Dedham Future Problem Solvers
  • Welcome
  • What is FPS?
  • Global and Community
    • Global Issues Problem Solving >
      • GIPS Topics
    • Community Problem Solving >
      • Project PREP
      • Project Science Labs >
        • Science Fair
      • Project AWARE
  • About Us
    • Dedham Teams 2018-19
    • Congratulations!
    • In the News
  • Parents and Students
    • Students: Is FPS a Good Match?
    • Parents: Is Coaching Right for Me?
    • Get Started
    • Why FPS?
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 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. 

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