2026-27 Cohort Training Program
“This program doesn’t just change educators — it transforms teams.”
— Nikki D., Center Director
Whole-Child Learning. School-Wide Impact
Now enrolling for Summer and Fall 2026 cohorts.
A holistic professional development experience with practical, concrete tools that strengthen educators, support every learner, and transform classroom communities.
Thanks to generous support from local funders, tuition is fully funded for eligible early educators in Grafton, Sullivan, Orange, and Windsor Counties. Educators and organizations outside these regions are also welcome to participate, and Creative Lives is happy to assist groups in exploring funding opportunities.
Educators train in collaborative cohorts so that schools and centers can build a shared language, stronger team alignment, and lasting cultural change.
A Different Kind of Professional Development
Grounded in Ellen Tadd’s Framework for Wise Education®, this training helps educators better understand:
Focus and attention
Emotional regulation
Confidence and self-esteem
Motivation and inspiration
Behavior and relationships
And the deeper developmental needs underlying student struggles
Participants learn practical strategies they can apply immediately with children, while also strengthening their own well-being, clarity, and effectiveness as educators.
2025 Cohort Outcomes
93% of graduates reported greater access to joy and inspiration at work after training.
92% reported improvement or significant improvement in their ability to help children:
navigate emotions,
strengthen focus,
and make wise decisions.
What Educators Are Saying
“This program doesn’t just change educators — it transforms teams.”
— Nikki D., Center Director
“…By week four, the approach made so much sense to me. Before this training, I was considering leaving the field of education. Now I am more committed than ever.” — Ben L., Grade 5–6 Teacher
“Applying my knowledge of the Framework to raising my children and working with students has changed how I approach almost everything. I pause, find my focus, and support children as whole, intrinsically beautiful beings. I’m finding a renewed love of teaching.”
— Jess C., Early Educator
“Coming into my 20th year of teaching, I wonder: was this what was missing the whole time? Before, we were trying to regulate children while we were dysregulated ourselves. Now, everything is different.”
— Moriah C., Early Educator
What the Cohort Program Includes
The 2026–27 Cohort Program includes:
Foundations 1
45 hours PD or 1 graduate credit*
A live course focused on understanding and strengthening the seven Framework categories in ourselves and our students.
Foundations 2
45 hours PD or 1 graduate credit*
A practicum-based course in which educators apply the Framework directly with children and classroom communities.
Retreats and Site Support
Participants also receive:
In-person retreat experiences
Weekly partner/group practice
One individualized site visit for demonstrations, consultation, coaching, and team support — whatever is most helpful. this will count as additional PD time.
Cohort Options
Cohort A
Limited to 20 learners
Foundations 1
(summer intensive format)
Course opens Monday, June 24th
In Person classes*:
Saturday–Sunday, June 27–28, 2026
9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily
Hanover/Norwich area location TBA
This course also includes four follow-up sessions on Zoom Tuesday evenings from 6:30–8:00 PM: July 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. The weekend intensive will include guided instruction, meaningful discussion, and interactive activities with time for reflection, reading, and writing. No further class meetings.
*Note: Foundations 2—Zoom classes will be held on Monday evenings. See details below.
Foundations 2:
Course opens Friday, September 11
Live Zoom Classes: Mondays, September 14 – November 9, 2026 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Final work due: November 16th
Closing Retreat
In person on Saturday, November 21, 2026
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (Location TBA in the Hanover/Norwich area)
Cohort B
Limited to 15 learners
Foundations 1
Course opens Monday, September 14
Live Zoom Classes:
Thursdays, September 17 – November 12, 2026 from 6:30–8:00 p.m. live on Zoom
Final work due: November 20th
Foundations 2
Course opens Monday January 3rd
Live Zoom Classes: Thursdays, January 7 – March 4, 2027 from 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Final work due: March 10
Closing Retreat
Saturday, March 13
9:30 am - 2:30 pm location TBA (Hanover/Norwich area)
Graduate Credit and Professional Development
Participants may choose either:
90+ hours of Professional Development
Up to 2 graduate credits through Southern New Hampshire University
($120 per credit; graduate credit fees are not covered by scholarship funding)
Program Cost
The standard tuition rate is: $1,800 per educator
Scholarship funding currently covers tuition for eligible early educators participating in the 2026–27 Cohort Program from Grafton and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire, and Orange and Windsor Counties, Vermont. Educators and organizations outside these regions are warmly encouraged to apply. Creative Lives can assist with identifying potential funding sources and provide a comprehensive program information sheet designed to address the questions most commonly asked by grant makers and sponsors.
Enrollment Information
Enrollment is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Educators must enroll in teams of three or more from the same center, school, or organization.
Note: we will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. A short Zoom Meeting introduction to the details of the program is required to confirm your space in the program.
To begin the enrollment process, or contact us with questions, please complete the form below.
Commitment Policy
Because scholarship funding reserves a place specifically for each participant, accepted educators are asked to commit fully to the program once enrolled.
Participants may withdraw within the first two weeks of a course without financial obligation. After that period, participants who withdraw for reasons other than significant unforeseen circumstances may be responsible for reimbursing a portion of the scholarship-supported tuition.
Inquire or Enroll Your Team
Read more about our Cohort Program Outcomes
Collective application reinforces learning for students
Shared skills and strategies support peer collaboration
A shared holistic approach builds community
“If I could wave a magic wand, I would put this Framework into the hands of every teacher and parent around the world. It’s that important.”
— Liz Wiley, Director of the Marion Institute