Instructional Playbook
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Developing great teachers.

Improve teacher skills and raise student achievement with personalized support and educational videography.

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Instructional Playbook

Trusted by Leading Educational Organizations

"[Ideal Instruction] has allowed us to become more sophisticated in our execution of the observation and feedback cycle, as well as the way we support teachers with planning."
Ben PachtUnited Schools
"Since we have worked with Ideal Instruction, we have sharpened our network's instructional vision and developed tools to support leaders in coaching teachers towards that vision. These video clips are gold for us and elevated our leader and teacher training immediately."
Kathryn AnstaettUnited Schools
"The [See It] clips help us show what strong instruction and student engagement look like which allows our teachers to better envision and put into action those strategies in their own classes."
Khushali NarechaniaCourse Mojo
"Through the real-time coaching you all were able to push beyond what we would typically do as a “bite-sized action step” and get to a more aspirational place."
Katie DormontUncommon Schools
"Working with the Ideal Instruction team was nothing short of an amazing experience! They were so kind and went an extra step to make sure that my kiddos felt comfortable with them."
EzMone SinegarAchievement First
"I really appreciate the Ideal Instruction team for providing coaching strategies and techniques that did wonders for both my teaching practice as well as engagement in my class. I found the feedback to be very beneficial and I look forward to implementing those strategies on a regular basis."
Clarissa BaconAchievement First

We showcase great teaching with extensive video libraries

ELA Instruction

Mastering Co-Teaching

New Curriculum Training

ELA Instruction

Math Instruction

Mastering Co-Teaching

New Curriculum Training

Our experienced coaches use a combination of...

Instructional Expertise

We focus on evidence-based strategies to ensure rigorous instruction, high student engagement, and strong academic results. Our team brings extensive pedagogical expertise across grade levels and content areas, along with deep experience in curriculum implementation and alignment. Skilled in adult learning and professional development, we translate this expertise into practical, actionable strategies that empower educators to elevate their practice.

Job-Embedded Coaching

We provide real-time, job-embedded coaching that delivers instant feedback and actionable support where it matters most—inside the classroom. Our data-driven approach ensures coaching is targeted, measurable, and transformative, helping educators refine instruction in the moment and drive lasting improvement.

Educational Videography

Our educational videographers capture high-impact teaching moments using cutting-edge technology, creating a high-quality video library of “See It” clips. These models of instructional excellence not only support teacher growth but also serve as a powerful tool to scale a shared vision of effective instruction across campuses and districts.

Instructional Expertise

We focus on evidence-based strategies to ensure rigorous instruction, high student engagement, and strong academic results. Our team brings extensive pedagogical expertise across grade levels and content areas, along with deep experience in curriculum implementation and alignment. Skilled in adult learning and professional development, we translate this expertise into practical, actionable strategies that empower educators to elevate their practice.

Job-Embedded Coaching

We provide real-time, job-embedded coaching that delivers instant feedback and actionable support where it matters most—inside the classroom. Our data-driven approach ensures coaching is targeted, measurable, and transformative, helping educators refine instruction in the moment and drive lasting improvement.

Educational Videography

Our educational videographers capture high-impact teaching moments using cutting-edge technology, creating a high-quality video library of “See It” clips. These models of instructional excellence not only support teacher growth but also serve as a powerful tool to scale a shared vision of effective instruction across campuses and districts.

...to improve educator skills and raise student achievement.

Our mission is to ensure academic success in every K-12 school by developing highly effective teachers through personalized professional learning and educational videography.

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Menu of Services

We work with you to design a customized package to get the results you want based on what you need.

Instructional Expertise

  • Customized Professional Development
  • Curriculum Implementation
  • Rigorous Instructional Framework
  • K-12 Content Expertise

    • Job-Embedded Coaching

  • Real-Time and Video-Based Coaching
  • Planning - Observation - Debrief Meetings
  • Data-Driven Feedback
  • Targeted Coaching Guides

    • Educational Videography

  • Professional Videography and Editing
  • Promotional and Recruitment Videos
  • Personalized Instructional Video Library
  • Instructional Leadership Training

    • Scaled and Sustained Outcomes

    By creating a coachable vision for instructional excellence, building capacity and implementing practices, and capturing the results through a personalized video library, we work with you to ensure your team is prepared to continue success into the future.

