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Bonus Keynote Added to National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes Agenda

Bonus Keynote Added to National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes Agenda

On Wednesday, July 22, Ernesto Rodriguez, Founder/Director of Kindful Restorations in Riverside, California, will present Direct Instruction: Not Only for Reading But Also for Building a Better Life. Ernesto will share his personal journey, first serving over two decades in prison, with over half a dozen years in solitary confinement. Now, within two years of his release, he is leading a multi-million-dollar nonprofit. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the principles of DI and how they benefit self and others. This very powerful four-minute video captures Erneso’s past and movement to the future.

Registration for the conference will open soon! Make your plans to be in Eugene July 20-24, 2026! You can start now by securing your lodging for the conference week at the Graduate Hotel. Located in downtown Eugene, the Graduate is steps away from restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options.

Reservations can be made by calling 1.800.991.8903 and referring to booking code 92N or online by clicking here.

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Interested in learning how to implement Direct Instruction in your district, school, or home? NIFDI can help. Click a button below to learn more. 

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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.