Three Cohorts Later: How I Returned to IBEN Coaching

Two summers ago, I began my IBEN (International Baccalaureate Educator Network) Workshop Leaders certification coaching journey by shadowing the wonderful Seura, who helped me build a strong foundation in IBEN coaching. At the time, I told myself I would coach three cohorts before taking a break, and I eventually did.

During my year-long break, I took the opportunity to reflect on my coaching practice. Through my role as a Field Representative, I have seen firsthand how the quality of IBEN training shapes the effectiveness of IB professional development events and workshops in schools. Those experiences deepened my appreciation for the value of high-quality professional learning and its lasting impact on educators and school communities.

Then, while serving as a Field Representative at an IB event in Daegu this past March, I reconnected with three IBENs from my very first cohort. They welcomed me with genuine excitement, and each of them said, "I learned a lot from you." My immediate response was, "I learned a lot from you, too!" Seeing those professional relationships continue over time was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me that coaching is never a one-way process. We learn from one another, and those shared experiences often leave lasting impressions on both coaches and participants.

The IBEN course itself has been valuable not only as preparation for becoming an IB Workshop Leader but also as an opportunity to revisit the principles of adult learning. Three lessons, in particular, have stayed with me:

1. Context matters

Learning experiences should reflect the cultural and professional contexts of participants. When they do, learning becomes more meaningful, authentic, and engaging.

2. Learning is reciprocal

As a coach, I continue to learn alongside participants. Exposure to diverse perspectives, pedagogical approaches, and practical strategies challenges my own thinking and continually refines my practice.

3. Growth is a shared responsibility

Effective learning communities balance challenge with support. Much like Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, growth occurs when learners are recognised, celebrated, and encouraged to be pushed beyond what they can already do, while receiving the guidance they need to succeed.

Reconnecting with participants from my first IBEN cohort was one of the reasons I decided to return to the IBEN Workshop Leaders certification course this summer. It has also been inspiring to see how the programme continues to evolve under the thoughtful leadership of Gary Green, Bethan Howells, and Dalit Halevi - a reflection of a shared commitment to continuous improvement and meaningful professional learning.

I am looking forward to meeting my new IBEN cohort next week, learning with and from them, and, of course, adding another charming group logo to my collection. ✨🩷🙏🏻