Education Mentor
Supporting teachers, school leaders, and education professionals to grow their careers, strengthen their leadership, and navigate change with confidence.
Joan Henderson
Education Mentor
Supporting teachers, school leaders, and education professionals to grow their careers, strengthen their leadership, and navigate change with confidence.
About Joan Henderson
About Joan Henderson
Whether guiding early-career teachers, supporting parents returning to work, mentoring aspiring principals, or coaching professionals stepping into senior leadership roles, Joan’s work is grounded in clarity, confidence and practical progression. Her coaching bridges sectors, focusing not on titles or systems, but on people, helping individuals understand their strengths, make purposeful decisions, and move forward with confidence in complex and evolving workplaces.
- Over 45 years of experience across teaching, school leadership, inspection and professional development.
- Former nursery school principal, university lecturer and ETI inspector, with deep insight into the education system.
- Founder of her own coaching and mentoring practice, supporting teachers, leaders, and professionals across Northern Ireland.
- Creator of the Aspiring Leaders Programme, delivered to 700+ teachers developing their leadership potential.
- Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT) with specialist qualifications in education leadership, guidance & counselling, and executive coaching.
You can connect with Joan on LinkedIn and if you would like to reach out to her to book a discovery call click here.
What Joan Offers
Career Progression & Interview Coaching
Supporting teachers and leaders in Nursery, Special, Primary and Post-Primary schools with interview preparation and career progression.
Executive Coaching & Mentoring
Supporting leaders and professionals within and beyond education.
Continuous Professional Development
Leadership development and training for Nursery, Special, Primary and Post-Primary schools.
Why People Come to Joan
Why People Come to Joan
You don’t need to become someone else to succeed at interview.
Many of the teachers and leaders I work with arrive feeling anxious, uncertain, or lacking confidence in how to present themselves. Together, we explore their experience, achievements, and professional identity, helping them approach interviews with greater confidence, authenticity, and self-awareness.
The goal isn’t simply to secure a job. It’s to help you recognise your value and find the role that is the right fit for you.
“You didn’t just elevate my career, you helped me reclaim my professional identity.
It was transformative. I think the biggest change was that you helped me see myself through a new lens.
Your ability to trust is exceptional.”
Head of Department
Post-Primary
Things People Have Said
I really enjoyed working with you Joan; you have a wealth of professional knowledge and asked thought-provoking questions that encouraged me to think about my skills and experiences from a different perspective. I left the session feeling confident and motivated. I would highly recommend this fantastic service!
I owe the fantastic result of today to you, the guidance and encouragement. Thank you so much for helping me reflect on myself and bring out the best, appropriate and relevant answers. What a great start to my summer.
I really enjoyed working with you: you have a wealth of professional knowledge and asked thought-provoking questions that encouraged me to think about my skills and experiences from a different perspective. I left the session feeling confident and motivated.
Organisations Joan Has Worked With
Contact Joan to Schedule
your FREE Discovery Call
It’s a relaxed honest conversation to talk through what is or has been happening for you, what you need and are looking for. I try to answer any questions you might have. I share with you what I provide and how I work so you can decide whether I’m the right person to support you. I then can send you through my coaching contract with the options of work I offer, and all the relevant details.
Contact Joan to Schedule
your FREE Discovery Call
It’s a relaxed honest conversation to talk through what is or has been happening for you, what you need and are looking for. I try to answer any questions you might have. I share with you what I provide and how I work so you can decide whether I’m the right person to support you. I then can send you through my coaching contract with the options of work I offer, and all the relevant details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell me what you offer?
I provide a focused two‑hour coaching session tailored to the role you are applying for, including the key skills, competencies, and responsibilities required. This session forms a strong foundation for your preparation. Many clients also choose an additional one‑hour follow‑up, particularly when preparing for senior leadership roles.
I am not sure I am answering the questions with examples?
Our work together gives you a clear structure to communicate your achievements with confidence. It refines your thinking, highlights your impact, and supports you in using precise, professional language.
I am not delivering my answers effectively?
If it has been some time since your last interview, I help you navigate current expectations using frameworks such as STAR or SOAR. Together, we craft responses that reflect your strengths, your teaching or leadership journey, and your professional growth.
It's been quite a while since I did an interview process and I struggle with the changes can you help me?
If it has been some time since your last interview, I help you navigate current expectations using frameworks such as STAR or SOAR. Together, we craft responses that reflect your strengths, your teaching or leadership journey, and your professional growth.
My dream job has been advertised; can you help me get it?
I believe strongly in finding the right fit between you and the school. Sometimes not achieving a particular role leads to valuable growth—but my aim is always to help you enter the interview feeling authentic, confident, and prepared. My goal is for you to leave the room proud of how you represented yourself, regardless of the outcome.
Check out Joan’s Recent Articles
The Teaching Assistant: More Than a Helping Hand
The Teaching Assistant: More Than a Helping Hand
“Learning Beyond the Classroom: Where Confidence, Curiosity and Resilience Grow”
“Learning Beyond the Classroom: Where Confidence, Curiosity and Resilience Grow”
Simplifying Observation and Assessment: Understanding Children’s Learning Through Everyday Experiences