Knowledge > Expertise And Coaching > Guide to Selecting a Coach or Expert

With a budget, a clear statement of purpose, and coach-readiness, you are now prepared to identify candidates for the work.

Finding a Coach or Expert On Your Own
Schools find potential consultants most often through referrals, from board members, the local federation or central agency for Jewish education, other Jewish day school or independent schools, other nonprofits, professional associations, and nonprofit councils.

Begin exploring a relationship with a candidate through an interview, best conducted in person, unless distance makes that process too costly. Consultants generally do not expect payment for the initial interview, as long as it requires only a reasonable amount of their time. Use the statement you have prepared to explain the purpose of your project and what you hope to gain from outside expertise.

Ask the consultant to describe the expertise and experience that makes him or her a good fit for your assignment. You might say

• Tell us about a time you guided another organization through a process like the one we want to undertake.
• What actions did you take?
• What was your role?
• What was the outcome for the organization?

Ask for as specific a description as possible. You want to understand what role the consultant expects to play and how this person conceives of your role in the partnership.

A clear definition of roles, responsibilities, and desired outcomes–as well as timelines, fees, and billing procedures–is critical to a successful experience with a coach or expert. Your relationship should be formalized with a contract. PEJE recommends starting with a school-coach agreement and statement of work.

Getting a Coach Referral From PEJE
Visit PEJE's Directory of coaches who work with Jewish day schools in a variety of ways. PEJE has conducted interviews and reference checks for everyone listed. Our internal database also includes experts who have not been interviewed, but have been referred to PEJE by reliable sources.

If you can't find a good fit or want to suggest a coach be added to the Directory, contact Adrien Uretsky at 617-367-0001 x 161.