    Instructional Expertise

  • Customized Professional Development
  • Curriculum Implementation
  • Rigorous Instructional Framework
  • K-12 Content Expertise

    • Job-Embedded Coaching

  • Real-Time and Video-Based Coaching
  • Planning - Observation - Debrief Meetings
  • Data-Driven Feedback
  • Targeted Coaching Guides

    • Educational Photography

  • Professional Videography and Editing
  • Promotional and Recruitment Videos
  • Personalized Instructional Video Library
  • Instructional Leadership Training

    • Scaled and Sustained Outcomes

    By creating a coachable vision for instructional excellence, building capacity and implementing practices, and capturing the results through a personalized video library, we work with you to ensure your team is prepared to continue success into the future.

    Meet Our Team

    Leadership Team
    CEO
    COO
    Program Director
    Lead Consultant
    Sales Manager
    Consultant
    Consultant
    Consultant
    Consultant
    Antoinette Kane headshot
    Consultant
    Consultant
    Consultant
    Consultant
    Consultant
    Lead Content Developer
    Educational Videographer
    Educational Videographer
    Educational Videographer
    Educational Videographer
    Educational Videographer
    Educational Videographer

    At Ideal Instruction, we believe that investing in teacher growth is the single most important factor in ensuring student success. Founded by seasoned educator and leader, Justin Pigeon, we’ve been empowering educators with the tools and resources they need to thrive for years.

    Born out of a critical need during the pandemic, we initially partnered with a large school district to create a comprehensive guide to online instruction, complete with over 200 engaging training videos. Today, we’ve expanded our reach, partnering with leading organizations to deliver impactful professional development solutions to thousands of educators.

    More than just consultants, we’re a team of experienced educators who understand the unique challenges you face. We leverage our deep expertise to guide you on your professional journey, providing personalized support and innovative solutions that drive student achievement and scale impact across campuses and districts.

    At Ideal Instruction, we believe that investing in teacher growth is the single most important factor in ensuring student success. Founded by seasoned educator and leader, Justin Pigeon, we’ve been empowering educators with the tools and resources they need to thrive for years.

    Born out of a critical need during the pandemic, we initially partnered with a large school district to create a comprehensive guide to online instruction, complete with over 200 engaging training videos. Today, we’ve expanded our reach, partnering with leading organizations to deliver impactful professional development solutions to thousands of educators.

    More than just consultants, we’re a team of experienced educators who understand the unique challenges you face. We leverage our deep expertise to guide you on your professional journey, providing personalized support and innovative solutions that drive student achievement and scale impact across campuses and districts.

    Playbook Image - WhiteBackground

    The IDEAL INSTRUCTION PLAYBOOK

    A free, growing library of tools and resources to help you develop your team.

    ✓ Watch real classroom “See It” clips

    ✓ Plug-and-play Coaching Guides with video models

    ✓ Coaches’ Corner Quick Tips

    ✓ Expert-led Watch-and-Learn webinars

    Access the Playbook

    Resource Spotlight: Sound Walls

    Struggling to implement Sound Walls? Learn practical tips to implement Sound Walls with our Watch-and-learn, “Sound it Out: Raising Rigor with Sound Walls”! 

    Join Ideal Instruction CEO Justin Pigeon to learn actionable strategies for teaching phonemic awareness and download our complimentary resource pack with a Sound Wall guide and printable template to get started today.

    Video and Downloadable Resource Coming Soon!

    Click here to watch the video and download the Sound Wall Guide

    Connect with us about your school's needs.

    At Ideal Instruction, we’re committed to developing great teachers.

    Let’s talk about how Ideal Instruction can support you to build your teacher’s skills and raise achievement in your school or system.


    Click here for the full video + Coaching Guide
    Click here for the full video + Coaching Guide
    Click here for the full video + Coaching Guide

    Justin Pigeon

    CEO

    With over 19 years of experience in education, Justin Pigeon is a seasoned educator and consultant dedicated to improving K-12 instruction.

    As CEO and Chief Consultant of Ideal Instruction, he has served numerous school districts across the United States, supporting educators in areas such as curricular implementation, data-driven instruction, and virtual learning. Prior to founding Ideal Instruction, Justin successfully led schools in both traditional and charter settings, demonstrating a strong commitment to closing the achievement gap and fostering a culture of high academic performance.

