What does it take to be a coach?
Each FPS team needs a coach, and Dedham teams are largely led by parents. Typically the coach is a parent of a child on the team, but teachers and community members may lead teams as well. It is common for two adults to co-lead a team.
Coaches are not required to have any expertise in the areas students explore in a given year. What is required is a willingness to lead a team in their exploration of a new topic. Successful coaches embrace the spirit of learning. They model for their teams a curiosity and a willingness to learn. They help their teams tackle new and challenging topics by guiding them in their investigation.
Each FPS team needs a coach, and Dedham teams are largely led by parents. Typically the coach is a parent of a child on the team, but teachers and community members may lead teams as well. It is common for two adults to co-lead a team.
- Coaches meet with teams approximately one hour to 90 minutes a week from September through February, extending later if teams qualify for State and International competitions. Meetings can be scheduled according to a coach's availability.
- Preparation for meetings is typically about 30-45 minutes a week, involving the review of materials to share with the team, photocopying, and planning steps for the meeting.
- The Massachusetts Affiliate offers an optional half-day Coaches' Training session in early October.
- Dedham FPS offers coaches additional training sessions, opportunities to connect with other Dedham teams, and weekly emails with resources and lesson suggestions.
- Coaches are required to have a CORI form on file.
Coaches are not required to have any expertise in the areas students explore in a given year. What is required is a willingness to lead a team in their exploration of a new topic. Successful coaches embrace the spirit of learning. They model for their teams a curiosity and a willingness to learn. They help their teams tackle new and challenging topics by guiding them in their investigation.
