CoachFest 2026: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

10:30am EST

Beyond the Algorithm: Making Thinking Visible

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how intentional use of multiple representations in grades K-5 can deepen conceptual understanding and make student thinking visible. This interactive, research‑informed session, explores visual, symbolic, verbal, concrete, and physical representations, analyze their mathematical value, and apply the Doing the Math protocol. Educators will leave with practical strategies and facilitation moves they can immediately use to promote equitable, discourse‑rich mathematics instruction.

Speakers

Francella Robertson

Title I Instructional Math Coach, Henrico County Public Schools

Francella B. Robertson serves as a Title I Math Instructional Coach, supporting K–5 educators in strengthening mathematics instruction through equitable and research-based practices. Her work centers on developing instructional routines that elicit student thinking and deepen conceptual... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Blue Bird

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches

10:30am EST

Coaching Through PLCs (PLTs)

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Laboratory

Limited Capacity seats available

If your PLC time feels busy but not always impactful, this session is for you. Learn how to lead and coach within PLCs using intentional systems that strengthen collaboration and data-driven decision-making. Participants will explore agendas, protocols, and coaching moves to support teams in analyzing student data, identifying trends, and planning next steps. You’ll leave with practical tools to make PLC time focused, purposeful, and results-driven.

Speakers

Suzanne Warner

4th and 5th Grade Curriculum Coach, Appalachian State University - Academy at Middle Fork

Suzanne Warner is a 4th/5th Grade Curriculum Coach at the Academy at Middle Fork in North Carolina.She holds a B.S. and B.A. in Elementary Education from Piedmont International University and High Point University (2015), as well as a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Laboratory

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches

10:30am EST

Coaching Through Resistance

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Chapel

Limited Capacity seats available

Resistance isn’t defiance. It’s a signal. In this session, you’ll learn how to diagnose the root causes of hesitation, disengagement, and pushback using the Resistance Audit. Through the five Catalyst Mindsets™ including value, belonging, success, growth, and ownership, you’ll identify unmet needs and connect them to targeted responses. You’ll leave with practical tools and coaching moves to build trust and move the work forward.

Speakers

Becca Silver

Founder, Educational Speaker, Coach & Author, The Whole Educator

Becca Silver is an educational speaker, coach, author, and founder of The Whole Educator. She helps instructional coaches, school leaders, and district leaders understand resistance, identify the unmet needs beneath it, build trust, and create meaningful follow-through through a human-centered... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Chapel

Breakout, Courage

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

10:30am EST

Coaching with Courage: Using AI to Strengthen Reflection and Practice

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Alumni

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will engage in an interactive experience centered around one AI-supported coaching tool. They will analyze a short classroom video, use guided prompts within the tool to generate insights, and collaborate in small groups to discuss patterns and next steps. Coaches will also practice crafting feedback and reflect on how to apply this process within their own coaching cycles. Participants will leave having actively used the tool and with strategies ready to implement immediately.

Speakers

Kim Ramadan

Learning Consultant, Sibme

Kim is an educator and coach with 20 years of experience supporting teachers in growing their practice in real, practical ways. She works closely with teachers and school leaders to turn ideas into strategies that actually work in the classroom and leverages AI to enhance coaching... Read More →

Macie English

Account Executive, Sibme

Macie the Southeastern Account Executive, where she partners with districts to rethink feedback, coaching, and professional learning through video and AI. Macie works closely with school and district leaders across the Southeast to support practical, time-saving approaches that strengthen... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Alumni

Breakout, Courage

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

10:30am EST

Deep Listening with Protocols

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Robertson Room 2

Limited Capacity seats available

Looking for ways to engage in deeper listening in your work? Join us in this collaborative, dialogic session to learn how protocols work as tools for listening, thus enhancing cycles of instructional improvement and support. Participants will experience two protocols, explore protocol repositories, and leave with plans to implement one or more protocols in their future work.

Speakers

Ike Smith

Beginning Teacher Instructional Coach, NC New Teacher Support Program, Appalachian State University

Ike Smith is an Instructional Coach who engages teachers in reflection and growth through intentional questioning and collaboration. Ike believes public education is fundamental to an equitable, democratic society and that supporting beginning teachers is fundamental to preserving... Read More →

Dr. Caroline Beam

Beginning Teacher Instructional Coach & Interim Regional Director, Appalachian State University, New Teacher Support

Caroline Scott Armstrong Beam is a North Carolina New Teacher Support Coach with Appalachian State University who partners with teachers to explore their own professional goals by foregrounding assets and exploring goodness. Caroline believes that teachers who are new to this career... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Robertson Room 2

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

10:30am EST

The Sneaky Survey

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Robertson Room 1

Limited Capacity seats available

Stop sending surveys nobody completes—come learn “The Sneaky Survey,” a low-fatigue way to gather real insight on teacher readiness. You’ll leave with a ready-to-use tool to align coaching and PD to your school’s support plan, making your work more purposeful, targeted, and impactful all year long.

