Why a Strengths-Based Coaching Model Works
"You are unique and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost."
Our origin story is tenderly wrapped up within that quote above. Years spent teaching middle and high school students, tutoring after school, writing curriculum around the world, and stepping in and out of independent schools wearing the hat of educational leadership taught me this--Every student deserves to thrive.
Yet, heartbreakingly, misdiagnoses, missteps, and a broken school system create a dialogue of defeat in our young learners.
Students as young as kindergarten quickly espouse the "I'm just not a math person" mentality when work gets challenging. I've had high school seniors break down and tell me "I don't know what I'm good at." My “STEM” kids unravel at the thought of writing a creative essay (“What do I know? I’m just a math nerd”) while my ravenous readers become unglued at the thought of a math test. Something had to change. A 40% societal spike in anxiety and depression since 2010 alerted that. Charting graduates and following their college placements, job trajectories, and career paths were nontraditional and circuitous, leading to both school and job transfers.
Where was education’s role in all of this?
At Whitehead Learning Group, we have an unrelenting commitment to strengths-based development. We believe our students deserve it. We weave it into the fabric of our process, actively pursuing this culture through powerful strategies; as a result, our strengths-based system is customized, intentional, and personal. Our unique curriculum is rooted in student and family alignment to develop teams form the development of strengths. Furthermore, our internal communication model generates awareness of and enthusiasm for strengths. A comprehensive intake process allows us the opportunity to know each learner (and their family) personally--serving as a roadmap for major selection, "best fit" schools, coursework selection, learning environment, and more. Making strengths an integral and organic part of the entire application journey is essential to foster development and build advocacy.
We’re honored you’re considering allowing us join your family on this journey. Everyone needs a cheerleader. Being a “Head Coach” lets our players win the game—and win life.