Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program!
Join the fastest growing network of certified coaches in Virginia! The VSTE Certified Coach program (#VCC) is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 cohorts. Created by VSTE, this program provides a custom professional learning experience that allows instructional leaders to collaborate in cohorts while learning the art of coaching. The VCC curriculum is aligned with the ISTE standards for coaching and has been developed in partnership with Forward Edge, an Ohio based company that specializes in instructional coaching. Although originally developed with EdTech Coaches in mind, the VCC program is open to all instructional coaches in Virginia.
NEW THIS SPRING: A Pathway for Educators in Non-Coaching Roles
We are thrilled to announce a brand-new cohort option specifically designed for aspiring coaches and educators who support coaches. We recognize that coordinating substitute coverage for daytime meetings has historically been a barrier for many educators. To ensure equitable access to this high-quality professional learning, our new cohort will meet outside of regular work hours. While the learning experiences and portfolio application will be differentiated to help these professionals prepare for future coaching roles or better support the coaches they supervise, the content and rigor will remain exactly the same.
All coaches who complete the VCC program will:
- Have a clear understanding of their role as an educational technology coach.
- Think systematically about the role their coaching program plays in larger district goals and initiatives.
- Be prepared to incorporate formal coaching cycles into their coaching program.
- Create and market professional learning experiences founded in andragogical best practices that are personalized, memorable, and lead to classroom implementation.
- Possess a strong skill set for building relationships and deepening coaching conversations with educators.
- Utilize data to make informed decisions about their work as a coach and the needs of educators they support.
- Approach technology integration from a learning objective first mindset.
Cohort Pathways and Scheduling:
- Traditional Coaching Cohorts: Designed for current instructional, digital learning, and academic coaches. These cohorts typically meet during regular working hours (either in an accelerated half-year format meeting twice a month, or a full-year format meeting once a month).
- Aspiring Coach / Non-Coaching Cohort: Designed for teachers and educators in non-coaching roles. This cohort will meet entirely after school hours, eliminating the need for substitute coverage.
Over the past year, hundreds of Virginia coaches have joined the VCC and VSTE is developing the VCC Professional Learning Network to provide continued support, professional collaboration, and opportunities for growth to all VSTE Certified Coaches. You can become a part of this amazing PLN by applying for one of the 2025-2027 VCC cohorts. Act fast - applications close on December12th, 2025.
The VCC Application Details
Interested coaches will need to determine which cohort they wish to register for based on their experience and availability. There are four VCC cohort options for the 2026-2027 VCC Application: spring semester, fall semester (coaching and non-coaching), and full year. The spring semester cohorts will run from January through May and will meet twice each month. The fall semester cohorts will run from August through December and will meet twice each month. The full year cohorts will run from August or September through May and will meet once every month. Newer coaches are recommended to register for the full year cohorts in order to allow more time between learning experience to grow their practice, but all applicants can indicate their preference within the registration form.
Interested participants will need to fully understand the expectations of the VCC program and must obtain approval from a direct supervisor. For the traditional coaching cohorts, there will be meeting times that occur during regular working hours, and there is an expectation that participating coaches will commit to the meeting times and participate during those sessions. In order for candidates to be successful, supervisors will need to be supportive of a coach’s participation and made aware that there is a cost of $350.00 per participant associated with the VCC program. Payment for the Fall 2026 and Year-Long cohorts will be due by Friday, August 21st, 2026. Spring 2027 cohort payment will be due in the winter of 2026 (more information will be shared closer to the cohort initiation).
The 2026-2027 VCC Application Deadline is April 17th, and all applicants will be notified on or before May 1st of their acceptance. The first meeting of each cohort will be announced in advance. Divisions interested in hosting a division-wide cohort should contact the VSTE Certified Coaching Coordinator at VCC@vste.org.
%20-%20Katie%20Breaud.png "Join the #VCC Network. Become a member of the VSTE Coaching Certification Program (VCC). This cohort's registration is open until April 17, 2026.")
