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Introducing
A six-week virtual group coaching program
for instructional leaders to master feedback that transforms
teacher practice and student learning.
Are you tired of giving laundry-list feedback without seeing real change?
Looking for an opportunity to have role plays and practice in a structured and safe environment?
Move from giving feedback that falls flat
to delivering focused, actionable feedback that teachers actually use —
leading to measurable student achievement gains.
Invest In Your Leadership!
Why Focused Feedback Academy?
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Attend weekly sessions with founder and Chief Education Officer, Vernon James Riley
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Learn a proven framework to identify and coach the most high-leverage action.
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Practice delivering feedback in a safe, coached environment.
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Implement what you learn with accountability structures and support.
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Weekly homework, peer “breakthrough buddy,” and community check-ins.
Who’s the Academy for?
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Designed for K–12 School Leaders
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Principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, district/network instructional leaders.
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Any stage of leadership — from brand new to experienced.
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For those responsible for coaching teachers and supporting professional learning.
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Grab your editable Professional Development funds letter here
Inside the Academy
When: October 20 – December 5, 2025
Six weeks, virtual via Zoom
Learning Sessions:
Tuesdays, 6–7:30 PM ET
Q&A Calls:
Thursdays, 11 AM–12 PM ET
Community:
Private Facebook group with daily posts & peer support
Personalized Coaching: Includes a 30-min 1:1 coaching session
Meet Your Coach
Hi! I'm Dr. Vernon-James Riley.
As a first-generation college graduate raised in a single-grandparent household, Vernon-James Riley knows firsthand the power of education to open doors of opportunity and transform lives. Formerly the Vice Provost of National Leadership Programs at Relay Graduate School of Education, Vernon-James has led professional development and provided coaching in school culture, data-driven instruction, and strategic planning for leaders nationwide. Previously, as Principal of North Star Academy Charter School in Newark, NJ, he led his school to academic success, with all grades exceeding state averages in Math and outperforming non-economically disadvantaged students in ELA. Vernon-James also brings experience as a teacher, Dean of Students, and Director of Operations. Currently, Vernon-James is a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School, having earned degrees from Yale University, Michigan State University, Teachers’ College Columbia University, and Relay Graduate School of Education. Vernon-James also is also licensed as a District Administrator. An alumnus of Education Pioneers and the Leverage Leadership Institute, currently pursuing certification as a Data Wise Coach, Vernon-James combines his deep expertise and diverse background to guide leaders toward impactful and sustainable results.
FAQs
How long is the Focused Feedback Academy?
The Focused Feedback Academy is a six-week program designed to give you the tools, practice, and accountability you need to transform your feedback. Sessions run from October 20 – December 5, 2025. We will pause the program the week of Thanksgiving (Nov 24–28) since most schools are closed. The final week (Week 6) will take place December 1–5.
What if I can’t attend a session live?
Life happens, and we know leaders are busy. All sessions are recorded and uploaded to our private Facebook group within 24 hours. You’ll also receive session handouts and reflection prompts so you can stay fully caught up, even if you miss a live call. Plus, your accountability buddy and the group community ensure you’re never learning in isolation.
Can my school or district pay for this program?
Yes. Many leaders use their Professional Development (PD) funds or school budgets to cover enrollment. We offer both direct checkout (credit card/PayPal) and an invoice option for schools or districts. To make the process easier, we’ve created a letter template you can edit and share with your principal, budget manager, or decision maker. link to the PD funding letter
Will I get one-on-one support, or is this only group coaching?
Both. In addition to the small-group coaching (max 10 participants), every leader receives a 30-minute 1:1 coaching session with a VJR Consulting coach. You can schedule this session anytime during the Academy or within two weeks after the program ends — as long as it’s completed before December break. That’s your chance to get personalized feedback on your own context, challenges, and next steps.
I’m already an experienced leader. Is this program right for me?
Absolutely. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned instructional principal, the Academy helps you sharpen your skills, not just learn the basics. Experienced leaders tell us they value the chance to practice in a coached environment and to walk away with a framework that makes their feedback more consistent, focused, and effective.
How much time should I expect to commit each week?
Plan for about 2–3 hours per week. That includes the 90-minute Tuesday session, an optional Thursday Q&A, and weekly “homework.” But this isn’t busywork — it’s job-embedded practice. You’ll choose one teacher in your school and apply what you learn: observing their instruction, identifying high-leverage feedback, engaging them in a coaching conversation, re-observing, and giving real-time feedback. In other words, you’re doing the work you already do as an instructional leader — just with tighter focus, new tools, and structured support.
What results can I expect by the end of the program?
Leaders who implement our framework consistently see teachers acting on their feedback within weeks, leading to stronger instruction and improved student outcomes. By the end of the six weeks, you’ll not only know how to give clear, actionable feedback — you’ll have practiced it, tested it, and seen results in your school.
What if I’m on the fence?
That’s normal. The best way to know is to ask: Do I want my feedback to actually change teacher practice and student learning? If the answer is yes, this program is designed for you. With only 10 seats available and enrollment closing October 10, waiting usually means missing out until the next cohort.
What kinds of tools and resources will I get?
You’ll leave with a proven framework for focused feedback, plus ready-to-use templates, checklists, and guides to make implementation faster. These resources are designed to be plug-and-play — so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You’ll also get recordings of every session to revisit anytime.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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This enrollment offer is valid during the public registration period from October 1–10, 2025, with Early Bird pricing available until October 3, 2025.
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Enrollment is limited to ten (10) seats, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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All participants who enroll will receive the bonuses:
Get Better Faster 2.0 book (mailed to the address provided).
One (1) extra month in the private leadership community.
One (1) 30-minute 1:1 coaching session with a VJR coach.
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Payment is required at the time of enrollment to secure your seat. Schools and districts may cover registration costs using Professional Development (PD) funds. Access funding request letter. In this case an Invoice will be sent.
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All sales are final, and no refunds will be issued once payment has been processed. Transfers to a future cohort may be considered only if requested before the first live session and are subject to availability.
DISCLAIMERS
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The Focused Feedback Academy is a standalone program and is not tied to any other VJR Consulting packages or engagements.
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The promotional rates and bonuses apply exclusively to this registration period.
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VJR Consulting reserves the right to modify or cancel the program in case of unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, participants will be notified promptly and offered transfer or credit options.
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VJR Consulting will provide high-quality coaching, resources, and community support tailored to instructional leadership development. However, we cannot guarantee that you or your organization will achieve specific goals or outcomes solely through participation. Your active engagement, completion of assignments, and application of the strategies provided will ultimately determine the results in your context.