Fostering a Coaching Mindset: Applying Coaching Competencies to Enhance Museum Educator Practice and Visitor Experience

Museum education is a dynamic and evolving field, requiring a commitment to continuous professional growth and the integration of best practices as they develop. As the field has shifted towards creating participant-centered experiences that encourage active learning and dialogue, museum educators have been seeking new ways to enhance their practice and provide visitors with meaningful experiences. One such approach is the adoption of a coaching mindset, drawing on core competencies from the professional field of performance coaching to support museum educators. This article will explore how the effective application of five key coaching competencies, alongside a coaching mindset, can empower museum educators in their practice, improve their museum teaching, and enhance the visitor experience. By exploring the impact of coaching competencies and mindset on museum education practice, this article aims to contribute to a broader understanding of the potential benefits of utilizing coaching approaches in the field of museum education.