    Mallory McDaniel

    COO

    Mallory McDaniel is the Chief Operating Officer at Ideal Instruction, bringing over a decade of strategic leadership experience across multiple industries. She specializes in sustainable business development, talent growth, and retention—key drivers of a successful consultancy. In her role, Mallory ensures alignment between company goals, mission, and culture to maximize impact.

    Mallory began her career as a molecular research scientist before transitioning into operational strategy and sales in the environmental sector. As a Global Account Director at ERM, an international consultancy, she managed Fortune 100 client relationships, driving engagement, adoption, and expansion to support critical environmental health and sustainability initiatives. While earning her master’s at Brown University, she was introduced to Ideal Instruction as a consultant through her Capstone Project. That experience deepened her understanding of systemic inequities in education and awakened her commitment to advancing educational equity. Inspired by this work, she shifted her focus from public health to education, bringing her expertise in business development and strategic leadership to expand Ideal Instruction’s reach and impact.

    Mallory resides in Asheville, NC, with her husband and daughter.

    Brian Jaffe

    Program Director

    As Director of Programming and Marketing at Ideal Instruction, Brian Jaffe leverages two decades of experience in education, including successful leadership of school culture and management initiatives such as social-emotional learning programs and restorative justice practices, to drive the successful implementation of innovative and award-winning educational programs. He excels at building strong client relationships, understanding their unique needs, and developing customized solutions that achieve measurable results. Brian’s expertise in project management, strategic thinking, and marketing ensures the effective delivery and promotion of Ideal Instruction’s programs to schools across the nation.

    Chris Thornton

    Lead Consultant

    As a Consultant and Project Manager at Ideal Instruction, Chris Thornton leverages his 8 years of experience as an ELA teacher and instructional coach at Uncommon Schools to empower educators and improve student outcomes. He contributes to the development of high-quality professional development materials, provides individualized coaching to teachers, and manages Ideal Instruction’s ELA coaching program, supporting teachers and leaders in their professional growth. Driven by his passion for educational equity and his own experience as a first-generation college graduate, Chris is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to high-quality education.

    Paddy Shea

    Sales Manager

    Padraig (“Paddy”) Shea is an educator, instructional leader, and corporate trainer with 16 years of experience across classrooms, schools, and learning organizations. He holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and has served as an Instructional Leader in both middle and high schools, a Literacy Coach, and a Corporate Trainer for supervisors at Fortune 100 companies including Accenture and JPMorgan Chase.
    A Fulbright Scholar and Teach For America alum, Paddy has taught and led in the rural Deep South, in South Korea, and in the South Bronx, where he was a founding instructional leader of a project-based learning high school. He comes from a family of teachers and coaches, and his passion for developing educators has guided his work ever since.
     
    His favorite books about teaching are Teaching with Love and Logic by Funk and Fay, Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire, and Tracy Kidder’s Among Schoolchildren. His favorite movie about teaching is Stand and Deliver. A lifelong baseball fan, he coached his South Bronx team to a league championship in 2019.

    Amy Parsons

    Consultant

    Amy Parsons is a Consultant at Ideal Instruction. Currently a doctoral student at Northeastern University, she is researching the intersections of leadership, equity, and school design. Prior to her current role, Amy served as a school leader in Brooklyn, a district-level leader of academics and student support in New York City, and Director of High School Literacy for Uncommon Schools. She began her career as an English teacher in Boston, MA. Amy’s expertise lies in school leader development, literacy curriculum & instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and student-centered school design. She believes all children deserve excellent teachers and transformative learning experiences. Amy holds a B.A. in English Literature & Political Science from Saint Michael’s College and an M. Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Lesley University. She resides in Long Beach, NY with her husband and son.

    Martin Reed

    Consultant

    Martin Reed is a Consultant at Ideal Instruction, bringing expertise in leadership development and instructional coaching across English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science for grades K-12. With a background in volcanic and subglacial geophysics, global environmental policy, and advanced degrees in education, Martin applies a unique interdisciplinary lens to his work. He is passionate about fostering student-centered learning environments and believes that “the one doing the talking is doing the learning.” Known for his relentless energy and commitment to teacher and student success, Martin partners with schools to provide the coaching and support needed to help educators and students thrive.

