The Coach Approach
“I spend my days troubleshooting problems that never get solved.”
You went into chinuch to teach Torah.
But instead, you’re playing (ineffective) policeman/therapist/babysitternts. You offer solutions yet never seem to get results.
This isn’t what you signed up for.
Get unstuck, get cooperation, get results
But imagine if you had a tool to get yourself unstuck. A way to help rebbeim move past their limitations and motivate talmidim to reach their potential.
Imagine using that tool to create:
- Positive ruach in the school
- More cooperation from rebbeim
- Fewer discipline issues
- Greater parent satisfaction
- More time for you to focus on actual chinuch
That tool exists, and it’s called the “Coach Approach.”
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Help me transform my school with the Coach Approach |
Click to schedule your free consultation.
Transform your school with a collaborative approach
Hi, I’m R’ Shalom Storch, mechanech, former menahel, consultant, and certified coach. I transformed my chinuch career when I discovered the Coach Approach, and you can, too.
I’m collaborating with R’ Dovid Kossowsky, Head of School of Yeshiva Elementary School in Milwaukee. He’s also a certified coach, with on-the-ground experience using the Coach Approach in his school.
The Coach Approach is a thought-provoking and creative process that empowers people to own and resolve their problems.
Instead of giving orders or threats - which almost never work - you use proven methods to draw out another person and help them discover their own solutions.
When rebbeim or students become partners in the problem-solving process, they are:
- Less resistant to following through on solutions.
- More likely to succeed since the solutions fit their personalities and needs.
- Connected with you as they express and explore their emotions.
You see results and change instead of endless frustration and negativity.
A peek inside the Coach Approach
How does the Coach Approach work?
A certified coach trains for 100 hours, but we’ll use a simplified example that will only take a few minutes.
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Case Study: The scenario: After months alternating between positive reinforcements and punishments, R’ Stern is D.O.N.E. He marches into his menahel’s office with 3rd grader A.J. and an ultimatum: “It’s him or me.” The old way: R’ Pollock, the menahel, assures the rebbi that he’ll “deal with” A.J. He calls together a cross-disciplinary meeting of school professionals. He lectures A.J. and threatens him with expulsion. He brings in A.J.’s parents to work out a “plan.” A.J. is scared enough to sullenly cooperate for the next few weeks. The Coach Approach: R’ Pollock assures the rebbi that he’ll “deal with” A.J. He talks with A.J. (not at him!), asking open-ended questions such as “What happened?” or “What else could you do when you get frustrated/bored/hungry?” A.J. goes back to class with greater self-awareness and a plan. After class, R’ Pollock meets with R’ Stern. He coaches R’ Stern to move past his frustrations and into problem-solving mode. Soon, they pinpoint the heart of the issue: A.J. desperately needs decent adult relationships. R’ Stern stops trying to force A.J. into compliance and starts taking him out for ice cream once a week. As they build trust, A.J. wants to please his rebbi and, over time, becomes an asset to the class. |
Is it really that simple? Of course, not. Coaches train in using the right questions, building trust, creating accountability, and so much more. The process takes time, and human beings don’t follow a perfect script.
But with the Coach Approach, yes, you can see results like R’ Stern did with A.J.
A one-two coaching punch
How can you bring the Coach Approach to your school? With the Certified Coach Training Program.
By training yourself and a hand-picked rebbi in the Coach Approach, you’ll create a 2-part internal coaching resource that will benefit all members of your school.
- As the menahel-coach, you’ll use basic coaching skills to resolve day-to-day issues with talmidim, rebbeim, staff, and parents.
But what about a rebbi struggling with feelings of inadequacy or limiting beliefs? Will he open up to his boss? And what about more complex coaching needs?
That’s where the rebbi-coach comes in.
- A rebbi-coach will be a fully trained certified coach. He’ll be there for his peers, using the Coach Approach to help other rebbeim work through issues. You can refer more challenging or time-consuming problems to him as an in-house expert.
Having a rebbi-coach on staff is invaluable for a menahel:
- In your system and understands your mossad and its culture
- Already has a trusted relationship with other rebbeim
- Takes some burden off your plate
- Rebbeim may be more comfortable speaking to a peer about their limiting beliefs, shortcomings, or feelings of inadequacy
Asking questions that encourage problem-solving
I put the coach approach into practice every day with rebbeim, talmidim, and parents! The most important lesson I learned was how to ask questions. Close-ended questions like “Did you hit him?” don’t go anywhere. They shut down the other person. Asking open-ended questions like “What could you have done differently?” encourages problem-solving. It helps draw out the boys and gets them to think.
(Rabbi Yossi Twersky, Menahel, Lakewood Cheder, Lakewood)
Gold-standard training
The Certified Coach Training Program will train you and your rebbi-coach in the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) 8 Core Competencies.
