
The Building Thinking Classrooms® Summer Coaching Institute
We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our second cohort for a Building Thinking Classrooms® Coaching Institute! We recognize that with support of Peter and the greater BTC community, there are many ways for K-12 leaders and educators to learn about BTC, engage in their own professional growth, and support the growth of others. From the books and book studies, to in-district professional development, to the BTC Annual Conference and other regional conferences and conference sessions, to the social media groups, webinars, podcasts, and through Rocket PD and Grassroots Workshops. We want there to be as much access as possible, and yet, we also know there is an unfulfilled need for coaches and leaders looking for the guidance and clarity they need to support the teachers they serve.
In an effort to meet that need, we have designed a BTC Summer Coaching Institute!
What Can You Expect?
This invitation to join a cohort of coaches includes:
Five full days of learning, including:
Three 8-hour days of participation as a learner in the Teacher Institute led by Peter Liljedahl, where you will also experience the workshop through the lens of a coach as facilitated by Amy Chang and Tom Lewis
Two full 8-hour days of coaching-focused workshops led by Peter, Amy, and Tom
One year of ongoing regular online support as part of a cohort of coaches
Entry into a community of like-minded professionals
*Note: Although the workshops will focus primarily on mathematics instruction, there will be opportunity for discussion around how to use BTC in other subject areas.
What Will You Leave With?
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A greater understanding of Building Thinking Classrooms and plans for supporting educators within your realm of responsibility
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A 1-year designation as a “Building Thinking Classrooms Certified Coach”
What Is a BTC Certified Coach?
Being designated as a BTC Certified Coach means:
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You have completed all 40 hours of the 5 day institute
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You have been trained to deliver 3 days' worth of BTC workshop content to teachers within the district in which you work
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You have grown your capacity to provide ongoing support of teachers on their journey, how to coach and co-teach in the classroom with a teacher, and how to help teachers navigate the complex space between desired pedagogy and educational systems
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You can renew your certification for a second year upon submission of a portfolio showcasing your coaching work in the first year of certification. Additional support may be made available to you after the first year for an additional fee.
Being designated as a BTC Certified Coach does not mean:
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It does not mean that you are certified to certify anyone else as a BTC Coach or a BTC Teacher
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It does not mean that you may advertise yourself as a Building Thinking Classrooms® representative, official team member, or independent consultant
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It is not a pathway to becoming an official team member of Peter’s team
Who Should Apply?
Our goal is to increase access to educational leaders who work in a district or a not-for-profit educational services center to coach and support teachers as they build thinking classrooms. We want to help you help the teachers you work with and to help you reach the teachers who don’t otherwise have access to BTC. However, because our space is limited to 30 participants, there is an application process. You are the ideal Institute candidate if:
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You work in a district
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You are currently in midst of initiative to bring BTC to teachers in district and need to build capacity in PD and ongoing support, or
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Your district is about to embark on widespread implementation and you need to build capacity, or
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You find there is a groundswell of interest coming from teachers who are working individually to build thinking classrooms and your district wants to build capacity to support those teachers, or
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You are a coach interested in bringing BTC to your district, and want to hone your understanding and support skills
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You are not a private consultant and you will agree to only apply what you learn within the district or educational service center in which you work
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You agree not to market yourself as a BTC consultant or trainer outside of the jurisdiction in which you work
The Details
When?
July 20-24, 2026
Where?
Davis, CA
Cost?
$4,500. Includes 5 days of workshops, a hosted dinner, lunches, a complete set of BTC books, one year of certification (renewable for a second year with submission of a portfolio)
About the venue:
In partnership with the UC Davis Math Project and Davis Joint Unified School District, this event will take place in the amazing multipurpose STEM complex at:
DaVinci Charter Academy
1400 E. Eighth Street
Davis, CA 95616
Application process:
With limited space, we are asking for prospective attendees to fill out an application at the link below by December 15, 2025. Accepted applicants will be notified by January 15, 2026. Others will be added to a waitlist and invited as space becomes available.
For questions: inquiries@buildingthinkingclassrooms.com

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