Teach Learn Thrive and VAIS present a community of practice:
Instructional Leaders Learning Cohort
A yearlong professional learning cohort for school leaders in teacher-support roles in VAIS schools
The Learning Experience
>> Experience a curriculum focused on deepening coaching skills, so you can catalyze instructional improvement with the teachers you support.
>> 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
Our meetings will alternate between virtual and in-person meetings to balance connection and convenience - see below for dates and details.
In-Person Meetings
Enjoy learning, connection, renewal during VAIS’ annual conference at Collegiate School in November; and at a second school location in April 2026 (TBD based on participants’ locations).
All the Details
Who
A cohort of 10-25 instructional leaders in VAIS member schools led by Sarah Dugan, Founder, Teach Learn Thrive. 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 + When
July 22, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM - Virtual kick-off
September 23, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM - Virtual workshop
November 3, 2025 - In-person workshop (VAIS Annual Conference), Collegiate School, Richmond
January 20, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM - Virtual workshop
February 24, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM - Virtual workshop
April 2026 - In-person workshop, Date & Location TBD
What (Syllabus)
7/22/25 Virtual
Coaching vs. Consulting: Learn the difference, navigate between modes, support teacher growth and agency
The coaching principles (and how they support instructional leaders’ work)
Coaching demonstration
9/23/25 Virtual
Goal-setting framework with sentence stems
Coaching demonstration
11/3/25 In-Person
Mid-year reflections
Essential coach toolkit: Go-to phrases and behaviors for supporting teachers
Coaching demonstration
1/20/26 Virtual
Coaching resistance; supporting educators through change; minding gaps in skill, will, and more
2/24/26 Virtual
Problem-solving trios protocol: support cohort members with workplace challenges
4/26 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
$695 per participant
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 first in-person meeting is at Collegiate School, during the VAIS Annual Conference on Nov. 3, 2025. The second in-person meeting, in April 2026, will be at a school location TBD based on participants’ locations.
When are the virtual meetings?
The Zoom meetings will be from 12 - 1:15 pm on July 22, September 23, Janaury 20, and February 24.
How many people will be in the cohort?
We have space for 10-25 participants.
What is the price?
$695 per participant
Participants must work at a VAIS member school.
Why is this cohort priced differently than the other Teach Learn Thrive instructional leader cohorts?
This cohort is run in collaboration with VAIS and adheres to the organization’s pricing structure. The pricing structure takes into account the VAIS membership fees that schools have already paid.
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 .