Special Episode: Meet Our New Co-Host Matthaeus!
Welcome to a special episode of “Restart Recharge: A Tech Coach Collective!” In this episode, we're taking a slight detour from our usual content to introduce you to our new co-host, Matthäus Huelse. From his roots in Germany to his educational journey across continents, Matthäus brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the podcast. Join Katie Ritter as she uncovers fun facts and quirky questions about Matthäus, from his favorite type of ballroom dancing to his unique journey to obtaining a driver's license.
Podcast Team
Hosts- Katie Ritter & Matthäus Huelse
Editing Team- Michael Roush, Alyssa Faubion, Matthäus Huelse
Social Media/ Promo Team- Annamarie Rinehart, Alyssa Faubion
Creative/Content Team- Matthäus Huelse, Brooke Conklin
Producer- Matthäus Huelse
Coaching with Accessibility in Mind – with Chrystal Trapani & Katie Fielding
Join us as we welcome special guests Katie Fielding and Crystal Trapani to discuss accessibility and how coaches can integrate it into their work. Katie and Crystal share their personal journeys to accessibility advocacy. They offer tips for making materials more accessible through simple changes like font selection, alt text for images, and leveraging closed captions. Other highlights include modeling inclusive practices, starting small when working with teachers, empowering others, and vulnerability. Katie and Crystal emphasize that accessibility benefits everyone. They encourage coaches to survey their staff on accessibility needs, focus on andragogy for adult learners, and make sure their own materials are accessible. Tune in for an insightful discussion on becoming an accessibility advocate as a coach.
314 – Build School Podcasts – with Stevie Frank
There are several media outlets to share thoughts and knowledge today, but one that has continued to grow in popularity is podcasting! Guess what…you’re listening to one right now! Let’s jump on board with podcasting in schools – whether it’s educators or students podcasting can both be fun and valuable! Today we’ll discuss how instructional coaches can make a push for podcasting in their schools and how they can build future podcasters.
Podcast Team
Hosts- Katie Ritter & Justin Thomas
Editing Team- Michael Roush, Justin Thomas
Social Media/ Promo Team- Annamarie Rinehart, Jordan Petri, Alyssa Faubion
Creative/Content Team- Justin Thomas, Brooke Conklin
Producer- Justin Thomas
Forward Edge Coaches Camp
An event that assists instructional coaches learn new tips and strategies for implementing their rol
EDU Coach Network
We’re former teachers turned instructional coaches. Coaches can change student learning for better
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
313 – Grow Unique Educators! – with Ron Madison
As we kick off a new school year, it is an important time to reach out to all teachers to help them be successful. We can aid in their growth throughout the school year and that will continue through their teaching of the students. We’re joined by Ron Madison, an instructional technologist from Michigan, who strives to aid in the growth of ALL the educators he works with.
Check Out Ron's Superhero 3-D Printouts!
Podcast Team
Hosts- Katie Ritter & Justin Thomas
Editing Team- Michael Roush, Justin Thomas
Social Media/ Promo Team- Annamarie Rinehart, Lisa Kuhn, Maggie Harris
Creative/Content Team- Justin Thomas, Brooke Conklin
Producer- Justin Thomas
Edge•U Badges
Edge•U is an anytime, anywhere professional learning platform made for teachers by teachers!
EDU Coach Network
We’re former teachers turned instructional coaches. Coaches can change student learning for better
Forward Edge Google Educator Bootcamp
This Google for Education Bootcamp is for educators to get certified in Google products
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Take Care, Educators! Take Good Care!
The start of a new school year can be an exciting time for educators, but it can also be stressful. You have a lot of responsibility to ensure that your students learn and grow. In addition, many educators are returning to the classroom after facing unexpected challenges, such as staff shortages or budget cuts. These challenges can create barriers to success, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with stress and overcome challenges.
Self-care is essential for educators, both physically and mentally. When you are healthy and happy, you are better able to support your students and create a thriving classroom environment. Here are a few tips for practicing self-care:
- Get enough sleep. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to get plenty of sleep so that you can function at your best. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Step away from devices. The light from electronic devices can interfere with sleep, so it’s important to avoid using them in the hour or two before bed. If you must keep it on for work or school, put it on silent so that the notifications don’t disturb you.
- Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, and focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Release Endorphins. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Even a short walk after school with some deep breathing can help calm your mind.
- Take a break. Take a break every 20-30 minutes to move around and stretch. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting restless or tense.
- Spend time with loved ones. Social connection is fundamental for mental health. Make time to connect with loved ones on a regular basis, whether it’s going out for coffee with a friend, playing games with family, or simply chatting on the phone.
- Take care of your mental health. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to speak out and seek professional help. A therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies for dealing with stress.
In addition to taking care of yourself, you can also model self-care for your students. Here are a few ideas:
- Talk to your students about the importance of self-care. Encourage them to express their emotions and to seek help when they need it. Let them know that it’s okay to take breaks, to ask for help honestly, and to take care of their mental and physical health.
- Start the day with mindfulness. Begin with a mindfulness practice. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, stretching, or listening to calming music. Mindfulness practices can help you to focus on the present moment and to reduce stress.
- Encourage brain breaks. This could involve getting up and moving around, stepping outside for some fresh air, or doing a quick mindfulness activity. Brain breaks are a great way to recharge and re-energize, and they can help students to focus and learn more effectively.
- Create a positive learning environment. Students desire to feel safe, respected, and valued. This means being understanding and patient, providing students with the resources they need to succeed, and setting a supportive and positive example for them.
- Get them talking. Talk to students about their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Let them know that it’s okay to feel stressed, angry, or sad sometimes, and that you are there to listen and help them. You can also provide them with strategies for dealing with difficult emotions.
- Help students cope. Help students develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, anger, and other difficult emotions. This could include teaching them relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or music/art therapies.
- Stay attentive to student well-being. If you are concerned that a student is struggling with self-care, you can offer to refer them to a counselor or mental health professional who can provide them with additional support. You know them best, and you can help them find the right resources to meet their needs.
The Edge•U Social Emotional badges in our Curated Collections provide educators with several ideas to jumpstart the year and create a culture of inclusivity and engagement. These badges are designed to help educators build relationships with their students and families, promote positive social-emotional learning, and provide strategies for inclusivity and diversity.
There are a variety of Edge•U badges in our library that are perfect for back-to-school. By using these badges, educators can foster a positive and productive learning environment where students feel supported and challenged.
Following these tips can help you have a healthy and happy school year. Remember, self-care is important for everyone, and it’s never too late to start taking good care of yourself!
Forward Edge is a Proud 2023 CRN Solution Provider 500 Award Winner!
In the world of technology, competition is present, and staying ahead of the curve requires innovation and expertise. It is with great excitement to announce Forward Edge as a proud winner of the CRN Solution Provider 500 Award. This recognition shows Forward Edge’s dedication to delivering exceptional solutions and services to schools all around.
The CRN Solution Provider 500 Award is an annual list compiled of top information technology solution providers and technology integrators in North America. Being featured on the CRN Solution Provider 500 demonstrates our market presence, and ability to deliver progressive technology solutions to customers!

