The Danielson Group’s Coaching and Mentoring Institute: Fall 2026

This October, The Danielson Group team is looking forward to welcoming you to an in-person Coaching and Mentoring Institute in Philadelphia! This two-day institute is designed for coaches, mentors, and instructional leaders who support teacher growth and development. The Institute focuses on the mindsets and skills needed to deliver impactful feedback and sustain meaningful professional learning. Participants will strengthen their capacity to bring out the best in teachers through reflective practice, collaborative inquiry, and growth-focused coaching. They will deepen their understanding of The Danielson Group’s Framework for Teaching (FFT)™ as a professional learning tool and learn strategies for building trust, empathy, and psychological safety within coaching and mentoring relationships.

DAY 1:
October 8, 2026 | 9am—3:30 pm EDT

Day 1 builds a foundational understanding of how The Danielson Group’s Framework for Teaching (FFT)™ supports coaching and mentoring for growth. Participants will explore the beliefs, dispositions, and conditions that create trust-based, learning-focused coaching relationships. Through discussion and practice, they will strengthen their ability to use reflective practice, curiosity, and empathy to promote adult learning and professional dialogue that drives improvement.

Topics include:

• Understanding the three key spheres of influence: Reflective Practice, Collaborative Inquiry, and Instructional Coaching
• Building conditions that support trust, psychological safety, and open communication
• Shifting from evaluation to coaching: language, stance, and mindset
• Applying Danielson Group Coaching Dispositions (Maintain Trust, Lead with Curiosity, Believe in Progress, Learn Side-by-Side)
• Collecting low-inference evidence aligned to FFT™ components and Elements of Success
• Using the Framework™ to promote inquiry-based, growth-centered feedback

Day 2:
October 9, 2026 | 9am—3 pm EDT

Day 2 builds on foundational knowledge to deepen participants’ coaching and observation skills. Using the Framework for Teaching™ as a guide, participants will learn how to design growth-focused observation cycles, deliver meaningful feedback, and co-create sustainable professional goals that enhance instructional practice and student learning.

Topics include:

• Implementing the DG Coaching Cycle: planning, observation, reflection, and feedback
• Practicing feedback using the Praise–Probe–Push protocol
• Using lesson artifacts and evidence to support reflection and planning
• Aligning observations to Levels of Performance and Elements of Success
• Goal setting and reflection strategies that promote continuous growth
• Developing a culture of professional inquiry and collective efficacy