Event Information
Three-Day Transformational Professional Learning Institute
IN-person @ WEA Headquarters | Federal Way, Washington
August 6-8, 2026
CAMI — WEA's Coaching and Mentoring Institute — is bringing something different to professional learning this summer.
Most of us have been to professional development where we show up, listen, take a few notes, and then go back to our buildings with very little that actually changes our practice. This is not that.
CAMI is designed to feel different from the moment you walk in.
Over three days, you will not just hear ideas. You will practice them. You will reflect on your own leadership and identity. You will have real conversations with educators across roles who are trying to figure out the same questions you are.
By the end of the institute, you will leave with:
Practical coaching and mentoring tools you can use right away
Clear language to support colleagues in meaningful ways
A stronger sense of how you lead and why it matters
A network of educators you can continue to learn alongside during the year
Here is how the experience is structured
Each morning, we come together as a full group to build shared language, community, and purpose. The afternoons are where you go deeper in a focused track that fits your role and where you are in your journey.
You will stay in that track for all three days so you are not starting over each time. You are building something that lasts.
Your track options:
Transformational Design and Facilitation
For educators who design or lead professional learning. This track focuses on how to create experiences that actually move adult learners. You will work with ideas from The PD Book and think about lesson design and coaching in the age of AI. Lori Cohen will join as a co facilitator for days two and three.
CAMI 101 Coaching and Mentoring Foundations
If you are newer to coaching or mentoring, this is where you start. You will build core skills, practice real conversations, and leave ready to step into CAMI pathways during the year. This is open to teachers, ESPs, coaches, and emerging leaders.
NAKIA 201 Identity Leadership and Systems Level Practice
For returning CAMI or Nakia participants. This track goes deeper into identity, leadership, and how to shift systems in your building or district while staying grounded in educator well being and strong instruction.
Details you should know
August 6 through 8
WEA Headquarters in Federal Way
Free to attend
Limited participants
Lunch is provided each day. Space is intentionally limited so people can actually connect and learn from each other.
Please do not register unless you are sure you will attend. Space is very limited
Catering Information
Lunch will be provided each day.
Lodging Information
Very Limited lodging requests are taken, but not guaranteed, with restrictions.
Waitlist Limit: 2/110
Courses
NAKIA Academy (Equity) (24hr)
Clock Hour
Course Description
Educators understand themselves as cultural beings so that they may serve students and families responsively and responsibly. Participants will evaluate personal and organizational beliefs that promote the humanity and collaboration between and among diverse stakeholder groups. Growth occurs when you know who you are, and you can assess and improve your practices. In this course, you will explore your attitudes, actions and behaviors, and reflect on how they affect the work environment. As you unpack your identity, you will boost your courage for addressing oppression. You will be better able to meet the needs of students and families. The skills taught in this course will also give you the confidence to work with anyone and be ready to support and promote an inclusive environment. Participants will address issues concerning perception, reality and objectivity in relationship to accurately assessing the learning environment. They will examine the role that trust plays in the perception of reality, risk, and relationships. Analysis of observation using multiple tools provides an opportunity for an inclusive environment.Course Objectives
This course will help educators connect to their students and communities by integrating the students’ history, and the human diversities present in the classroom, school, district, and broader community into their classroom activities and curriculum. The course will also have educators facilitate courageous conversations around racism, equity, and microaggressions in classrooms, schools, and the community. Educators create specific action plans that prevent one's own culture, identities, and biases from harming others.