Cooke
Institute

Evidence-based coaching
and professional development
our mission

Helping educators reach every learner

Our mission is to empower educators to effectively meet the unique learning abilities and needs of their students so that every student can reach their full potential.
Discover how Cooke Institute can help:
WHO WE ARE

We are educators and leaders, just like you.

As a division of the Cooke School, we share the belief that all children deserve an education that leads to an independent future — one in which they can be included as integral members of the community. Since 1995, Cooke Institute (CI) has expanded this vision by sharing our knowledge and expertise with others through on-going coaching, consulting, and professional development activities.

We are a leading resource in the field of literacy, special education, inclusion, and interventions, proudly supporting school leaders and teachers in a variety of schools across New York City, including those in some of the most diverse and underserved communities. We work side-by-side with educators to elevate the educational experiences for all students, especially those with unique learning needs.
Together, we’ll make sure every student’s learning needs are met.
what we do

We differentiate professional learning through collaborative partnerships.

By partnering with districts, schools, and community-based early childhood organizations, we empower educators as they gain new knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based practices and new teaching approaches to reach every student.
bridging the gap
Personalized CI coaching allows school leaders and Pre-K-Grade 8 teachers to incorporate research into everyday teaching practices that are transformative. In order to reach every learner, a specialized focus on students with unique needs in urban classrooms is fundamental to our work together.

The result: Curriculum and instruction are accessible to all students and outcomes improve.
partnering for greatest impact
We bring our approach to you by using turn-key strategies that build educators’ capacity to become reflective, confident and resilient leaders in their classroom and in their school.

The result: Educators develop, adapt, and advance their teaching practices, strategies and approaches to optimize learning.
our services

Cooke Institute’s expert coaches come to you.

Grounded in research and backed by empirical evidence, Cooke Institute equips you with the knowledge, skills and strategies to address and meet the challenges of today’s classrooms, spanning Pre-K-Grade 8.

The learning journey begins with the trusting relationships our coaches form with educators. Upon this foundation, coaches work side-by-side with teachers and school leaders to provide real-time support, guide practice and mastery of content, and inform on innovative teaching methods and classroom management techniques. As a result, teacher effectiveness increases, paving the way for successful student outcomes.

Within the context of the school's chosen curriculum, our expert coaches collaborate with teachers to support and enhance the implementation of instruction and assessment, while specializing in guiding targeted interventions and differentiation to reach each student.
our approach

What drives us?

We are driven by our belief that when educators actively engage in consistent coaching and meaningful professional development, growth is unstoppable: teaching practices change and student outcomes improve.

Based on 25+ years of experience, Cooke Institute has amplified evidence-based practices in special education and inclusive strategies across academic subject areas while setting the standard for a highly effective approach to support general education teachers and school leaders. We guide our partners to develop and build their capacity to teach subject matter using innovative methods to meet the unique needs of their students.
We’re with you every step of the way. Explore the four pillars of our approach.

Our annual impact

Students Impacted

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Educators Impacted

+

Coaching & Training Hours Provided

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STUDENT OUTCOMES

Improving teacher effectiveness improves student reading

Proficiency in English Language Arts
In NYC classrooms where teachers received and engaged with Cooke coaching, 64% of students achieved proficiency in English Language Arts on the New York State Exam in Spring 2023, as compared with the overall NYC ELA proficiency rate of 51.7%.
Cooke Coached Classrooms
(64%)
NYC ELA Proficiency Rate
(51.7%)
NWEA MAP Reading Assessment
The NWEA MAP Reading Assessment was administered to all of our K-Grade 8 partner schools. On average in NYC, classrooms that received Cooke coaching exceeded growth expectations in reading when compared to classrooms that did not receive Cooke coaching services.
Average expected growth increase based on national norm is 9.25 points. Based on an analysis of weighted means of fall to spring gain scores.
AVERAGE CLASSROOM GROWTH INCREASE FROM FALL 2022 - SPRING 2023, K-8
Cooke Coached Classrooms
(10.38 points)
Non-Cooke Classrooms
(7.6 points)
Spotlight on Coaching for Inclusion
When we provided coaching focused on a holistic approach to support inclusion at 4 pilot schools, we found that teachers advanced their teaching practices to effectively teach students with a range of learning and social emotional needs, and as a result, students in eleven K - 3rd grade Cooke coached classrooms also soared in reading achievement gains.
Average expected growth increase based on national norm is 13.91 points. Based on an analysis of weighted means of fall to spring gain scores.
AVERAGE CLASSROOM GROWTH INCREASE FROM FALL 2022 - SPRING 2023, K-3
Coaching for Inclusion
(20.19 points)
Non-Cooke Classrooms
(13.95 points)
teacher results

Transforming classroom teaching practices

Each spring, CI shares a coaching feedback survey with the teachers and school leaders we work with. Consistently year after year, 100% of respondents report impactful change in teaching practices, with significant change reported in developing knowledge to implement evidence-based instruction to teach literacy skills.
of surveyed respondents
report impactful change


Our coach is extremely kind and is willing to meet the teachers "where they are at" in order to help them grow. She takes stock in our school, knowing each student by name as well as their strengths and weaknesses., Our program would not be what it is without the collaboration with Cooke. I am personally very grateful for having been working with Cooke.

Principal, Staten Island


My coach was an integral part of my success as a teacher this year. As my first year in a new grade level, I was nervous and unsure of myself. She was always there with supportive, constructive feedback. Her commitment and dedication are palpable. My student’s faces light up any time I tell them our coach is coming to visit. She truly is amazing and I am so grateful for her coaching this year.

2nd Grade Teacher, the Bronx
FUNDING

There are a variety of ways to pay for our services.

Looking for more information or to discuss your needs?
Meet the team

Leadership

Aliza Kushner

Aliza Kushner

Director of Cooke Institute

Elizabeth (Beth) Carr

Elizabeth (Beth) Carr

Senior Program Specialist: Literacy & Special Education

Susan Devlin

Susan Devlin

Senior Program Specialist: Early Childhood & Professional Development

Consultants

Partners

contact us

Ready to empower your teachers?

Let’s Connect!


My coach is an amazing coach and provides so much support for her teachers. She guided me to be a better teacher, and has allowed me to grow as a teacher with the techniques she modeled. She would also listen to my concerns as a teacher, and help me brainstorm ways for improvement inside my classroom. We would always meet to discuss and reflect after the lesson. She is an amazing person, and mentor and I am so happy I was given the opportunity to work with her this school year.

4th Grade Teacher, Staten Island


I feel more prepared to handle challenging behaviors in the classroom. There are systems in place to avoid triggers that will result in the behavior(s) but also tools to address the behaviors when they do occur.

Pre-K Teacher, Manhattan


Our coach was an absolute asset in our K-2 Early Childhood tract. The teachers all commend her for contributing to the upswing in both in class performance and increased MAP scores.

Principal, the Bronx
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
Cooke School and Institute admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Planning Giving

Legacy giving is very important to Cooke’s sustainability.  Please contact Michael Eaton at Advancement@Cookeschool.org for more information.

Through the Affinity Membership Program, TD Bank will make an annual contribution to Cooke School based on the activity of all participating members’ TD Bank accounts.

Eligible accounts include:

  • Checking – Business & Consumer

  • Savings

  • Money Market

  • Certificate of Deposit

  • Retirement

If you are already a TD Bank customer, please visit any one of their locations and ask to have your balances included as part of the Cooke’s Affinity Membership Program (code: A1923).

Please see the Affinity Membership Program flyer for more information.