Mentor Coaching Practitioner

This course is part of the Mentor Coaching Practitioner program.

This is a 60-hour ICF Advanced Accreditation in Mentor Coaching course approved by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), for experienced coaches pursuing ongoing development and an ICF Mentor Coach Specialization.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to:

• define the personal qualities and responsibilities of an effective Mentor Coach, and distinguish between Mentor Coaching, Coaching, and Coaching Supervision
• recognize and manage biases to co-create inclusive partnerships, considering identity, accessibility, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity
• listen for ICF PCC marker application in coaching
• facilitate discussions on strengths and development areas using live or recorded coaching samples, focused on ICF Core Competencies
• provide specific, observation-based narrative-style feedback to support holistic coach development and demonstration of coaching competencies
• engage in individual and group Mentor Coaching, using coaching models and structures while embracing emergent work

Before registering for the course, carefully read and understand the program handbook.

Course outline

There are fourteen weeks of course engagement. Throughout each week, you will participate in multiple learning methods to support practical application and skill development. Each week you will:

• Review content, articles, and videos in preparation for the live sessions
• Complete module assignments as required, share learning reflections, and engage in online discussions
• Attend a weekly live group session through Zoom to learn new skills and connect with other learners and instructors in real time

Practical work to prepare for

Coaching Session Recording: Early in the program, you will be working with cohort peers. You will need to have at least one 30-minute long recording of one of your own coaching sessions where you are working with a client in a coach-client engagement. You will work with this recording in Module 2 and share it with a partner during Module 3.

Mentor Coaching Clients: During Modules 3, 4 and 5, you will need to be working as a mentor coach with a coach practitioner for a minimum of three observed mentor coaching sessions.

Pre-Work

This orientation module is designed to help you get to know the course activities, reflect on the importance of ongoing learning, and set some clear goals for your development. By the end, you’ll be able to navigate Canvas with confidence, understand the program structure, and get a sense of the Mentor Coach role. You’ll also reflect on your past experience, identify areas you’d like to grow in, and plan how to make the most of your time in the course.

Module 1: Being of a Mentor Coach

In Module 1, you’ll reflect on how your background, values, and biases influence your mentoring approach, and develop strategies for effectively partnering with diverse Mentees. You’ll learn how to manage the power dynamics in the mentor-coaching relationship, create a plan for your own development, and clarify your personal philosophy and approach as a Mentor Coach.

Module 2: Doing of a Mentor Coach

In Module 2, our focus is on how to use the observation form to identify strengths and areas for growth, provide evidence-based feedback aligned with ICF Core Competencies, and recognize patterns between competencies that support a Mentee's development. You'll also learn how to deliver specific, constructive feedback and develop strategies to manage and reduce bias when evaluating a Mentee’s coaching performance.

Module 3: Mentor Coaching - in Session!

In Module 3, our focus is on how to give feedback that builds a strong, collaborative partnership with your Mentee. You'll explore how to lead feedback conversations that focus on both strengths and areas for growth, using a mix of competency-focused and adaptive approaches to best support their development and unique learning needs.

Module 4: Work with What's Emerging

In Module 4, our focus is on becoming more aware of assumptions and biases, both yours and the Mentee’s, that might be influencing the conversation in the moment. With this awareness, you’ll practice working creatively and fluently creating the opportunity for mentees to weave new learning, insights, actions in to their practice.

Module 5: Group Mentor Coaching

In Module 5, our focus is on exploring effective planning and facilitation strategies and attention to dynamics that promote collective learning and individual skill development in a group coaching context. You'll learn and practice managing inclusive sessions, and fostering self-reflection in mentees to support their growth.

Module 6: Capstone and Conscious Closure

In Module 6, our focus is on collective learning from each of our practical work with clients and an articulation exercise paving the way for what’s next.

Textbook

This course requires the purchase of the following two textbooks:

Norman, C. (2020). Mentor Coaching: A Practical Guide. Open University Press.

Passmore, J., & Ábri von Bartheld, J. (2024). Becoming an ICF credentialed coach: The journey to ACC, PCC and MCC – Practice insights from ICF assessors. Libri Publishing Ltd.

Technology requirements

To participate in this course, you'll need access to:

• an email account
• a computer, laptop, or tablet, using Windows or macOS
• the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
• a reliable internet connection
• a video camera and microphone (to access real time sessions)

Course format

This 60-hour course is 100% online and instructor supported with real-time classes. Live weekly online sessions are held Mondays 3:00 to 5:00pm Pacific Time, and are recorded. All program material, calls and submissions are in English and are conducted in alignment with the ICF Code of Ethics.

Join these weekly live sessions with your instructors by video conferencing to actively engage in shared learning experiences, and connect with fellow cohort members for discussion, experiential learning, and practice. Please note attendance for these sessions is mandatory.