Forward Edge ranked at #440 within the list of the top 500 Solution Providers in North America. We were also privileged to rank within the top 35 Newcomers in 2023 for CRN Solution Providers!
The privilege of this award does not come without hard work and determination from our team full of experts. With constant barriers and obstacles to overcome, our team is always ready help bring success to the faculty, students and school districts that we work with!
This is what our Director of Engineering, Chris Infante, had to say about us winning the award. “Being a winner of the CRN Solution Provider 500 is an immense honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. It validates our position as a top-tier technology solution provider and reinforces our commitment to delivering IT services and solutions to school districts.”
Our commitment to innovation has been instrumental in securing our place as a top company in the industry. By staying ahead of the curve, we are well-equipped to address future challenges and provide school districts with forward-thinking strategies to drive success!
Forward Edge is honored to receive such recognition like the CRN Solutions Provider 500 List, and will reflect on moments like this as a driving factor for the future of our company!
Edge•U Badges: Tech & Learning’s Best of Show Award at ISTELive 2023!

Now that we’re back from ISTE, we have some incredible news to share!
Forward Edge has been honored with the prestigious Tech & Learning’s Best of Show Award for the Edge•U Badges booth at ISTELive 2023!
As judges review nominated products at ISTE, they are judging based on “ease of use, value, uniqueness in the market, and proof that the product helped make teachers’ lives easier and supported student achievement.”
We are proud and honored to be among the winning solutions that support innovation in the classroom!

What’s Edge•U?
Edge•U is a powerful, instruction-focused professional learning system that adapts to the needs of educators. Edge•U builds teacher capacity and directly impacts student learning in the form of microcredentials (badges). It has been intuitively designed to support educators in all areas of technological learning. With 260+ badges to choose from, Edge•U engages educators of all skill levels in the development of edtech skills and instructional leadership.
Get involved with the Edge•U community on Twitter!
Learn More About Edge•U:
Join our Summer Squeeze Virtual get-together to learn more about how you can use Edge•U this summer!
Edge•U is Making Waves at ISTELive 23!

