Elevate Your Leadership with the CAST UDL Coaching Academy
In today’s evolving PreK-12 educational landscape, district leaders and instructional coaches play a critical role in delivering high-impact trainings that build inclusive, barrier-free learning environments. Grounded in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework developed by CAST, this instructor-led UDL Coaching Academy equips educational leaders to move beyond one-off professional development sessions and facilitate sustainable, equity-centered coaching that drives systemic change and elevates classroom instruction.
Designed for educators with a foundation in UDL who currently lead professional learning and district trainings, this facilitated program bridges the gap between instructional design theory and advanced coaching practice. Participants will master strategies to design flexible coaching cycles, apply CAST tools during coaching sessions, and guide teachers to proactively address barriers in curriculum and lesson design. Our adaptable framework integrates seamlessly into your school or district’s existing PD models and training programs.
Throughout the academy, leaders will integrate advanced UDL-aligned concepts into their real-world coaching, building capacity for professional development and documenting their impact through a structured coaching portfolio. The portfolio serves as both a reflective tool and a formal demonstration of coaching effectiveness as part of the credentialing process.
Earn Your CAST Coaching Credential
Successful completion of the course and portfolio earns the official CAST Coaching Credential 1: Coaching Teachers and Teams and unlocks entry into the Coaching Academy Alumni Network—connecting you with a nationwide community of leaders for ongoing professional learning, shared resources, and collaborative growth.
What You Will Learn
- Advanced strategies for applying the UDL framework and instructional design principles in both individual and team coaching contexts.
- Frameworks for designing and facilitating flexible, high-impact professional development coaching cycles tailored to your school or district’s needs.
- Methods for training educators to identify, analyze, and minimize systemic and instructional barriers in lesson and curriculum design.
- Techniques for modeling official CAST tools and UDL-aligned resources during coaching conversations, workshops, and district-wide trainings.
- Strategies for evaluating professional learning and documenting your coaching impact through a structured portfolio.
Registration and Enrollment
The pilot session of the UDL Coaching Academy runs from October 8, 2026, to May 13, 2027. Because an application is required to participate in the pilot, please contact our Online Offerings team to request your UDL Coaching Academy Application. Once submitted, we will reach out with the next steps.
Fee: $2,995 per person for the 2026-2027 pilot cohort beginning in October. (Note: Registration will increase to $4,000 per person for future offerings.)
Session Duration: Live sessions run from October 8, 2026, to May 13, 2027. You’ll continue to have access to course materials for reference and review through November 2027.
Who should enroll?
The UDL Coaching Academy is designed for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, school and district leaders, and educators who support adult learning and professional practice improvement. Participants should already have a foundational understanding of the UDL framework and are ready to deepen their practice through coaching, application, and implementation.
Live sessions run from October 8, 2026, to May 13, 2027. You will continue to have access to course materials for reference and review until the end of November 2027.
This multi-month course is designed to support ongoing, job-embedded learning and application. Each month includes:
- A 90-minute live, instructor-led Zoom session
- Approximately 60 minutes of guided learning within Canvas
- 2–3 hours of in-field application to implement coaching practices in your own context
Participants will also have access to optional monthly office hours to connect with the course facilitator, ask questions, and receive additional support.
Live Session Dates
All live sessions will be held on the second Thursday of each month from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm ET via Zoom. While active participation is encouraged, session recordings will be available for those unable to attend live.
- October 8, 2026
- November 12, 2026
- December 10, 2026
- January 14, 2027
- February 11, 2027
- March 11, 2027
- April 8, 2027
- May 13, 2027
Participants who successfully complete the course and required materials will receive a certificate of completion, and earn the CAST Coaching Credential 1: Coaching Teachers and Teams.
The CAST Coaching Credential 1 is valid for three years. Because impactful coaching grows alongside evolving research, maintenance is required to renew your credential. The renewal process supports your professional growth through real-world artifacts, reflections, and ongoing learning. By maintaining your credential, you stay sharp with cutting-edge UDL tools, demonstrate lasting impact, and stay connected to a vibrant community of passionate leaders.
If you require an invoice or Purchase Order for payment you can request a quote from our Online Courses team.
All Purchase Orders should be uploaded to the Purchase Order Submission Form at the time of registration.
Please see our Course Withdrawal Policy.
Withdrawal requests must be submitted via email to our Online Courses team.
For additional information about our PreK-12 courses, classes, or customized learning opportunities, please contact our Online Courses team, or explore the different ways CAST’s Professional Learning can help support your professional development.
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