•Leadership

Instructional Leadership Community of Practice

Great schools start with great leaders. Since 2018, we’ve partnered with school leaders and their instructional teams to ignite student success through excellence in teaching and learning. By equipping educators with research-backed strategies, high-quality instructional materials, and a culture of continuous improvement, we help schools create classrooms where every student thrives.

Math Cop Session 1 Educators Around Conference Table
Interested in learning more about the Instructional Leadership Community of Practice?

We’re eager to partner with TK–5 WCCUSD principals who are ready to grow their own leadership, strengthen their teams, and drive lasting impact. Our application for the 2026-27 school year will open in the spring of 2026.

Opens Spring 2026
ILCoP Apply Here

Overview

We’re building a powerful community of TK–5 principals and instructional leaders who are committed to accelerating student learning in ELA and Math. As a member, you’ll strengthen your skills in delivering high-quality instruction, deepen your ability to analyze student data, and gain new tools to support your team’s growth.

Through collaboration with fellow principals, instructional leaders, and expert coaches, you’ll not only expand your knowledge but also build the capacity to drive lasting academic improvement at your school. Together, we’re cultivating leadership that ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive.

WATCH: Peres K-8 School principal Colette West shares what she gains as a member of CEF’s Instructional Learning Community of Practice.

Eligibility

All West Contra Costa elementary schools are invited to apply. Applications will be reviewed and selected based on the following criteria:
  • Leadership Commitment: Principal and leadership team are committed to instructional improvement and active participation.
  • Team Stability & Capacity: Key staff members are likely to remain in their roles and have the capacity to engage in partnership work.
  • Openness to Coaching & Collaboration: Willingness to engage in feedback, professional learning, and peer collaboration to engage in meaningful change for student outcomes.
  • Schools with 80%+ Socio-Economically Disadvantaged will be given priority.

Participant Stories

•Instruction,
Curriculum
How Lincoln Elementary Made a Midyear Literacy Leap
Principal Taylor Parham With A Young Reader
In January, Lincoln Elementary School in Richmond, led by Principal Taylor Parham, implemented the "Walk to Read" model, a targeted literacy intervention to accelerate reading proficiency for all students.
Read More
•Instruction,
Principals
ILCoP & Instruction Partners: The Movement Transforming WCCUSD Classrooms
Helene Burks and Brittany Maynard-Gini and Instruction Partners staff
The Chamberlin Education Foundation’s Instructional Leadership Community of Practice (ILCoP) is transforming classrooms across WCCUSD, with principals and teachers collaborating to elevate instruction through tools like the Instructional Practice Guide (IPG).
Read More
•Instruction,
Curriculum
Leaping Forward in Literacy
Teacher Teaching Students With Theme Leaping Forward In Literacy
Nystrom Elementary achieved an eight percent leap in state literacy scores by implementing its innovative Walk to Read model, which provides differentiated instruction informed by ongoing SIPPS and DIBELS assessments.
Read More
See All Stories

2025-26 Participating Schools

Instructional Learning Partners 2025-2026

•Instruction
Professional Development
Instructional Leadership Community of Practice 1
102 Group
learn more
Curriculum
Core Learning
Core Learning
learn more
•Instruction
Professional Development
Instructional Leadership Community of Practice 2
Instruction Partners
learn more
•Instruction
Professional Development
Instructional Leadership Community of Practice 3
TNTP
learn more
•Instruction
Professional Development
Instructional Leadership Community of Practice 4
UnboundEd
learn more

FAQ

Yes. The 26-27 IL CoP application will be released in Spring 2026.

All West Contra Costa elementary Schools are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to elementary and K-8 schools that serve >80% socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

For math and ELA, participating ILCoP schools must utilize materials that are highly aligned to the Common Core State Standards (green-rated on EdReports.org). Principals and teaching teams have secured waivers from the district and agreements with the United Teachers of Richmond to ensure mutual agreement that the curriculum meets the highest standards and can be implemented successfully as designed at each site.

We would love for you to attend an ILCoP training session and/or visit a school! Please subscribe on this page (in the yellow section above) and a representative from CEF will contact you shortly.

Thank you for your interest! Please subscribe on this page (in the yellow section above) and a representative from CEF will reach out to you shortly to discuss whether the ILCoP might be a good fit for the needs at your school.

Great! Please reach out to use at info@chamberlinfoundation.org and a member of our team will reach out to you.

Through the ILCoP alone, CEF has contributed more than $6+ million in curriculum materials, professional development, coaching, and conference scholarships to WCCUSD schools.