In collaboration with Garrison Forest School,
Teach Learn Thrive presents
Instructional Leaders Learning Cohort - Greater Baltimore
a yearlong professional learning cohort for school leaders in teacher-support roles across the greater Baltimore area
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
We will alternate between virtual and in-person meetings to balance connection and convenience - see below for dates and details.
In-Person Meetings at Garrison Forest School
Enjoy learning, connection, renewal (… and lunch!) on Garrison Forest’s beautiful Owings Mills, Md. campus.
All the Details
Who
A cohort of up to 30 instructional leaders in greater Baltimore independent schools. Ideal candidates include division heads, directors of teaching and learning, curriculum specialists, department chairs, instructional coaches, and other roles that support teachers and instruction.
Where
In-person meetings will be held at Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills, Md.; virtual meetings will be held over Zoom.
When
Thursday, September 18, 2025: In-person, 9 am - 3 pm, lunch included
Thursday, October 23, 2025: Virtual, 12 - 1:15 pm
Thursday, January 29, 2026: Virtual, 12 - 1:15 pm
January/February 2026: One-on-one check-ins; virtual; 45 minutes
Thursday, March 26, 2026: Virtual, 12 - 1:15 pm
Thursday, April 23, 2026: In-person, 9 am - 3 pm, lunch included
What (Syllabus)
9/18/25 In-Person
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
Coaching demonstration and practice
10/23/25 Virtual
Goal-setting framework with sentence stems
Coaching demonstration
1/29/26 In-Person
Mid-year reflections, or
Problem-solving trios protocol: support cohort members with workplace challenges
3/26/26 Virtual
Coaching resistance; supporting educators through change; minding gaps in skill, will, and more
4/23/26 In-Person
Reflecting conversations with teachers
The power of the “legacy” question
Reflecting on your year as an instructional leader
Celebrating our learning as a cohort
How Much
$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
Is your school already working with Teach Learn Thrive in another capacity? Additional discounts are available for schools with a contract for professional learning with us in 2025-26. Just email Sarah to recieve this discount code.
Questions? Email sarah@teach-learn-thrive.com
FAQs
Who should join this cohort?
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?
The in-person meetings are at Garrison Forest School on September 18, 2025 and April 23, 2026. Garrison Forest is located at 300 Garrison Forest Rd, Owings Mills, Maryland. We’ll meet from 9 - 3, with a midday break for lunch and networking. (Lunch is included in your regsitation fee.)
When are the virtual meetings?
The Zoom meetings will be from 12 - 1:15 pm on October 23, 2025; January 29, 2025; and March 26, 2026.
How many people will be in the cohort?
We have space for 30 participants.
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 2025-26.
What is included in the price?
Two full days of in-person professional development (9am - 3pm) at Garrison Forest School, with lunch included
Three virtual meetings (1 hour 15 minutes each)
One 1:1 check-in for individual participants (45 minutes per participant)
Can I join the cohort as an individual?
Absolutely. If you are the only person in your role at your school, this cohort is an excellent opportunity for you to develop or deepen a network of similar-role professionals in our area. It will be invaluable to you!
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 5 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 .