During the week of 23–27 March 2025, I conducted a training session on Coaching and Mentoring, attended by an Estonian school counsellor from Tallinn. She participated to explore new methods to implement in her school and to encourage colleagues to adopt mentoring more broadly, building on their existing practice of dedicating one hour per week to mentoring.
The Coaching and Mentoring course combined theoretical insights with practical activities designed to help participants develop skills in communication, reflection, and guidance. The training explored the key differences between coaching and mentoring, their benefits, and how to apply them effectively in educational settings. Through practical exercises, role-playing, and dialogue-based activities, participants learned to handle situations ranging from simple to complex, structure productive conversations, and understand the distinct roles of coach and mentor. The course also emphasized ways to promote mentoring culture within schools, encouraging participants to support colleagues’ professional growth.
On March 25, 2026, two focus groups on artificial intelligence (AI) were held in Soverato (Italy) as part of the DigiYouth project, with JUMP as a partner in Italy. The morning session took place at the school, attended by the Estonian teacher after participating in outdoor activities linked to the Coaching and Mentoring course, focused on developing practical proposals for implementation. The afternoon session brought together additional participants at the organization’s premises. The discussions explored how students use AI tools such as ChatGPT in school and daily life. The teacher actively contributed by sharing professional insights, enriching the conversation with reflections on the educational and relational implications of AI use among students.
Overall, the training and focus group experiences highlighted the value of Coaching and Mentoring as strategies to support teachers’ professional growth, foster collaboration among colleagues, and respond to the evolving challenges of education in a digital and interconnected world. The combination of theoretical content, practical exercises, and collaborative reflection provided participants with concrete tools to implement mentoring practices and innovative approaches in their schools.
Author: Enza Procopio – JUMP Trainer
