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Contributed Talk

Professional Development and Staff Support

Using Coaching Partnerships to Combat Isolation in Online Teaching

SESSION DATES & TIMES COMING IN AUGUST 2026
Audience Classification: Online Learning
Audience Expertise: Strategic Growth - Experienced leaders focused on optimizing established programs and solving persistent challenges.
Grade Level Focus: Pre-K, Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools
Primary Audience: Inst Leader, Prof Dev, School Leader
Does this session focus on a specific product? No – This session is focused on ideas, strategies, or practices, not a specific product or service.
Abstract Description : In the virtual teaching environment, professional isolation can hinder growth, collaboration, and innovation. Our Coaching Partnership addresses this challenge by pairing teachers with instructional coaches and small peer cohorts for a year-long professional learning experience. Through the PEERS goal-setting framework, teachers set ambitious, student-focused goals and receive ongoing mentorship, feedback, and opportunities to observe each other’s virtual classrooms. This structure fosters collaboration, builds confidence, and encourages authentic instructional growth. Teachers share their progress in end-of-year presentations, reflecting on strategies and outcomes. The result is a stronger sense of community, improved teaching practices, and better student outcomes. By replacing perfunctory goal-setting with intentional mentorship and peer collaboration, the Coaching Partnership transforms the virtual teaching experience from one of isolation to one of connection, growth, and shared purpose. Teachers report increased confidence, deeper professional relationships, and improved student outcomes—benefits that extend across the entire online school community.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify how structured coaching partnerships can reduce professional isolation in virtual teaching environments.
  • At the end of this session, participants will describe how the Coaching Partnership guides educators through setting and achieving stretch goals, using data and reflection to drive continuous professional development.