Midseason Reflection and Collaboration Roundtable
Join hosts Celine and Katie, along with special guest and podcast editor Ben, for a reflective midseason deep dive into the sixth season of the EDU Coach Collective. In this episode, the team transitions from behind the scenes to the forefront to discuss the strategies and guests that have shaped their coaching practices this year.
Stop By Our Edge•U Badges Booth
When: June 28th - July 1st
Where: Booth #2516
We're excited to discuss how our customizable solution eliminates PD frustrations and share how our AI microcredentials help educators move beyond tool training to build real, skill-based AI literacy.
See full exhibitor details here.
Magic Happens with Coaching Connections: From Inspiration to Implementation
When: Monday, June 29, 12:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Playground A
Forward Edge Presenters: Katie Ritter and Tracee Keough
The Core of Coaching Framework© your 3 Part Cheat Code. This Playground directly addresses the single greatest frustration coaches face: change that doesn't last. This Playground will provide a roadmap (cheat code) that coaches can use immediately to move from supporting individual teachers to driving school-wide, sustainable change.
See full session details here.
SHE LEADS: A Playbook for Innovation & Impact
graphic credit to Natasha Rachell
When: Monday, June 29, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: W414CD
Forward Edge Presenter: Katie Ritter
True leadership isn't one role—it's a dynamic blend of vision, creativity, and execution. Join four remarkable women for a masterclass on how they drive progress by excelling as leaders, innovators, and change agents.
See full session details here.
Spark Joy in PD with Edge•U AI Microcredentials
When: Tuesday, June 30, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: West C Lobby, Table 17
Forward Edge Presenter: Jill DuBois
Our session highlights how microcredentials serve the entire educational ecosystem, including support staff often excluded from professional learning. By offering personalized, on-demand pathways across diverse roles and grade levels, we ensure professional development is relevant, inclusive, and representative of varied educator experiences.
See full session details here.
From Gap to Growth: How States Are Creating Certification Pathways for Coaches
When: Tuesday, June 30, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: West C Lobby, Table 25
Forward Edge Presenter: Tracee Keough
Coaching roles are expanding nationwide, and most states still lack official credentials. This session explores how organizations like Forward Edge and VSTE are partnering to build meaningful, standards-aligned certification programs. Learn how these efforts support professional growth, system-wide alignment, and stronger outcomes for coaches, schools, and students.
See full session details here.
Catch the Forward Edge Team at the Google for Education Booth and in the Gemini Room!
Google AI Educator Series Playground
Where: W204BC
Step into the Google AI Educator Series Playground at ISTELive. Take a "snackable" 15-minute session to master specific K-12 teaching skills and earn a digital badge on the spot.
Demo Stations
Where: Booth 1500
See brand new Google features to elevate your classroom. See Google’s full ISTE agenda here.
Join Us For Happy Hour Following ISTE!
When: Monday, June 29th, 4-6pm
Where: Hilton Orlando Hotel Victory Lounge
Address: 6001 Destination Pkwy, Orlando, FL
Take a break from the busy conference floor and join us for happy hour following ISTE! This is a great opportunity to connect 1-on-1 with other industry professionals in a fun, engaging atmosphere.
Whether you're looking to talk shop or just unwind after the day's sessions, all are welcome. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Summer Sandbox: Reflection & Fun
Celebrate the end of the school year with Celine and Katie as they step out of “survival mode” and into the Summer Sandbox. In this episode, they are joined by Kaitlyn Frederick, an instructional coach who shares her journey through a year of breakthroughs and strategic pivots.
Coaching Programs with Tracee Keough
This episode features Tracee Keough, the Assistant Director of Coaching Programs at Forward Edge, discussing the evolution of the Certified Coach Program. The conversation highlights the program's structure, its focus on systemic change, and the integration of AI to optimize coaching workflows.