Hey Educators!
Are you attending ISTELive 23 this month?
Our Edge•U team would love to meet you and share more about what makes Edge•U an innovative resource for professional learning with educators and other leaders in education.
You can also learn more about Forward Edge’s EDU Coach Network and Mentorship Program
Edge•U is a powerful, instruction-focused professional learning system that adapts to the needs of educators. Edge•U builds teacher capacity and directly impacts student learning in the form of microcredentials (badges). Each Edge•U badge has been intuitively designed to support educators in all areas of technological learning. With 260+ badges to choose from, Edge•U engages educators of all skill levels in the development of edtech skills and instructional leadership.

Want to be entered to win a free ISTELive 24 pass? Follow these 3 easy steps:
1) Find the Edge•U “Share Your Spark of Joy” photo wall and take a picture with it.
2) Post it to social media while tagging @edgeubadges and @forwardedgeoh.
3) Show it to someone at booth #1442! You will then be entered in a raffle to win a FREE ISTELive 24 pass!
15 minute Live Trainings

While at our booth, stay for a 15 minute Live Training on the hour starting at 10 am! Some of these sessions are hosted by the tech tools we have as badges in the Edge•U platform like Book Creator, Wakelet, Kami, and Genially. Other sessions will be hosted by Forward Edge Instructional Design Coaches!
Keep an eye on our Twitter @forwardedgeoh because we will be posting a live training schedule soon.
Have you checked out the sessions at ISTELive 23?

The Edge•U Poster Session “Bring Your PD a Spark of Joy” will take place Wednesday, June 28, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm at the Terrace Ballroom Lobby, Table 35 with Jill DuBois.
Traditional professional development models force teachers into stagnant one-size-fits-all packages or expensive postgraduate programs that may never impact instructional practice. Edge•U offers educators pertinent microcredentials (badges) based on effective implementation of high-impact strategies supported by engaging technology.
We hope to see you there!

The Edu Coach Network Poster Session “From Coach to Champion, Increase the Impact of Coaching in Your School!” will take place Tuesday, June 27th from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm with Brooke Conklin.
Instructional Coaches are responsible for facilitating the growth of nearly every educator in their building and district, but where do COACHES GO TO GROW? Right here! Through coaching mentorship, we provide a coach for every coach- impacting education through coaches so that teachers can teach confidently and students can achieve!

Join our team at the Google “Made for the Way You Teach” sessions!
In this workshop, you’ll experience how Google for Education’s latest tools are Made for the way you teach. You’ll get hands-on with our new products like practice sets and reading mode — all on Chromebooks made specially for teachers. We’re sure there’ll be something you can take to the classroom!

“Couples’ Therapy: How to Overcome Difficulties in Building the Admin/Coach Relationship” is hosted by Lisa Kuhn and Maggie Harris on Monday, June 26 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in 113C.
Join us “on the couch” as we explore ways to overcome the difficulties that coaches and administrators experience as they begin their coaching journey. You’ll hear about the frustrations of an administrator and a coach, discuss benefits and learn strategies to build a partnership by hearing specific examples.

“What’s In Your Coaching Fanny Pack?“ is hosted by Jordan Petri and Jamie Clausius on Tuesday, June 27 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm in the Terrace Ballroom Lobby, Table 18
Whether running errands or attending a conference, a fanny pack is a great way to bring what you need. In this session, we’ll share compact and versatile coaching essentials, including tools we use daily, ways we try to grow our PLN, and even a pocket-sized coaching survival guide.
Wow, that was a lot. If you only take away one thing, let it be this: Look for us in our comfortable shoes in booth #1442- We can’t wait to see you there!
70 Newly Certified Coaches Set To Impact Instruction This Fall

This time last year, we (myself and Dr. Katie Ritter) were just beginning to discuss what a Coach Certification program might look like with Rod Carnill (Executive Director) and Emily Heller (Board of Directors) through VSTE, Virginia Society of Technology in Education. One year later, this small passion project has turned into a multi-state program that is fundamentally changing the way that coaches impact instruction.