    Kevin Torres

    Consultant

    Kevin Torres is a dedicated educator and consultant with 15 years of experience in education. A Brooklyn native, Kevin holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from NYU. He is passionate about coaching teachers to become their best selves—helping them refine their craft, find joy in teaching, and maximize their impact on student achievement. As a consultant, he partners with educators to provide meaningful professional learning experiences that drive instructional excellence. When he’s not working with teachers, Kevin enjoys life in Brooklyn with his wife—also a Brooklyn native—and their three daughters.

    Taylor Wood

    Consultant

    Taylor Wood is an Education Consultant and Math Coach at Ideal Instruction. She partners with schools to strengthen math instruction, build teacher capacity, and improve student outcomes through practical, effective strategies.
     
    Prior to this role, Taylor served as a math teacher, math content coach, assistant principal focused on math and school culture, and director of math achievement. Her expertise includes co-planning and modeling lessons, leading professional development, and using data to drive student growth. She is especially passionate about creating math classrooms where all students feel seen, capable, and challenged.
     
    Beyond her work in schools, Taylor enjoys traveling, exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing at the beach. She brings the same curiosity and joy she values in life to every partnership with teachers and students.

    Antoinette Kane

    Consultant

    Antoinette Kane headshot
    Antoinette Kane is an education consultant with over a decade of experience as a teacher, school leader, and instructional coach. She began her career in the classroom, where she developed a deep commitment to equity and student-centered learning, before going on to found and lead a public charter school. 
     
    At Ideal Education, Antoinette leverages her background in curriculum design, professional development, and school leadership to help educators implement high-quality instructional materials, strengthen teaching practice, and build systems that foster long-term student success.

    Catherine Jawokskyj

    Consultant

    Catherine Jaworskyj is an education consultant specializing in ELA and literacy coaching. With a strong foundation in the science of reading, Catherine partners with schools and educators to strengthen literacy instruction and support student achievement. She brings leadership experience, having served as co-principal, assistant principal, and director of literacy, where she guided teachers in implementing evidence-based practices, adapting curriculum to meet diverse learner needs, and elevating instructional outcomes.  Catherine spent the first decade of her career as a middle school ELA teacher.  
     
    Passionate about building teacher capacity, Catherine works in true partnership with educators, coaching them to grow their practice and maximize their impact on students. Her expertise lies in translating research into actionable strategies, ensuring that students not only learn to read but also develop as critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

    Dr. Kimberley Tribbett

    Consultant

    Dr. Kimberley Tribbett is a seasoned Leadership and Instructional Coach committed to empowering teachers and advancing student achievement. With over 20 years of experience in education, she has driven transformational growth as a Chief Academic Officer and Leadership Coach, specializing in data-driven strategic planning and building lasting client relationships. Her expertise in elementary math, behavior support, and instructional strategies for both elementary and middle school levels allows her to partner with educators to create engaging and effective instructional experiences.

    Dr. Kimberley holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Education, and a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Ethical Leadership. Throughout her career, she has leveraged data analytics to inform decision-making, gaining valuable insights into the diverse needs of students and teachers that she applies daily in her coaching work. Her passion for content development enables her to support innovative teaching methods, lesson plans, and resources that enhance student engagement and foster academic success.

    Dr. Kimberley believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to equipping educators with the tools they need to make a lasting impact in their classrooms. When it’s time to unwind, she enjoys reading, cooking and baking, board games, spending time with family, and exploring new foods. She’s always ready to connect with teachers—working together to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

    Dr. Leslie Woodard

    Consultant

    Dr. Leslie Woodard is an experienced instructional coach and education leader with over 20 years in teaching, coaching, and program development. She earned her B.S. and M.Ed. in Mathematics from Prairie View A&M University and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Texas A&M University.

    At Ideal Instruction, Dr. Woodard supports teachers across all content areas, helping them implement effective instructional strategies, strengthen curriculum alignment, and use data to improve student learning. A former NASA STEM Project Manager and district leader, she is passionate about empowering educators, fostering collaboration, and creating equitable, engaging classrooms that inspire student success

    Sabrina Matthews

    Consultant

    Sabrina is a strategic education leader with almost two decades of experience designing and leading high-impact partnerships that bridge research-based strategies with community and classroom realities. Her expertise spans district and regional-level partnerships, curriculum and program implementation, educator pipeline recruitment and development, and cross-functional project leadership. 

