Build Connections to Reach Every Student
Be a Change-Maker in Your School System
Gain Trust with Colleagues, Parents, & the Community
And Don’t Do It Alone!
The Lead Learners is your Professional Development advantage, giving you access to the best coaching, content, and community of leaders from the classroom to the central office.
New course launching Spring 2026
Anchored Presence
Support teachers, guide students, and stay steady when classrooms get tricky.
12 Week Digital Course
”Every presentation is practical and leaves you equipped with ideas to try right away, making an immediate difference in your work life.
These sessions are so positive and encouraging, and they help you understand how to grow in your work through the strengths that you already have.
Julie C.Teacher
Welcome to
The Lead Learners Community
Lead Learners gives you access to industry-best coaching, content, and a network of like-minded professionals making education better for everyone.
Instructional Coaches
Do you lead professional development in your school system, coaching teachers and implementing curriculum programs? When your leadership is most effective, you’re impacting every student that your teachers invest in, both today and in the future.
The Lead Learners Community:
Your New Superpower
Two options. One life-changing membership.
Core Community
Your no-cost community that moves educators from isolation to connection, offering monthly clarity, professional development, and meaningful relationships.
Connected Coaches
Become a more capable, confident instructional leader with a structured leadership development system built around coaching, implementation support, and a network of like-minded educational leaders. Plus we have a ton of fun!
What’s Included
Monthly Coach-to-Coach Session
35-minute Zoom call with Ruth Ayres each month. Includes a short training, breakout rooms with other coaches, and a brief Q&A. People describe it as “the best 35 minutes of their month!”
Connected Bonus
Connected Coaches get priority during the Q&A, plus you’ll receive support in building your implementation plan with feedback from Ruth and the community.
Async Support
Can’t make the live session? No problem! Access that month’s Coach-to-Coach anytime.
Connected Bonus
Access the entire archive. Watch any past month’s call whenever you need to revisit what’s most relevant to you.
Receive 2 hand-picked articles written by education experts from all over the country each month, allowing you deeper understanding of that month’s focus.
Connected Bonus
Get a FULL Choice Literacy membership with access to over 5,000 articles, videos, resources. Plus, receive the Big Fresh Newsletter, a curated list of recent articles right in your inbox. (A $149 value!)
PLUS, for Connected Coaches only:
Office Hours with Ruth
Pop into a monthly Zoom room with Ruth and other Connected Coaches to get feedback and gain insights for handling tricky situations.
From-the-Field Tips
Trainings led by fellow Lead Learners who share real strategies they used to get results in their schools that you can adapt, make your own, and apply right away.
Think Tank Workshops
In-person workshops (or virtual events) focused on renewal, clarity, and advanced leadership skill-building at key points throughout the year.
AND Connected Coaches get a discount to…
The Annual Coaches Summit
This 2-day live foundations-focused event is dedicated to supporting coaches with the latest strategies, endless inspiration, powerhouse speakers, and access to an ambitious and supportive community of fellow go-getters.
All Lead Learners members, including the Core Community, get first access to register when tickets become available.
Your Investment
Your Lead Learners Membership is an investment in you, your school, and the lives of your students.
Typical Conferences
$1,500+
Other coaches and conferences pack everything into a one-off experience without ongoing support.
Core Community
Free
A total no-brainer! Join us each month and grow as an instructional coach.
Connected Coaches
$947
Invest in you and your school system! (Paid annually, or $495 for 6 months.)
”Ruth’s witty humor makes professional development a joy. She’s worked with all levels of students as a teacher and could relate to everyone. Our staff members loved her sessions and have requested she come back again soon.
AmySuperintendent
Without Lead Learners
- Stay isolated and hope for the best
- Follow a handful of blogs and ad-hoc online resources that may or may not help
- Wonder if you’re even making a difference
With Lead Learners
- Connect with other educational leaders, grow your network, and feel confident you’re bringing the best approaches to your school system
- Engage with structured Professional Development resources built to work for you and give you what you need to thrive
- Confidently lead others, impact your school, and remember why you became an educator in the first place.
FAQs
Who is Lead Learners for?
Lead Learners is for educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders who want to grow without feeling isolated. If you care deeply about teaching, learning, and leading people well, you’ll fit right in.
What do I get when I join the free community?
You’ll get access to ongoing conversations, monthly clarity, shared learning, and connection with other educators who understand your work. It’s designed to be a supportive, no-cost entry point that actually adds value right away.
How is this different from a course or one-time event?
Most professional development happens in isolation and ends when the event is over. Lead Learners is built for ongoing growth through relationships, shared practice, and real-world application over time.
What makes the paid community (Connected Coaches) different?
The Connected Coaches community offers a structured leadership development experience with coaching, training, and implementation support. It’s for educators who want deeper guidance, accountability, and practical tools they can use immediately.
Is this relevant if I’m not an instructional coach or administrator?
Yes. While many members serve in leadership roles, the community is valuable for any educator who wants to lead well, collaborate meaningfully, and grow in confidence and skill.
How much time does this require?
You can engage at a pace that works for you. Some members check in monthly for clarity and encouragement, while others participate more actively. There’s no pressure to “keep up.”
Is there a long-term commitment?
No. The free community is always free, and paid options are clearly outlined so you can decide what level of support makes sense for you.
What if I join and decide it’s not for me?
That’s okay. The free community lets you experience the culture, conversations, and value before deciding whether deeper support is right for you.
Why is there a waitlist?
Lead Learners isn’t meant to be a drop-in, come-and-go community. We open enrollment a few times a year so leaders can begin together, build trust, and grow through shared leadership journeys.
How do I get started?
Simply join the free Lead Learners community. From there, you’ll be able to explore resources, connect with others, and decide if you want to take the next step.
Make a Greater Impact Than Ever Before
Lead Learners equips educators and instructional leaders with the clarity, tools, and confidence they need to lead well and make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.
Intentional Professional Growth
Development that’s structured, sustainable, and designed for real leadership work.
A Community that Gets It
Learn alongside educators who share your challenges, values, and commitment to students.
Resources that Meet the Moment
Timely tools and ideas you can apply immediately, not someday.