We first crossed paths with Emily Heller at the Future of Education Technology Conference in January 2022 and quickly discovered that we shared a passion for a widespread problem. Instructional coaching is the most effective form of professional development leading to classroom implementation1, yet the majority of instructional coaches receive little to no training specific to their coaching role.
To understand this strange contradiction, look at coaching through a different lens- Imagine hiring a first-year baseball head coach with the expectation that they take your team to state finals. You hired them because they were an incredible center-fielder. They know the position inside and out. They know the game of baseball inside and out. Now that they’re a coach, they SHOULD be able to use their experience to create a competitive team and ultimately make it to the state finals, right? Maybe….
Even though an athlete is a great player, they will need a specialized coaching skillset to change the behavior of other players to influence the team’s performance. They need to understand how players are motivated, create effective coach-player relationships, give constructive feedback, unite a team under a common vision, etc.
If we examine that same scenario in instructional coaching, we often find the same discrepancy between knowledge of the coaching subject (technology, math, literacy, etc) and an understanding of the coaching skillset. Often, we hire instructional coaches with the expectation that they transform what learning looks like at our school. We hire them because they are GREAT at their subject matter (i.e. literacy, math, technology). They are a great teacher. They SHOULD be able to use their experience to create other great teachers, right? Maybe…. But more than likely, they start the role lacking essential skills needed to be effective coaches.
What we have found through working with hundreds of instructional coaches, administrators, and teachers across the country is that coaching is a vastly different skill than teaching.
There is a unique skill set that an effective coach must possess in order to change adult human behavior.
Often, coaches are placed in their role because they were great teachers or great with technology (literacy/math instruction, etc), but are not afforded training on how to influence and change adult behavior. They have the technical expertise, but not the coaching skillset to transfer it to others.
This was the challenge that our partners at VSTE recognized as well. Through a shared passion for supporting the work of coaches, we created the VSTE Certified Coach Program, facilitated by Forward Edge.
Over a 5-month span (expedited cohort) and a 9-month span (annual cohort), coaches are organized into cohorts to engage in learning sessions and collaborative discussions specific to their coaching role. Coaches learn new strategies, implement them into their local coaching environment, and then regroup to discuss their experience, exchange ideas, and ultimately invest in a community that will serve them for years to come.

We knew there was a deep need for this work, but we were blown away by the response that quickly followed after the pilot cohort launched. In under a year’s time, Forward Edge’s Coach Certification program has been adopted by organizations in three states and will have supported 445 coaches by the end of 2023.
Not only is this program equipping coaches with the skills they need to impact instruction, but it is also preparing them to position themselves as assets for advancing their local schools’ strategic goals and initiatives.
We recognize that changing human behavior (instruction primarily) is only one side of a two-sided coin. To truly be effective agents of change, coaches must coach with a larger vision.
We believe that coaches are critical to the success of strategic plans and initiatives within a district. Throughout the Forward Edge Coach Certification programs, we have challenged coaches to align their work to the broader goals and plans of the schools they serve. We have supported technology coaches in advancing tier 1 instruction goals, special education coaches in advancing personalized learning goals, and literacy coaches in supporting equity & inclusion goals.

We are extremely thankful for the organizations that have partnered with us to bring Certified Coaching Cohorts to their membership this year. Our partners at VSTE, Rod Carnill and Emily Heller, and at MACUL, Mark Smith, have been an instrumental part of this shared vision and passion. We are looking forward to supporting more coaches in these organizations and more this coming fall.
Interested in bringing a Forward Edge Coach Certification program to your state? Contact Brooke Conklin (bconklin@forward-edge.net) to request more information about partnership opportunities.
1 Joyce, B., & Showers, B. (1982). The Coaching of Teaching. Educational Leadership
312 – Instructional Storytelling: Google ALL Experience
Google for Education is always at the forefront of innovation to best equip educators with their educational technology needs! But how do they get their new innovations in the minds of educators? Through a partnership with Forward Edge, the creation of the Google Adaptive Learning Lab allowed for fast paced, but interactive sessions for educators to learn new Google tools from our instructional coaches. The main event was at ISTE 22, but two coaches took the show on the road to tour the US to continue to show off these Google features in a new and exciting way! We’ll learn more from Angela Lyman and Jamie Clausius about this event and what to expect for the event at ISTE 23 in a few weeks!
Podcast Team
Hosts- Katie Ritter & Justin Thomas
Editing Team- Michael Roush, Justin Thomas
Social Media/ Promo Team- Annamarie Rinehart, Lisa Kuhn, Maggie Harris
Creative/Content Team- Justin Thomas, Brooke Conklin
Producer- Justin Thomas
Forward Edge Coaches Camp
An event that assists instructional coaches learn new tips and strategies for implementing their rol
Edge•U Badges
Edge•U is an anytime, anywhere professional learning platform made for teachers by teachers!
EDU Coach Network
We’re former teachers turned instructional coaches. Coaches can change student learning for better
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.