    She has worked across the K–12 ecosystem, from national nonprofits like TNTP, Teach for America, and Instruction Partners to regional networks, managing complex initiatives that strengthen teacher capacity and improve student outcomes, particularly in historically underserved communities. Her portfolio includes service-line expansions with The Commit Partnership, large-scale program evaluations with Teach Plus, and statewide teacher pipeline growth with TEACH.org.  

    Currently, Sabrina serves as the System of Great Schools Director at the Texas Education Agency, where she leads strategic efforts to support district transformation and drive sustainable improvement across Texas schools. Grounded in her experience as a STEM educator and department leader, she brings both practitioner insight and systems-level strategy to her work. She specializes in creating scalable solutions that honor community context and deliver measurable impact. 

    Her academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington.

    Christina Elliott

    Lead Content Developer

    As a Videographer and Editor at Ideal Instruction, Christina Elliott films and edits high-quality video content that supports the professional development of educators. She excels at capturing compelling footage and skillfully editing it into engaging videos that effectively communicate key messages and support teacher learning. With a passion for strong education, Christina values Ideal Instruction’s commitment to providing teachers with the support they need to succeed. Outside of Ideal Instruction, Christina is a talented portrait photographer based in Brooklyn.

    Chris Giorgione

    Educational Videographer

    Christian Giorgione is a skilled videographer with experience in education, events, healthcare, and film. He excels at capturing captivating visuals and bringing video projects to life. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Connecticut, Christian combines his creative talents with a strong business acumen. Outside of work, he enjoys comedy, movies, sports, and spending time with his family. Christian is passionate about contributing to the learning experience, and is proud to collaborate with a team dedicated to improving educational outcomes for educators, students, and institutions.

    Gabriel Awan

    Educational Videographer

    Gabriel Awan is a skilled videographer and editor at Ideal Instruction, where he contributes to the creation of high-quality video content that supports the professional development of educators. With a background in visual storytelling and experience in various forms of photography, including actor coaching, personal portraits, and headshots, Gabriel excels at capturing compelling visuals that resonate with audiences. He is driven by Ideal Instruction’s mission to empower teachers and believes in the power of media to help people share their unique narratives.

    Natalia Yandyganova

    Educational Videographer

    Natalia Yandyganova is a skilled videographer and editor at Ideal Instruction, bringing a decade of experience in the NYC media and arts & entertainment industries to her role. With an MA in Broadcast Journalism, she possesses a strong foundation in storytelling and visual communication. At Ideal Instruction, Natalia is passionate about leveraging her skills to impact the educational field by creating engaging and effective video content that enhances the learning experience for both students and teachers.

    Dhierry Clermont

    Educational Videographer

    Dhierry Clermont is a skilled videographer and editor at Ideal Instruction with a strong background in media production. As a Co-Founder of Anecessarie Film and Media Producer at LeAp, Dhierry brings years of experience in capturing compelling visual narratives to his role. Prior to joining Ideal Instruction, Dhierry filmed and photographed culminating events at numerous schools across New York City, providing valuable insights into the classroom experience. He is passionate about supporting educators and believes that effective classroom management techniques significantly impact student learning.

    Jeff Paxton

    Educational Vidographer

    Tanasia Smith

    Educational Videographer

    Tanasia is an educator and creative professional based in New York City, with six years of teaching experience and a strong background in media production. While studying at Howard University, she launched Caught in Style, a fashion column in The Hilltop, which later evolved into her photography brand, Caught ‘N Style. Beyond the classroom, she has served as Head of Creative Content for artist J4y King and co-created the Hip Hop game show Get Hip. She continues to merge her educational expertise with her creative eye, providing opportunities for students and clients alike to learn, engage, and express themselves through media and photography.
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    Justin Pigeon

    CEO

    With over 19 years of experience in education, Justin Pigeon is a seasoned educator and consultant dedicated to improving K-12 instruction.

    As CEO and Chief Consultant of Ideal Instruction, he has served numerous school districts across the United States, supporting educators in areas such as curricular implementation, data-driven instruction, and virtual learning. Prior to founding Ideal Instruction, Justin successfully led schools in both traditional and charter settings, demonstrating a strong commitment to closing the achievement gap and fostering a culture of high academic performance.

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