July 16: 2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT

Session Title: The Juggling Act of Instructional Coaching

Session Presenter: Ms. Deanna Donald, M.Ed.
Instructional Coach, K-5 Literacy
Fulton County Schools, Georgia

Session Description: Do you serve teachers with different needs? Do you serve teachers with seemingly ALL the needs? Do you constantly wonder how, when, and where you will be able to get it all done? This session is for you!

Often, instructional coaches serve teachers who need support with content knowledge, pedagogy, classroom management, data collection and usage, planning, and the list goes on. As coaches, we know that these skills are essential in every successful classroom. Because each of these components are extremely important, coaches often do not know where to begin or how to begin when time is of the essence in ensuring that students are learning from quality and effective instruction each day.

During this session, we will discuss strategies to assist instructional coaches with juggling the many needs of their teachers, while remaining sane, and growing students.

Bio: Leadership transcends titles; it’s about the power to influence. Deanna Donald exemplifies this definition. Her passion lies in ensuring students, especially students of color, possess the skills and tools to become successful lifelong learners and doers. As a teacher, Ms. Donald assumed leadership roles both formally and informally. As the School Improvement Coach for Literacy, Ms. Donald has become an expert in content and pedagogy, training both new and veteran teachers. A self-directed learner, Ms. Donald stays abreast of the latest research in the Science of Reading, ensuring her training reflects the most effective practices. Ms. Donald’s commitment to impactful change extends beyond training—she regularly works alongside teachers in the classroom. This collaborative approach, coupled with her unwavering focus on effective literacy instruction, has yielded impressive results. Ms. Donald further enriches the learning experience by providing innovative programming for both teachers and students. Here efforts are paying off. Proficiency rates have soared, with the percentage of students scoring “proficient” or “distinguished” on state assessment of English/Language Arts rising by 10% in in the past year.

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July 17: 2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT

Session Title: That’s Our Forte: Supporting Instructional Coaches to Grow Teacher Capacity

Presenter: Tracy Weber, M.Ed.
Instructional Design Specialist and Managing Partner of Educator’s Forte

Session Description: Classroom teachers are equipped with the resources they need to help them effectively deliver quality learning opportunities for their students. We know that the right tools can make all the difference. But where are those tools for instructional coaches, lead teachers, and other teacher support specialists? That’s our Forte! In this session discover how Educator’s Forte equips instructional coaches with tools to enhance their effectiveness as they work to grow teacher capacity. From leading PLCs, conducting targeted observations, and collaborative goal setting—we provide the tools instructional coaches need to effectively support teacher development.

Bio: Tracy Weber has been working in education since 1997. She spent a decade teaching in Florida, both for Brevard Public Schools and Florida Virtual School. After earning a graduate degree in Instructional Systems/Instructional Technology, she became an instructional technology specialist for Oak Ridge City Schools in Tennessee. Since 2009, Tracy has worked with various instructional technology companies and educational publishers with an unwavering dedication to being a trustworthy and valuable partner to the districts and schools she served. That time working in many different districts and schools led Tracy to a belief that the way educator development and growth could be better—a lot better. That’s why in 2022 she co-founded Educator’s Forte, aiming to provide schools with a more effective and sustainable model for professional development. Tracy believes that the best way to impact student outcomes is to support teachers and she’s dedicated to making Educator’s Forte a catalyst for that support.

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July 18: 2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT

Session Title: Improve Professional Development in Your School: Mastering the Art of Effective Training Facilitation

Presenter: Ashley Wright, Ed.D.
President, Educator’s Forte

Session Description: In this important session, we’ll focus on key ways that instructional coaches can deliver more effective professional development sessions for teachers. Discover a toolkit of strategies to boost teacher engagement, foster dynamic collaborative learning, and drive impactful outcomes. Whether you’re just starting out as an instructional coach or are looking to hone your training and facilitation skills, you’ll gain practical insights and adaptable techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of the teachers you serve. Elevate your professional development approach and become a catalyst for building teacher capacity!

Bio: Dr. Ashley Wright is a distinguished educator and the visionary leader of Educator’s Forte, an esteemed organization committed to delivering sustainable and relevant professional learning for educators. Holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Secondary Education, Dr. Wright brings a wealth of knowledge and over ten years of practical experience to her role. She is dedicated to inspiring both students and educators, fostering dynamic classroom communities, and promoting continuous professional growth for classroom educators and school leaders.

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