About
Coaching & Convening works alongside educators, leaders, researchers, philanthropists, and policymakers who are improving public education and social services.
Partnerships range from small and local orgs to statewide and national initiatives.
Like you, Coaching & Convening is hungry to realize the full potential of public education, nonprofits and government. We're unsatisfied with the way things are for much of America. We learn from the bright spots - sometimes in other places, other times in our own backyards - where teams are creating new and effective solutions to the problems that you're likely also experiencing. You don't need to invent from scratch. We'll help you to learn from others and integrate those ideas at home in a way that works for you.
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Coaching chiefs and their teams as part of the Gates and Schusterman funded High-Quality Instructional Materials & Professional Development Network, a consortium convened by CCSSO
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Coaching within Wallace's and FHI's District Summer Learning Network
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Leading three years of Data Roundtables in Delaware, including all college Ed Prep Programs, numerous districts, the Department of Education, with Rodel
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Co-facilitated four years of workgroup Supporting Students Below Grade Level, with CCSSO and eleven state DOEs
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Consulted for firms supporting leaders in nation's largest school systems
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Reviewing proposals for major foundations, leading retreats, and evaluating charter schools
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Participated in the School Systems Leaders Fellowship
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Completed the Immunity to Change facilitators workshop with Minds at Work
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Served in district leadership positions in both Philadelphia and Camden
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Obtained two masters, in both policy, research, and evaluation as well as teaching
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Led and grew high school program within a charter school
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Taught second grade in Houston, TX, as part of Teach For America
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Certified coach with RRCA
Brett Shiel
Facilitator. Coach. Consultant.
Let's connect, regardless of where it leads. We can brainstorm together around a current challenge or make connections to others who can help. There is no cost. You can email me, or feel free to schedule something below:
I often support teams who are very talented, but struggle to bring out the best in each other. They might get stuck because of capacity issues, policy and funding obstacles, or the challenges of managing competing priorities in a complex and political workplace. My approach helps leaders and teams to shift this dynamic, focusing on both individual professional learning needs as well as the climate and context of the team in the context of their larger organization.
Usually our work happens in the most typical of places: conference rooms, classrooms, or on Zoom. Though we've been known to go beyond the typical and shake things up a bit - hosting meetings in the gazebo of a local park, or taking team walks through the community as we work through strategy and discord.
Aside of work, I am very active outdoors. I love all seasons - hiking, biking, and skiing. I play (mediocre) music with friends. I can be competitive at Scrabble, and I have a persistent dream of opening a mini golf and fruit orchard. Ask me how it's going in five years...
Clients, collaborators, and funders include:
