Teach Learn Thrive presents
Instructional Leaders Learning Cohorts
Role-based professional learning cohorts for school leaders
Perfect for senior academic leaders, learning specialists, instructional coaches, academic deans, and department chairs
The Learning Experience
>> Experience a curriculum focused on deepening coaching skills, so you can catalyze instructional improvement at your school.
>> Find peer connection, support, and inspiration from a network of colleagues in similar roles, facing similar challenges.
>> Learn to navigate between a “coach approach” and a supervisory role to impact teachers’ agency and skill.
A Hybrid Schedule
Meetings will alternate between virtual and in-person formats to balance connection and convenience - see below for dates and details.
In-Person Meetings at Greater Washington, DC Independent Schools
Enjoy learning, connection, renewal (… and lunch!) on a variety of school campuses.
All the Details
Who
This year we are offering 3 cohorts, organized by school role:
Deans & Department Chairs Cohort
Academic Deans and Deans of Faculty
Department Chairs, Curriculum Leaders, Team Leaders
Learning Specialists & Instructional Coaches Cohort
Math/reading specialists
General learning specialists
Instructional coaches
Content or curriculum coaches
Senior Academic Leaders Cohort
Division Heads or Assistant Division Heads
Program Directors
Assistant/Associate Heads of School
Directors of Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, etc.
Directors of DEIB/Community
Not sure which cohort to join? Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right spot!
Where
In-person meetings will be held at DC-area independent school campuses; location details will be released in June 2026. Virtual meetings will be held over Zoom.
When
Final dates will be released in late May 2026.
August: 90-minute live virtual session for new participants only
September, January, April: In-person meetings, 9am - 1pm including lunch
October and March: Virtual meetings, 12 noon - 1:15pm.
January/February: Optional one-on-one coaching with cohort facilitator; virtual; 45 minutes
What
Content and learning experiences include role-based support on integrating coaching strategies and mindsets to inspire teacher growth and ultimately impact student learning.
Topics and Tools
Frameworks and sentence stems to guide teacher conversations on goal-setting, reflecting, and problem-solving
Coaching resistance; supporting educators through change; minding gaps in skill, will, and more
Learning will build upon foundational content* covered in 2025-26, including:
Coaching vs. Consulting: Learn the difference, navigate between modes, support teacher growth and agency
The coaching principles (and how they support instructional leaders’ work)
Essential coach toolkit: Go-to phrases and behaviors for supporting teachers
*New participants joining in 2026-27 will be asked to engage in pre-work to familiarize themselves with foundational skills and mindsets. Pre-work will include approximately 1-2 hours of asynchronous reading/writing assignments and one 90-minute live virtual session in August.
Learning Experiences in the Cohort
Coaching demonstration and practice scenarios
Collaborative problem-solving protocols: These small-group conversations build collective efficacy and group connections. Protocols center shared voice time, varied perspectives, and confidentiality.
Articles relevant to instructional leadership and the coach approach
Group discussions on the integration of coaching strategies in your role(s)
Possible guest speakers with expertise relevant to your work
How Much
Base entry rate: $1150
Two participants from one school: 10% savings ($1035 per person)
Three or more participants from one school: 15% savings ($977.50 per person)
Returning participants from 2025-26: 10% savings ($1035 per person)
Participants from schools that are Teach Learn Thrive clients in 2026-27: 20% savings ($920 per person)
from a high school assistant principal in Alexandria, Va.
“Being part of this cohort has been transformative for my practice and continues to help my confidence grow. Collaborating regularly with like-minded educators allowed me to reflect deeply, challenge my assumptions, and grow in ways I couldn’t have on my own.”
from a teacher leader in Annandale, Va
“The reflections, discussions, and tools you provided were not only practical but also genuinely inspiring.”
FAQs
Who should join these cohorts?
Ideal candidates include division heads, assistant principals, directors of teaching and learning, curriculum specialists/directors, department chairs, instructional coaches, and other roles that support teachers and instruction.
When and where are the in-person meetings?
In person meetings are in September, January, and April at DC area independent school campuses, with details to be released in June 2026.
When are the virtual meetings?
The Zoom meetings will be from 12:00 - 1:15 pm in October and March. Dates released in June 2026.
How many people will be in each cohort?
We have space for 30 participants in each cohort.
I want to join with some colleagues from my school. Can we come as a team?
Yes! This is an excellent way to deepen your learning in collaboration with your colleagues; it also increases the impact that the “coach approach” will have on your school’s culture. We welcome groups from the same school… and even provide discounts for more than one participant from a school.
What is the price, and what discounts are available?
$950 for one participant from one school
Two participants from one school: $875 per person
Three or more participants from one school: $800 per person
Discounts are also available for schools that are contracting with Teach Learn Thrive for professional learning in 2026-27.
What is included in the price?
Three half-days of in-person professional development (3 days x 3 hours of learning time) with lunch included
Two virtual meetings (2 x 75 minutes)
One 1:1 check-in for individual participants (30 minutes per participant)
Who is the cohort facilitator?
Sarah Dugan created this cohort and will facilitate each meeting. She has supported independent schools in the DC area for 6 years with Teach Learn Thrive. She draws on a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and another decade as an instructional coach and leader in DC-area schools. Get to know Sarah here.
I have more questions!
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Email Sarah Dugan at sarah@teach-learn-thrive.com .