CoachFest 2026: Full Schedule

10:30am EST

Wellness in Action: Strengthening Resilience in Teachers and Coaches

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

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

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

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

10:30am EST

Lead with Purpose. Recharge with Intention. Coach with Impact: A Self-Care Framework for Sustainable Practices

LIMITED

Thursday November 5, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

SIRC Room

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how clarity, courage, and care can transform the way you lead and sustain your coaching practices. This session will explore a practical self-care framework designed specifically for coaches, helping participants build resilience and align their well-being with their professional purpose. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and a plan to support sustainable, impactful coaching.

Speakers

Allison Castle

Director of Counseling Services, Harnett County Schools

Allison R. Castle has served as a counselor and high school social studies teacher, the high school director, director of academic innovation and special programs, and director of counseling services for Harnett County Schools. She serves as the AVID District Director and coordinates... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST
SIRC Room

Breakout, Care

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

1:00pm EST

Coaching That Keeps Teachers: A Retention-Focused Model

LIMITED

Thursday November 5, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Laboratory

Limited Capacity seats available

What if coaching could actually keep teachers in the classroom?
This session draws from the real-world success of Breakthrough Birmingham's Thrive Teacher Coaching Program to show how coaching can be intentionally designed around teacher retention — not just instructional improvement. Participants will explore practical structures that address burnout, build sustainability, and help early-career teachers find purpose and confidence in the profession.

Speakers

Cathy Clark

Coaching Manager, Breakthrough Birmingam

Cathy Clark is an Alabama native with over 30 years of experience as a teacher and instructional coach in Birmingham City Schools. In 2022, she left the classroom to design and launch Breakthrough Birmingham's Thrive Teacher Coaching Program, growing it from 8 to 25 teachers across... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Laboratory

Breakout, Care

Audience New Coaches, Experienced Coaches, School or District Leaders

10:30am EST

1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

10:30am EST

1:00pm EST

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