Coaching Conversations in Istanbul: Equity, Voice, and the Power of Listening
As part of my Coaching Across Borders journey, I arrived in Istanbul not just as a visitor, but as a listener—curious to hear how educators here are navigating the complexities of equity in education and to explore where coaching might offer meaningful support.
Istanbul is a city of contrasts and connections. It bridges continents, cultures, and histories—and within its education system, you can sense the same tensions and possibilities. From public schools facing diverse student needs to international schools blending curricula across languages and perspectives, one thing is clear: educators here are deeply invested in creating more inclusive, equitable spaces for young people.
In my conversations with teachers, a recurring theme emerged—how to truly listen to students. Many spoke of the challenges of addressing inequality in a system still shaped by high-stakes testing and large class sizes. Yet amid these constraints, there was a palpable desire for change—grounded in human connection, reflection, and shared growth.
That’s where coaching comes in.
Coaching, is a practice that creates space. It invites reflection, centres the voice of the individual, and builds trust. In a classroom or staffroom, that might look like:
A teacher pausing to ask a powerful question rather than rushing to a solution.
A student feeling seen and heard, rather than categorised or dismissed.
A leader choosing dialogue over directive.
In Istanbul, several educators were intrigued by how coaching could support teacher wellbeing and agency—especially in schools with growing cultural and linguistic diversity. Others saw potential in using coaching frameworks to build more inclusive classroom conversations, or as a professional development tool to disrupt bias and nurture belonging.
What resonated most, however, was the relational aspect of coaching. In a system where equity work can feel heavy, coaching offers light—through connection, curiosity, and commitment to growth.
As I left Istanbul, I carried with me a sense of shared purpose. Equity, after all, is not an endpoint—it’s a practice and coaching, in its truest form, supports that practice by helping educators slow down, tune in, and lead with intention.
The language of coaching travels well—because at its heart, it’s about being human with each other.