Speakers

Genevive James

Instructional Coach, Warren County Public Schools

Hello! I'm Geneiveve James, and for the past three years, I've had the immense privilege of serving as an Instructional Coach for Warren County Public Schools. My journey began in the classroom, where I spent eight rewarding years as a middle school English teacher. I believe in the... Read More →

Stephanie Scriva

Instructional Coach, Warren County Public Schools

My name is Stephanie Scriva, and I’m an Instructional Coach for Middle School Math and Science with Warren County Public Schools. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education and a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. For 13 wonderful years, I taught science... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Robertson Room 1

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

10:30am EST

Wellness in Action: Strengthening Resilience in Teachers and Coaches

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Weatherford

Limited Capacity seats available

Our problem of practice involves identifying the key stressors and challenges faced by educators, understanding their implications on well-being, and developing effective strategies and concrete tools to enhance educator well-being and resilience. This session will highlight an educator wellness program created within the Watson College of Education. Participants will explore strategies and learn about program structure, which creates a multi-tiered layer of support for educators.

Speakers

Lori Best

Lead Instructional Coach, UNC-W

Lori earned her master’s degree in teaching in science education from UNCW. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with Teaching Certification from UNCW. Lori currently holds a teaching license for secondary and middle school science, middle school language arts, and K-12 reading... Read More →

Jodi Hebert

Instructional Coach, University of North Carolina Wilmington/NC New Teacher Support Program

Jodi Hebert supports beginning teachers as an instructional coach for the NC New Teacher Support Program. She has worked in public schools for 25 years and taught pre-kindergarten, first, second, fourth, fifth grades and served as a school-wide coordinator. Jodi believes learning... Read More →

Jenn Hatch Knight

Assistant Director and Professional Development System School-University Partnerships, UNCW

Jenn Hatch Knight serves as Professional Development System School-University Partnership Assistant Director in the Watson College of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She coordinates beginning teacher support for partnership districts, facilitates the National... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Weatherford

Breakout, Care

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

1:00pm EST

Breaking Silos: Unified Coaching for New Teacher Success

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Laboratory

Limited Capacity seats available

Break down the silos that limit coaching impact and new teacher success. This session explores how to build unified, cross-department coaching systems by navigating resistance and leading change with courage. Participants will learn practical strategies to align stakeholders, strengthen collaboration, and advocate for effective coaching structures. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and a clear plan to improve teacher support, retention, and instructional outcomes.

Speakers

Diana Demosiuk

Teacher Quality Specialist, Portsmouth Pulbic Schools

Diana Demosiuk has 18 years of experience in education and currently serves as a Teacher Quality Specialist for 12 Title I elementary schools in Portsmouth. Her teaching background includes middle school special education, general education English and history, and Title I elementary... Read More →

Dusti Johnson Brinker

DIrector of Office of School and Teacher Quality, Portsmouth Public Schools

With 36 years in education, Dusti Johnson-Brinker currently serves as Director of School and Teacher Quality in Portsmouth. Their experience includes roles as teacher, assistant principal, principal, English specialist, professional development and school improvement specialist, and... Read More →

Angela Randolph

Teacher Quality Specialist, Portsmouth

Angela Randolph has 18 years of experience in education and currently serves as a Teacher Quality Specialist for eight schools in Portsmouth, including all secondary schools, one elementary, and an alternative school. Her teaching background is in middle school English. She has also... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Laboratory

Breakout, Courage

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

1:00pm EST

Building Trust by Setting & Keeping Professional Boundaries

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Robertson Room 1

Limited Capacity seats available

Coaches and leaders are often expected to be everything for everyone; but at what cost? This session explores how clear, consistent boundaries strengthen trust, protect well-being, and prevent burnout. Participants will learn practical strategies for setting and communicating boundaries with confidence and care. Walk away with ready-to-use language, real-world strategies, and a simple action plan to sustain your impact without sacrificing yourself!

Speakers

Jessa Miles

Learning Technology Integrator, Albemarle County Public Schools

Jessa Miles (she/her) is a Learning Technology Integrator at Albemarle County Public Schools in Charlottesville, Virginia. She holds her Master of Arts in Teaching and Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies from James Madison University. She is endorsed in... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Robertson Room 1

Breakout, Care

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

1:00pm EST

Coaching Beyond the Playbook: Lessons from Not Your Average Principal

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

SIRC Room

Limited Capacity seats available

Step into a session Inspired by Not Your Average Principal, this session equips new and veteran coaches to lead with purpose, authenticity, and resilience. Participants will gain practical strategies for building relationships, navigating challenges, and creating equitable environments. Leave with actionable tools and a clear plan to strengthen your leadership impact.

