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K12
The ReAction 2025 virtual conference brought together leading voices in K–12 and higher education to spotlight what’s working in teacher development today—and what’s next. Across dozens of sessions, a few key themes stood out: elevating feedback through video, strengthening mentoring and induction programs, embracing educator identity, and using innovative tools to bridge time and access gaps. From brand-new teachers to teacher educators, here are the most impactful takeaways.
Video-based coaching and feedback were key themes of ReAction. Across all contexts, whether in a university prep program or a K–12 district, speakers emphasized the importance of giving and receiving feedback that is actionable, timely, and rooted in trust.
Video was also highlighted as a key enabler of multi-source feedback. Dr. Jennie Carr from Bridgewater College noted how she uses video tools like GoReact to give candidates self-paced, personalized feedback they can reflect on over time—something that would be impossible with traditional in-person observation alone.
This shift from one-way evaluation to two-way coaching reinforced a broader theme across the conference: Teachers grow faster when feedback is part of a reflective and relational process.
Whether coaching new teachers or preparing them in higher ed, helping educators develop their professional identity is just as important as sharpening their instructional toolkit. As Philippa Huynh, customer experience manager at Mosaic and a former UK-based mentor, put it:
This idea of “calling someone’s teacher identity into being” echoed across sessions. Instead of rushing to “fix” gaps, mentors were encouraged to start with each educator’s strengths, building on their unique classroom presence and personal style to help them grow into effective, authentic teachers.
Mentorship was another major focus, with ReAction sessions exploring how to design induction and coaching programs that actually work. The common thread? Trust.
Best practices shared included:
GoReact was cited in several sessions as a tool that helped shift this dynamic, allowing for asynchronous, non-invasive video observations that reduce pressure and increase opportunity for reflection.
Another standout session, led by Justine Carryer of Glen Canyon Outdoor Academy (GCOA), shared how schools can align their mission and instructional practices more intentionally. By distilling a school’s core mission into “layers of instructional practice,” GCOA created a system where every learning activity is rooted in shared goals—from orientation to midyear reflections.
This structured yet flexible approach allowed for schoolwide consistency while giving teachers autonomy to adapt. Participants were encouraged to adopt similar processes to make their school mission more than a poster on the wall, and instead a shared, living part of the learning culture.
Across sessions, speakers drove home the power of reflection in helping teachers make meaningful progress.
Using video to foster structured self-reflection was a popular strategy, especially for early-career and student teachers. Multiple presenters shared how they use GoReact to help teachers see their own practice with fresh eyes, and then use rubrics, comments, and coaching conversations to guide their next steps.
One powerful trend throughout the ReAction sessions was the push to remove logistical and access barriers in teacher development. From telepresence supervision in rural areas to asynchronous video-based coaching, districts and universities alike are exploring how technology can make professional learning more inclusive and scalable.
This focus on access wasn’t just about convenience—it was about equity. Several presenters emphasized that when observation and feedback are flexible and accessible, more teachers get the support they need, especially in under-resourced districts or during the high-pressure first years of teaching.
ReAction 2025 didn’t just spotlight tools or theories—it showcased real-world strategies for helping educators thrive. From field experiences in higher ed to district-wide coaching systems, the most effective models all centered on trust, reflection, and a shared commitment to growth.
Whether you’re a professor preparing the next generation of teachers or a district leader supporting your current staff, the message was clear: Purposeful feedback, consistent support, and meaningful reflection make a measurable difference. And when combined with scalable tools like GoReact, it’s possible to deliver that support equitably—no matter the location or experience level.
