CoachFest 2026: Full Schedule

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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

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

1:00pm EST

Coaching the Coach: Designing Systems That Strengthen Instructional Coaching

LIMITED

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

Robertson Room 2

Limited Capacity seats available

Instructional coaches play a critical role in improving teaching and learning—but who supports their growth? In this session, explore how intentional systems can strengthen instructional coaching through clear roles, targeted professional learning, and ongoing support. Participants will gain practical strategies, tools, and a framework to build or refine coaching systems that develop coaches, enhance practice, and sustain a culture of continuous growth.

Speakers

Sarah Combs

Coaching Support Specialist, Henrico County Public Schools

Sarah Combs is a Coaching Support Specialist for Henrico County Public Schools, where she leads the development and implementation of a division-wide instructional coaching model. With 19 years of experience as a secondary English teacher, literacy coach, and leader, she is passionate... Read More →

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

Breakout, Clarity

Audience School or District Leaders

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

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

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 Playbook

LIMITED

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

Alumni

Limited Capacity seats available

Join a fast‑paced, hands‑on session that transforms how you coach new teachers and CDCs. Using the Get Better Faster approach, you’ll learn a clear playbook, practice high‑impact skills, and follow a simple cycle: observe, identify, practice, and give focused feedback. Expect movement, collaboration, real scenarios, and ready‑to‑use tools driven by data and clear look‑fors.

Speakers

Talita McKoy

Career and College Manager/Special Populations Coordinator, Guilford County Schools

I am an educator with 24 years of experience, primarily with Guilford County Schools. I am passionate about Career and Technical Education and believe it is one of the most impactful pathways for student success. I currently serve as the CCM/SPC at T. Wingate Andrews High School... Read More →

Chandra James

Career and College Manager/Special Populations Coordinator, Guilford County Schools

Chandra James is the CCM at Northwest Guilford High School in Greensboro, NC, known for leading students to national recognition in business and marketing competitions. She coaches Career and Technical teachers and has been recognized for preparing students for professional internships... Read More →

Matthew Vaughn

Career and College Manager/Special Populations Coordinator, Guilford County Schools

Matthew Vaughn is the Career Development Coordinator and Career and College Manager at Southern Guilford High School in Greensboro, NC, a position he has held since January 2024. He works with students on career planning and CTE pathways.

Jacqueline Mingo

Career and College Manager/Special Populations Coordinator, Guilford County Schools

Jacqueline Mingo is the College & Career Manager at Smith High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, specifically associated with the M&E Academy. She works as a mentor and supports students in the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners program, facilitating career opportunities in fields... Read More →

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

Breakout, Clarity

Audience Experienced Coaches

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

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

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

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