Institute For Early Career Educators

October 2025 - January 2026

 

Three In-Person Sessions To Support Beginning Teachers 

 

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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

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Who Should Consider This Program

Educators in their first three years of independent school teaching

 

Cohort Overview

Designed for educators in their first three years of independent school teaching, teachers in this cohort will meet three times between October and January to discuss ideas of pedagogy, planning, and professionalism with expert educators and instructional coaches. Participants will work together to build and deepen their practices (instructional & curricular), their resilience, and foster a growth mindset for ongoing learning. They will also develop relationships with other early career educators, deepening their connection to the educational community. In addition to honing some of the core elements of teaching practices, cohort members will also delve into topics that specifically relate to independent school culture such as: the tensions between autonomy and alignment, the challenges and opportunities inherent in parent communication.

 

Areas of Focus

Through intentional cohort-building approaches, attendees can expect to gain knowledge and skills while creating a network of supportive peers. The following content will be covered:

• Classroom Culture

• Lesson & Unit Planning

• Professionalism Communication (parents, colleagues, supervisors, etc.)

• Problems of Practice Reflection

 

Program Detail

Day 1: Building Community and Classroom Foundations
The first day focuses on cultivating a strong cohort community while exploring core strategies in classroom management and behavior. Teachers will learn how to use the Beliefs Behind Behavior framework, practice routines for beginnings and endings, and learn a protocol for addressing problems of practice. Joyful teaching strategies are woven throughout, and participants leave with practical tools and a classroom-focused homework assignment.
 
Day 2: Purpose, Presence, and the Learning Environment
Day two centers on the powerful role of environment, teacher presence, and purpose in shaping student learning. Educators will connect their personal purpose with their school’s mission and explore the concepts of warm demander and inner authority. With collaborative skits, the consultancy protocol, and creative cohort-building activities, the day emphasizes both reflective practice and joyful engagement.
 
Day 3: Backward Design and Meaningful Assessment
The final day deepens teacher practice with a focus on planning and assessment. Participants will revisit backward design principles, engage in collaborative planning to align learning goals with assessments, and learn how to build effective rubrics. Through activities like hexagonal thinking and inside out emotion card reflections, the day balances rigorous planning with opportunities for creativity, connection, and closure.

Program Components

This program will be comprised of three full-day in-person workshops. The faculty will also offer one-on-one coaching as needed (optional).

• Friday, October 17, 2025 - 9:00am-3:00pm

In-person workshop — Hamlin Robinson School (Seattle, WA)

• Friday, November 7, 2025 - 9:00-3:00pm 

In-person workshop — Hamlin Robinson School (Seattle, WA)

• Friday, January 30, 2026 – 9:00-3:00pm

In-person workshop — Hamlin Robinson School (Seattle, WA)

 

Faculty

The program faculty are current and former Instructional Coaches and school leaders.

 

	Miryam Harvey Dean of Faculty & Students Seattle Girls' School
	Mollie Page Director of Curriculum and Instruction Eastside Catholic School
	Regan Wensnahan Director of Enrollment Management The Little School