Speakers

Keisha Brown

Principal, Guilford County Schools

Keisha Brown is the Principal of The Middle College at UNC Greensboro, where she champions academic excellence, equity, and student empowerment. With nearly two decades in education, she is dedicated to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for historically underserved students... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
SIRC Room

Breakout, Courage

Audience New Coaches

1:00pm EST

Differentiating Coaching: Supporting Teacher Growth in Science of Reading Implementation

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Chapel

Limited Capacity seats available

Teachers bring varied literacy experience and confidence, increasing challenges for coaches. Standardized coaching feedback leads to frustration and limited change. This session introduces a differentiated coaching framework, applying differentiated instruction principles to adult learning. Participants will learn to adjust their approach using case studies and planning prompts to provide sustainable, impactful support.

Speakers

Linda Rhyne

Owner, Lead Consultant, Linda Rhyne Consulting, LLC

Linda Rhyne is the owner of Linda Rhyne Consulting and founding president of The Reading League North Carolina. Linda is an award-winning National Board Certified, LETRS & Orton-Gillingham trained educator with over 19 years of experience in education including Charlotte-Mecklenburg... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Chapel

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

1:00pm EST

Finessing Feedback: No to Sandwiches, Yes to Real Talk

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Weatherford

Limited Capacity seats available

Unlock the power of effective feedback by exploring why it often triggers defensiveness—and how to shift it toward growth. In this interactive session, participants will move beyond evaluative language to curiosity-driven dialogue. Through practical strategies and guided practice, attendees will build confidence in delivering feedback that fosters reflection, trust, and meaningful professional growth.

Speakers

Jennifer Snuggs

New Teacher Support Coach, Guilford County Schools

Jennifer Snuggs is a New Teacher Support Coach in Guilford County Schools dedicated to empowering early-career educators. She has supported more than 125 first-year teachers, offering guidance and practical strategies to help them build confidence and succeed. She believes strong... Read More →

Leslie Allred

New Teacher Support Coach, Guilford County Schools

Leslie Allred is an experienced elementary educator and instructional leader dedicated to supporting early-career teachers. Since joining the New Teacher Support Department in 2020, she has mentored and guided new educators through their first year in the classroom.

With 12 years at Falkener Elementary School, Leslie served as a K–3 teacher, reading specialist, IB coordinator, Lead Mentor, PTA president, and chair of the school improvement team. She holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s in E... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Weatherford

Breakout, Courage

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

1:00pm EST

From Vision to Reality: Coaching Systems That Bring Instructional Clarity to Life

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Alumni

Limited Capacity seats available

Schools often have a clear vision for instruction, yet classrooms still vary widely. This session explores gaps in clarity and alignment across leadership teams and what happens when expectations are interpreted differently. Participants will learn how to build aligned coaching systems and explore practical strategies, including video and AI tools, to make expectations visible. Attendees will leave with tools and a clear next step to strengthen instructional consistency.

Speakers

Mary Soliman

Math Content Coach/ Instructional Staff Developer, MGT

I am an instructional coach, staff developer, and training specialist with over 17 years of experience in education. I hold a Master’s in Adult Training and Leadership and specialize in instructional coaching, math, leadership, and professional learning. I’ve worked across grade... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Alumni

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

1:00pm EST

Wear Your Story: A Denim Tie Experience for Clarity, Courage & Care

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Blue Bird

Limited Capacity seats available

The Denim Tie Experience: Wear Your Story is an interactive social-emotional learning experience designed to help educators and instructional leaders pause, reflect, connect, and intentionally consider the strengths they bring to their schools and the people they serve.

Speakers

Keesha Sinclair

Curriculum Facilitator, Guilford County Schools

Keesha Sinclair is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and an accomplished educator with 24 years of experience empowering students and educators to thrive. She serves as the Curriculum Facilitator at STEM Early College @ North Carolina A&T within Guilford County Schools, where... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Blue Bird

Breakout, Care

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

2:30pm EST

30-60-90 Days and Beyond: Implementing a Strong Coaching Plan

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Weatherford

Limited Capacity seats available

“30-60-90 Days & Beyond- Implementing a Strong Coaching Plan” has been a fan favorite at past Coachfest conferences. It provides structure and clarity to the short term and long-term tasks of an instructional coach so that maximum impact can be achieved. Attendees will be able to:
1. Understand the purpose of a long-range coaching plan
2. Prioritize coaching tasks
3. Design a personalized long-term plan
This hands-on session will leave you with a plan of action you can begin implementing today!

Speakers

Gretchen Bridgers

Owner and Lead Consultant, Always A Lesson

Gretchen Bridgers is a two-time National Board Certified educator, instructional coach, and education consultant with over two decades of experience empowering teachers and school leaders nationwide. She is the author of multiple books for educators, the host of the Empowering Educators... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Weatherford

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches

2:30pm EST

Case Study Coaching: Shifting the Narrative from Deficit to Discovery

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

SIRC Room

Limited Capacity seats available

What if coaching didn’t feel like correction—but instead felt like collaboration?

