Coach. Empower. Retain: Conference Recordings (Feb 2025)
- Last updated: 30th July, 2026
- IRIS Connect
Educators gathered for an inspiring and collaborative day with like-minded peers, exploring strategies and tools that help schools build teacher agency and adaptive expertise through instructional coaching.
Jump Straight to Your Desired Session
- It’s Not What We Do, It’s The Way That We Do It: Values-Led Coaching and School Culture – Sam Gibbs
- Cultivating Teacher Agency and Adaptive Expertise Through Coaching – Dr. Haili Hughes
- Transforming Teaching Together: Building a Whole School Reflective Coaching Culture with IRIS Connect – Jeremy Gribben
- Overcoming Resource Limitations with AI-assisted Instructional Coaching – Andy Newell
It’s Not What We Do, It’s The Way That We Do It: Values-Led Coaching and School Culture
by Sam Gibbs, Trust Lead for Curriculum & Development, Greater Manchester Education Trust
There has been nothing short of an explosion of interest in instructional coaching in schools over the past few years, and no shortage of books, blogs and infographics telling us ‘how’ to do it. But coaching is no silver bullet, and we probably need to think more about the ‘why’, and much more about the ‘who’ and the ‘where’.
In this session, Sam will make the case for a contextual model of coaching, carefully attuned to a school or Trust’s improvement priorities and – crucially – underpinned by its values. She will share a framework for values-led coaching and explore how it might support developmental conversations which build healthy, psychologically safe school cultures.
Cultivating Teacher Agency and Adaptive Expertise Through Coaching
by Dr. Haili Hughes, Associate Professor, La Trobe University, Former Director of Education, IRIS Connect.
Dr. Haili Hughes delves into the significance of teacher agency and adaptive expertise in the educational landscape. She emphasises the pivotal role that coaching plays in empowering educators to take ownership of their professional growth and adapt to diverse classroom challenges. By fostering a culture of reflective practice and continuous learning, teachers can enhance their instructional strategies, leading to improved student outcomes. Haili provides practical insights and strategies for implementing effective coaching models that nurture these essential qualities in educators.
Transforming Teaching Together: Building a Whole School Reflective Coaching Culture with IRIS Connect
by Jeremy Gribben, Director of Teaching & Learning, The Grange School
Collaboration, reflection, and coaching are redefining professional development in schools, but in the fast-paced rhythm of a teacher’s busy week, the chance for meaningful connections often slips away. What if there was a way to make it seamless? In this session, Jeremy will reveal how IRIS Connect is helping to revolutionise staff development by offering schools the creativity to build a vibrant Teaching & Learning Hub. This isn’t just about tools—it’s about transforming the way teachers collaborate, share ideas, and shape their practice. From sharing and accessing a treasure trove of pedagogical resources to engaging in powerful conversations that drive change, IRIS Connect bridges the gap between ambition and action. Jeremy will share real-life examples of coaching triads, reflective practices, and tailored CPD pathways that are reshaping school culture and empowering staff to thrive in a supportive, energised environment built on shared trust, learning, and values.
Overcoming Resource Limitations with AI-assisted Instructional Coaching
by Andy Newell, Managing Director, IRIS Connect
In his presentation, Andy Newell explores how AI-assisted coaching can help educational institutions overcome resource limitations. By integrating artificial intelligence into professional development, schools can enhance teacher support and improve student outcomes without overextending existing resources. Discover practical strategies for implementing AI tools to foster continuous improvement and address common challenges in education.
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