Our team of instructional experts has over 50 years of combined experience as both exceptional teachers as well as trained instructional coaches. They are incredibly effective instructors in their own right and know how to guide and develop others to hone their teaching craft. Our coaches demonstrate an uncommon dedication to and ability for “nerding out” on the finer points of world-class instruction.
David James
Managing Director
David is an experienced educator and consultant who has helped train and develop educators for over a decade. As founder of Beacon Instructional Partners, he has advised institutions and educators across three continents on ways to refine and strengthen instructional practices. He started his career as a middle school earth science teacher and has since advised educators from elementary school through graduate school on how to improve outcomes for students. He holds a B.S.B.A from Bucknell University, an M.Ed. from Boston University, and an M.B.A. from Babson College.
Dr. Sarah James
Senior Instructional Coach
Sarah is an assistant professor of Political Science Department at Gonzaga University where her research interests include state and local redistributive politics, policy feedback, and civic engagement. In addition to her research, Sarah works with the Bok Center for Teaching and Learning and the Sposato Graduate School of Education, coaching and evaluating educators. She has provided instructional coaching to educators in the United States, Spain, Mexico, and Japan and specializes in supporting instructors create more inclusive, equitable learning environments. She holds a B.A. with honors from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.Ed. from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in government from Harvard University.
Lindsey Epstein
Senior Instructional Coach
Lindsey is co-founder of Epstein and Sorresso, LLC, a Boston-based instructional coaching consultancy. She has coached and supported educators of all experience levels in the United States, Canada, and Lebonan and has led the development of multiple instructional coaching programs across the state of Massachusetts. She specializes in helping instructors improve student engagement and design rigorous learning experiences for students. Lindsey received a B.A. from Brown University.
Mindy Wright
Instructional Coach
Mindy is a leading expert in the college access and success field. Mindy is Founder and Executive Director of The Upward Project, a career-development program for high-achieving, first-generation college students from low-income. Most recently, she served as the Founding Director of the Persistence Project at Boston Prep, and as a member of Boston Prep’s senior leadership team. During her tenure, Boston Prep’s persistence rate—the percentage of alumni who graduated or were on track to graduate from college within six years—reached 78%, nearly seven times the national average for low-income students of color. Previously, Mindy was Boston Prep’s Director of Graduate Support and led the school’s history department. Mindy holds an M.Ed. from Boston College and a B.A. from Colby College.
Shuning Hsu
Director of Marketing
Shuning is a marketer who has helped education and technology firms tell powerful stories that elevate their brands and engage with customers. She has worked with organizations of various capacities, including Fortune 500 company and emerging startups. She is currently a senior analyst at a software company in the Boston area, where she drives the company’s strategy and growth in digital customer engagement. Shuning received her M.B.A. from Babson College.