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 Baltimore Area Schools

Enjoy learning, connection, renewal (… and lunch!) at campuses including McDonogh School.

All the Details

Who

A cohort of up to 25 instructional leaders in Baltimore area independent schools. Ideal candidates include learning specialists, curriculum specialists, department chairs, instructional coaches, and other roles that support teachers and instruction.

Where

In-person meetings will be held at Baltimore area schools including McDonogh School; virtual meetings will be held over Zoom.

When

Late October/early November 2026 — location TBD, 9 am - 12:30 pm; lunch included

Thursday, January 14, 2027 — Virtual, 12 - 1:15 pm

January/February 2027 — One-on-one check-ins; virtual; 45 minutes

Wednesday, March 3, 2027 — Virtual, 10:30 - 11:45 am

Wednesday, April 7, 2027 — McDonogh School, 9 am - 12:30 pm; lunch included

What (Syllabus)

October/November

  • 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

1/14/27 Virtual

  • Mid-year reflections

  • Problem-solving trios protocol: support cohort members with workplace challenges

3/3/27 Virtual

  • Coaching resistance; supporting educators through change; minding gaps in skill, will, and more

  • Coaching practice

4/7/27 In-Person

  • Reflecting conversations with teachers--turning learning into action

  • Reflecting structures for teachers, including the “legacy” question

  • Reflecting on your year as an instructional leader

How Much

$725 for one participant from one school

Two participants from one school: $652 per person (10% discount)

Three or more participants from one school: $616 per person (15% discount)

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 2026-27. Just email Sarah to receive this discount code.

Cohort Registration

Instructional Leader Cohorts Registration

* indicates required

  • "The connection with others in my role and ability to share situations and solutions has been invaluable."

    —Cohort Participant

  • "This is hard (and beautiful) work, and being part of this cohort has been a highlight of the past year."

    —Instructional Leader and Cohort Participant

  • “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.”

    — an instructional leader in Alexandria, Va.

  • "I really liked the coaching demo and the opportunity to practice coaching with my peers. I thought today had a great mix of instruction with practice."

    —Cohort participant

  • "Loved thinking about coaching vs. consulting — I've already used prompts from the coaching sentence sheet in a meeting with one of my teachers."

    —DC cohort participant

  • "The role-playing of a coaching session was a helpful application of everything we learned that day — a well-paced day with a great balance of discussion and practical application."

    —Cohort participant describing an in-person session

  • "I really value the in-person meetings — the opportunity to connect and practice is really helpful."

  • “The reflections, discussions, and tools you provided were not only practical but also genuinely inspiring.”

    —Cohort participant from Annandale, Va.

FAQs

Who should join this cohort?

Ideal candidates include learning specialists, curriculum specialists, department chairs, instructional coaches, and other roles that support teachers and instruction. If you’re not sure if your role fits, email me and we’ll figure it out together.

When and where are the in-person meetings?

The fall in-person meeting is still TBD (announcing very soon)! The spring in-person meeting is at McDonogh School.

When are the virtual meetings?

The Zoom meetings will be from 12 - 1:15 pm on January 14, 2027; and 10:30 - 11:45 am on March 3, 2027.

How many people will be in the cohort?

We have space for 25 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?

$725 for one participant from one school

Two participants from one school: $652 per person

Three or more participants from one school: $616 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?

  • Two half days of in-person professional development (9am - 12pm), with lunch included

  • Two 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 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 .

Sign Up

  • "The coaching practice protocols have been so beneficial to me! I now rehearse and have a plan when I meet with faculty."

    K-8 instructional coach in Ashburn, Va.

  • "Sarah's patience, wisdom, and subject matter expertise have been invaluable to me!"

  • “The opportunity to meet regularly with fellow [leaders] has been so valuable...

  • "...This cohort helped me find solutions to specific challenges but also keeps me on a continuous improvement trajectory in my own development as a leader.”

    Louise, instructional coach, Alexandria, Va.

Join the Cohort