Belief Repair Teacher Coaching Tool

Helping teachers move from resignation to possibility

1. Name the Belief

• Listen without judgment.

• Mirror the teacher’s words back to them.

• Example: “It sounds like you’ve tried a lot, and it hasn’t worked.”

2. Find Cracks in the Armor

• Ask: “When has this not been true?”

• Surface even small moments of success.

• Use those examples as footholds for possibility.

3. Reframe Agency

• Replace helplessness with capability.

• Emphasize: “You already have the tools—let’s explore how to use them differently.”

4. Build Incremental Wins

• Co-design one small, achievable change.

• Track and celebrate evidence of progress.

• Reinforce that success is possible.

5. Sustain with Reflection

• Return to belief shifts regularly.

• Ask reflective questions:

  • “What surprised you?”

  • “What worked better than expected?”

• Keep connecting strategies back to evolving beliefs.

Why This Matters

Beliefs shape engagement. Without addressing teacher mindsets, even the strongest strategies falter. By acknowledging limiting narratives, coaches rebuild trust and open space for professional growth.

✅ Tip: Pair strategy coaching with mindset work. Teachers who believe change is possible are more willing to take risks, persist, and ultimately transform classrooms.