at the University of East London and a former secondary school head teacher. She coaches education leaders and supports educators to develop a coaching approach in their professional conversations. Margaret is particularly interested in the well-being of educators.

Chris Munro is managing director (Australia/New Zealand) at Growth Coaching International. He has extensive experience in supporting and leading the development of teachers and school leaders, drawn from over 25 years in government and independent schools and in initial teacher education at the University of Aberdeen. His current role sees him coaching school leaders and developing the coaching capacity of school communities across Australia and beyond. Chris holds a Master of Research degree from the University of Aberdeen and is an accredited coach at senior practitioner level with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.

Heather Noon holds an MSc in career coaching from the University of East London and an MA in human resource management. She is also a fellow of CIPD and has led human resource strategy in a number of global organisations. Heather currently works as a pro bono coach and researcher, with a primary interest in the links between coaching and career development.

Dr Daniel Arifin is a learning designer at the Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership, department of education and training Victoria and a research fellow at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. He has been a teacher and academic, with a research focus on initial teacher education, program evaluation, school leadership and management. His current work pertains to the development of high-quality professional learning for principal class, through a blended learning model, in the career stages of school leadership.