Case Study Coaching is an innovative approach that reframes traditional instructional coaching by positioning educators as contributors to a shared body of knowledge rather than subjects of evaluation. This model integrates research-based practices with real classroom experiences, allowing teachers to engage in reflective inquiry without the stigma of deficit-based coaching. Walk away ready to implement.

Speakers

Sheka Houston, Ed.D.

Executive Director, Create and Educate, LLC.

Dr. Sheka Houston is the Executive Director and co-founder of Create and Educate, LLC, a professional development and organizational transformation firm. With over 20 years of experience in education and leadership, she specializes in building systems that improve school culture... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
SIRC Room

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

2:30pm EST

Coaching to Enhance Teacher Clarity and Effectiveness

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Laboratory

Limited Capacity seats available

Unlock the 0.75 effect size of Teacher Clarity on student achievement. This interactive session moves beyond theory to share proven frameworks from Kannapolis City Schools for weaving clarity into every coaching stage—from goal setting and co-planning to feedback and PLC data analysis. Through collaborative discussion and reflection, you will audit your current practices and leave with concrete strategies to sharpen clarity and empower teachers in your own district.

Speakers

Brittany Banks

Instructional Coach, Kannapolis City Schools

Brittany Banks currently serves as a K-5 Instructional Coach at North Kannapolis Elementary in Kannapolis, NC, where she specializes in developing instruction using effective practices and coaching to close the gap between research and practice. With 7 years of experience in elementary... Read More →

Jenna Cook

Instructional Coach, Kannapolis City Schools

With 10 years of experience as an elementary Instructional Coach, Jenna Cook knows that the key to student success is a well-supported teacher. Jenna specializes in facilitating PLCs, coaching cycles, and data dives, all with one goal in mind: making the complex work of education... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Laboratory

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

2:30pm EST

If Nothing Changes, It’s Not Coaching

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Robertson Room 1

Limited Capacity seats available

If Nothing Changes, It’s Not Coaching
Let’s be honest—coaching conversations can feel productive, but if classroom practice stays the same, the impact is limited. This session challenges coaches to move beyond supportive talk into work that leads to real instructional change. Through relatable coaching scenarios, participants will unpack what keeps practice stuck and what moves it forward. Walk away with practical coaching moves you can use immediately and the clarity to know if they’re working.

Speakers

Dr. Shanita Anderson

Senior Lecturer, Clemson University

Dr. Shanita Anderson is a senior lecturer at Clemson University and an educational consultant with over 25 years of experience in education. A National Board Certified Teacher, she specializes in instructional coaching, co-teaching, and professional learning that strengthens teacher... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Robertson Room 1

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

2:30pm EST

Prioritizing Feedback that Drives Reflection through Data and Mediative Questions

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Robertson Room 2

Limited Capacity seats available

Is your feedback inspiring the kind of reflection that truly impacts and grows self-directed professionals? Join this session to polish your craft of generating and delivering feedback that sets the tone for successful coaching!

Speakers

Elisabeth Smith

Instructional Facilitator/Literacy Coach, Wake County

Elisabeth Smith is a lifelong learner, self-proclaimed nerd, and a lover of podcasts! With diverse experience in education since 2006, she has taught in all grade bands (including middle school!) and found her "home" in early literacy.

Her professional focus is on strengthening core/Tier 1 instructional practices as the foundational layer of the MTSS framework, driving total school improvement. She has coached at the district and school levels and is deeply committed to developing coaching tools for both herself... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Robertson Room 2

Breakout, Courage

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

2:30pm EST

What if Your Coaching Cycle Became More FLEXible?

LIMITED

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Chapel

Limited Capacity seats available

Coaching cycles have their place, but what happens when real teachers need real support right now? This session introduces the FLEX Framework, a responsive, research-backed approach that works alongside cycles, not against them. Coaches leave with a practical decision-making framework, tools they can use immediately, and a personal commitment tied to a real teacher and real students.

Speakers

Melanie Matthews

Lead Consultant/CEO, Get Engaged Coaching Group

Melanie Calhoun is a dynamic speaker, instructional coaching expert, and founder of The Get Engaged Coaching Group. Known for her engaging, high-energy presentations, she helps schools and districts break resistance, transform professional learning, and build systems that drive lasting... Read More →

Wednesday November 4, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Chapel

Breakout, Clarity

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

10:30am EST

10:30am EST

10:30am EST

10:30am EST

10:30am EST

10:30am EST

10:30am EST

1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

2:30pm EST

2:30pm EST

2:30pm EST

2:30pm EST

2:30pm EST

2:30pm EST

Get help with the event