The ICF is the gold standard in coach training :
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1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice 2. Embodies a Coaching Mindset 3. Establishes & Maintains Agreements 4. Cultivates Trust & Safety |
5. Maintains Presence 6. Listens Actively 7. Evokes Awareness 8. Facilitates Client Growth |
The Certified Coach Training Program is complete training for you and your rebbi-coach. It includes three comprehensive modules:
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Module I: Self Leadership and Beyond Learn the basics of coaching, based on the 5 C’s: Connecting deeply, Contracting for success, Clarifying, Creating sustainable goals, and Committing.
Module includes 10 three-hour sessions plus one session of group practice. Module I covers the basics of coaching. It will equip you, as the menahel, with the skills to handle day-to-day discipline and staff issues. Your rebbi-coach can continue with Modules II and III to reach complete coach proficiency. |
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Module II: Deepening Your Coaching Skills Explore the theory behind the coach approach to sharpen coaching skills and facilitate lasting change.
Module includes 10 three-hour sessions plus one session of group practice. |
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Module III: Common Coaching Challenges Get the hands-on tools and methodologies to successfully navigate the most common coaching scenarios.
Module includes 10 three-hour sessions plus one session of group practice. Your rebbi-coach now has the skills to coach professionally in and out of the school setting. If he’d like to become certified, he can go on to Module IV. |
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Module IV: Coaching Certification Get the 100 hours of training your rebbi needs to become ICF (International Coaching Federation) certified. That’s the gold standard in coach training. We’ll “hold his hand” throughout the process, helping him meet requirements and find clients.
Mazel tov! Your school just gained an incredible asset - an in-house certified coach. |
Class enrollment is limited to give each of my students the attention they deserve.
And as a teacher yourself, you’ll appreciate our unique seven-step learning process. Quality Transformative Learning™ is designed to help you integrate and internalize your new skills:
- Learn = Students are introduced to a new concept or skill using multiple modalities.
- Model = The instructor models the new skill for the students to see it in action.
- Guided practice = Students practice it in a group setting as the instructor checks for understanding.
- Independent practice = The class breaks out into breakout rooms to practice independently in pairs or triads while the instructor “drops in” and observes.
- Feedback = The class gets back together and discusses the experience.
- Closure = Students then post their takeaways from the session.
- Extended learning = Students can extend their learning on the topic using our on-demand platform.
Be a better resource for rebbeim
As a menahel, I wanted to take my skills to a new level, and I knew there was a lot of chochma in the Coach Approach. By learning and internalizing the coach approach, I can be a better resource for my rebbeim. I can help them discover and overcome inhibitions that hold them back. When problems come up, I can empower them to be part of the solution process instead of simply handing down directives from above.
(Rabbi Eli Shulman, Menahel, Yeshiva Orchos Chaim, Lakewood)
Industry-standard pricing for 30-hour coach training is upwards of $2000. But as a mechanech myself, I know you need a price break.
Therefore, we’re pricing the program with three affordable payment plans for Module I.
Enroll the menahel and rebbi together to receive a $150 discount for the rebbi!
| Per Module |
Per Person Fee |
Menahel + Rebbi Fee |
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4 month plan |
$412.50 |
$787.50 |
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3 month plan |
$550 |
$1050 |
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Single Payment |
$1650 |
$3150 |
Transform your school with the Coach Approach
Having a menahel-coach and rebbi-coach on staff will improve student discipline, faculty morale, and parents’ perception of the school.
Let’s talk more about training you and your rebbi and bring the Coach Approach to your school. Click on the button below for a free consultation.
FAQs
- What distinguishes this program from other frum programs?
- The Center for Coaching’s Certified Coach Training Program is unique for several reasons:
- I believe coaching is a profession. A profession must have a body of laws that dictates its skills and competencies. Therefore, I follow the International Coaching Federation’s Core Competencies and Code of Ethics almost religiously!
- Thirty years of experience in chinuch have taught me a thing or two about education! I've trained hundreds of teachers with a unique training method based on authentic teaching practices, specifically designed for adult education.
- Torah concepts from the world of Chazal, Mussar, and Chasidus are woven into the course content. You’ll be comfortable knowing that all material is based both on expert coaching and positive psychology concepts and rooted in our trusted mesorah.
- I’ve heard that some coaching concepts are adapted from Eastern Religions. How do you deal with that in a Torah context?
- I draw from my knowledge of Torah texts, including Mussar, Chassidus, and of course Chazal, to make sure everything in the program resonates with and is actually sourced from our mesorah.
- How is this course delivered?
- Presently, the course is delivered online via Zoom.
- Do I need a webcam?
