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Carl Hendrick to Present Keynote at the National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes!

Carl Hendrick to Present Keynote at the National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes!

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Carl Hendrick will be the featured keynote speaker at the National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes in Eugene, Oregon, on July 21, 2026.

Dr. Hendrick is an internationally recognized expert in the science of learning and instructional design. He is a professor at Academica University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam and leads research projects that bridge cognitive science, educational psychology, and classroom practice. He recently wrote a post on his Substack titled “10 Rules for Designing Effective Instruction.” He does an excellent job of summarizing the most important points Engelmann and Carnine make in their classic Theory of Instruction. It is both insightful and useful.

In the coming months, we will be releasing information on the conference, but we wanted to share this exciting news now so you can start making your plans to be in Eugene July 20-24!

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What is a Peer Coach?

Peer coaches play a critical role in sustaining strong implementation of Direct Instruction (DI) at the school level. Selected during the first year of implementation, peer coaches are classroom teachers who demonstrate strong instructional practice, effective communication with colleagues, and a willingness to support others. Because they teach the same programs as their peers, they bring practical expertise and shared experience that help build trust and collaboration across the school.

As implementation progresses, peer coaches extend the impact of NIFDI consultants by providing ongoing, school-based support when consultants are not on-site. Their coaching is non-evaluative and focused on improving student outcomes. Peer coaches reinforce effective teaching practices and guide colleagues to make targeted adjustments that directly impact student performance and behavior.

Peer coaches participate in a structured, multi-year training sequence through NIFDI. Over the course of two to three years, they are trained to analyze student performance data, conduct both brief and extended classroom observations, and support data-driven problem solving. Advanced training prepares them to lead grade-level meetings and contribute to broader instructional planning with school leadership.

By developing peer coaches, schools build internal capacity to maintain and strengthen DI implementation over time—ensuring continuity, supporting new staff, and driving sustained student achievement.