The “Gears” of Coaching
This episode of the EDU Coach Collective Podcast features host Katie Ritter in conversation with Jo Lein, a leadership coach and author, discussing the complexities of mindset in instructional coaching. As a leadership coach and writer, Jo Lein focuses on helping individuals move beyond merely “performing” change to actually experiencing it
The Power of Trust-Based Conversations
This episode of the EDU Coach Collective podcast features Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations. The discussion focuses on revolutionizing classroom observations by removing the “gotcha” culture of evaluation and replacing it with a foundation of relational trust to foster genuine teacher growth.
Strategy-Focused Coaching with Emilie Rio
In this episode of the EDU Coach Collective, hosts Celine and Katie speak with Emilie Rio, a high school instructional technology coach in Illinois, about her unique approach to strategy-focused coaching. Drawing on her background as a former Spanish teacher, Emilie shares how she creates a safe, vulnerable space for staff to learn new technology, much like she did for students learning a foreign language.
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Education moves fast, but the best teachers move faster. Between social-emotional learning and the sudden rise of Artificial Intelligence, teachers are constantly recalibrating how they connect with students. It isn't just about the latest gadget; it's about knowing which tools actually help a student succeed.
Today, we are proud to spotlight Frank Giunta, Department Chair and Teacher of Business Education at Camden Academy Charter High School, as our latest Learning Luminary. Frank’s journey of completing over 42 badges this school year alone, including several specialized AI in Education credentials, shows exactly what happens when a teacher stays curious and isn't afraid to lead by example to improve student outcomes.
The Foundation
Before we look at the tech, we have to look at the human element. Frank recently earned his "SEL Skills: Build Relationships with Students" microcredential through Edge•U. He lives by a simple but powerful rule: students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
By prioritizing SEL, Frank creates a "psychologically safe" and inclusive space. When students see their teachers as active, lifelong learners who are willing to grow alongside them, they feel more comfortable taking risks with their own learning.
The Case for AI in Business Ed
As Frank tracks new shifts in the business world, he’s naturally looking at Artificial Intelligence. Just as interactive tools once changed the way he taught Economics, AI is now offering new ways to bridge the gap between school and the professional world.
Why is AI a priority for Frank?
- Differentiated Learning: AI helps teachers tailor content to specific student needs at scale, making sure no one gets left behind in a tough Economics unit.
- More Time for Mentorship: By streamlining the "busy work" of teaching, AI gives Frank more time to do what he loves: talking to students and helping them plan their futures.
- Future-Proofing Careers: In Business Education, Frank knows his students are graduating into an AI-driven economy. By using these tools now, he’s giving them a massive head start.
Advice for Other Educators
For anyone hesitant about digital microcredentials or AI, Frank’s advice is straightforward: "Just jump into it." He encourages his peers to be reflective and use professional development as a way to sharpen their craft. "Once you start getting your submissions approved, it motivates you to do more!"
Beyond the Classroom
When Frank isn’t in the classroom, he’s a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, cheering for the Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Phillies. Whether he’s at home with his wife and two boys or researching the next big trend in business, Frank represents the best of what it means to be an educator today.
Congratulations, Frank, on your incredible work! You are a true example of the power of innovation in education.
Are you ready to start your own journey? Join the Edge•U community today and see how tools like SEL and AI can transform your classroom.
Coaching Research Conversations
Is instructional coaching actually working, or are we just treating symptoms of a broken system? In this episode of the Coaching Research Conversations with Matt Brady, we tackle the identity crisis facing modern coaches. With hundreds of different job titles and a lack of clear metrics, many coaches find themselves stuck in a loop of “yak shaving”—tackling endless, irrelevant tasks to get to the actual work of teaching.
The Coaches Court: March Madness Strategies
Join our coaches Lisa Olidges and Jordan Petri as we explore the “March Madness” coaching cycle—a framework designed to re-energize staff through gamified professional development and high-utility tech tools. From running 4-to-6 week intensive coaching cycles to hosting “Tech Pop-ups” that give teachers their time back, we’re sharing the exact tactics you need to finish the school year strong and build relationships that last into next year