- Yes! I’ve found that “seeing” my students is essential for success in an online class. When a student is off-camera, it’s easy for the student to get involved in other things and for me to bypass the invisible student.
- How will you address confidentiality issues in the rebbi-coach’s work?
- The menahel, rebbi-coach, and coachee will sign a triangular contract agreeing on what information is confidential.
- Can a menahel train on his own without a rebbi-coach or a rebbi-coach train without a menahel?
- Yes, of course, but we encourage both to train for the full benefits of internal coaching.
- Can a menahel take the complete training and become a certified coach?
- Absolutely! The more coaches in the world, the better.
- Can a rebbi stop after Module I?
- He could, and he will have the skills to be an important asset to the school. However, we encourage rebbeim to complete Modules II and III for the full benefits of internal coaching.
- My rebbi-coach may want to go into coaching as a side business. Will the Center for Coaching help him get clients?
- During the Group Mentoring sessions, I will assist you in marketing and will be available for three months after your last mentoring session for coaching supervision. You can use that supervision for help in getting clients. I want you to succeed! However, building your own business takes work, and you’ll need determination, commitment, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
- What is the schedule for the classes?
- Classes will be held on Sundays from 3:30 - 6:30 PM EST.
- Module I goes from December 12/8 Cheshvan through February 20/19 Adar I.
- Module II goes from February 27/26 Adar I through May 29/28 IyarI.
- Module III goes from June 12/13 Sivan through September 4/8 Ellul.
- Click here for the full schedule of classes.
- Please tell me more about the 1:1 mentoring session. What is their purpose?
- Coaching takes lots of practice, especially when you are learning new ways of doing things. We encourage you to practice those skills both in an official setting and in your everyday conversations. At the 1:1 mentoring sessions, we will hone in on specific skills you are mastering or can improve. The ultimate goal is for you to record a coaching session that is in accordance with the skills necessary for an ACC (Associated Certified Coach) according to the ICF's guidelines.
- What are the practicums?
- Practicums are group practice coaching sessions. The student coaches in front of a peer group that gives him immediate feedback on his techniques.
- How many hours a week am I committing to?
- The course material itself should take 4 hours a week. In addition, we encourage you to use the skills in official coaching settings and in everyday conversations where appropriate.
- What are the requirements for certification?
- Click here for a complete list of the requirements.
- Can we use Title IIa funding to pay for the course?
- The Lakewood Board of Ed approval is pending, but it has been approved in the past. Outside of Lakewood, please consult with your local BOE for guidance.
- I have more questions. How can I get in touch?
- You can always email me at shalom@cfcalt.com, call 732-534-5962, or text 732-330-1797. You can also email R’ Kossowsky at dkossowsky@gmail.com.
Interactive exercises and discussions
"I really enjoy Rabbi Storch's approach to each subject. He has a relaxed way of introducing his subjects and discussions so that each person in the group or one on one feels valuable and contributes to the subject matter or topic of discussion. I love the interactive exercises and discussions with the group so as to role play and understand ways to approach situations in different manners, getting different results.”
Sandra Allen
Now you know
Until now, you lived with your daily irritations because you thought there was no choice. Now you know there’s a better way.
Will you give up on “hopeless” talmidim OR guide them to find a path to success?
Will you stay stuck in a cycle of frustration OR overcome it and move to problem-solving mode?
Will you accept the damage from burnt-out rebbeim OR help them reignite their spark?
Your school is counting on your leadership. Get rid of the old, dead-end techniques and make a fresh start with the Coach Approach. Click on the button below for a free consultation.
Employees are thriving under my leadership
In the short time since beginning my relationship with R’ Storch, company sales goals have been shattered with record-setting performances, employees are thriving under my leadership, and my personal relationships have been elevated. Anyone with an open mind to improving themselves will truly benefit from Shalom's help and coaching."
Sol G., General Manager
Learning the Coach Approach was a game-changer for me, my rebbeim, and my talmidim. It can be for you, too!
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerest best wishes,
Rabbi Shalom Storch, PCC
Rabbi Dovid Kossowsky, AAPC
Rabbi Shalom Storch is a sought-after trainer, mentor, and coach in the world of chinuch.
R' Storch's clients range from Roshei Yeshiva, principals, and teachers to C-suite business leaders and mid-level managers. Rabbi Storch also serves as a life coach for parenting, career, and relationship issues.
Rabbi Storch is a veteran menahel with thirty years of experience. He served as the Menahel of the Mesivta of the St. Louis Rabbinical College, Menahel of the Yeshiva Ketana of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, and the founder and Menahel of Yeshiva Nesivos Ohr in Lakewood, N.J. For six years, he was also the Resident Mentor of the Senior Leadership Fellowship for Yeshiva/Day School Principals, Aish Dos Division of Torah Umesorah.
