For over two decades, the Behavior Coach Endorsement Program at Education Service Center Region 13 has quietly transformed the way educators approach student behavior—and, more importantly, how they lead others to do the same.
What began in 2003 as a pilot program under the leadership of Albert Felts, Director of Student Support Services, was rooted in a simple yet powerful idea: build educators’ capacity to coach effective behavior support systems within their schools. At the time, the need was clear—districts, charter schools, and campuses across the region were seeking deeper expertise in addressing challenging student behavior in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Today, that vision has flourished.
A Program Designed for Impact
The Behavior Coach Endorsement Program (BCE) is a rigorous, 240-hour, year-long professional learning experience that runs from September through June. Designed with working educators in mind, participants engage in:
- Two Monday evening sessions each month (6:00–9:00 p.m.)
- One Saturday session each month (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
This structure allows educators to deeply engage with content while immediately applying what they learn in real-world settings.
Over the years, the program has evolved to meet educators’ changing needs. One of the most significant shifts has been the transition from in-person to virtual sessions. This change has expanded access far beyond the Region 13 service area—welcoming participants from across Texas and even beyond state lines.
More Than Behavior—Building Leaders
While the program is grounded in evidence-based behavior support practices, its impact extends far beyond student behavior.
Participants grow in their ability to:
- Support students with complex behavioral needs
- Coach teachers through challenging conversations
- Lead systems-level change on their campuses
- Align practices with legal frameworks and best practices
- Build collaborative, supportive school cultures
“One of the most valuable things I have learned is how to be an effective coach. This class has given me the confidence to deliver feedback and the tools to do so.”
A participant reflected on the broader leadership impact of the BCE program: “This class has helped me change how I approach people…I am working on asking more questions, listening more, and saying what needs to be said.”
The Power of Connection and Community
For many educators—especially those working in specialized roles or smaller districts—the work of supporting behavior can feel isolating. One of the most powerful aspects of the program is the community it creates.
Participants consistently highlight the value of connection:
“It was incredible to hear others talk about the same challenges I was experiencing. The support system pushed me back into a career I love with confidence.”
Even after the program ends, that network remains—creating a lasting professional community grounded in shared purpose and ongoing support.
From Knowledge to Action
The program emphasizes not just learning, but doing. Participants engage in goal-setting through Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), apply research to practice, and develop systems that directly impact their campuses.
“Developing our WIG challenged me to create a goal and maintain a scoreboard. This work is now driving behavior and discipline for our network.”
Others highlight the importance of aligning practice with policy: “Understanding legal frameworks like Chapter 37 empowers me to advocate for students while supporting safe and effective learning environments.”
A Lasting Legacy of Growth
Over the past 23 years, the ESC Region 13 Behavior Coach Endorsement Program has remained grounded in its original mission while continuously evolving to meet educator needs.
It is more than a professional development program—it is a leadership pathway, a support network, and a catalyst for meaningful change in schools.
As one participant so thoughtfully shared: “This work is about helping students and teachers feel understood, valued, and capable. That is the true heart of education.”
More Resources
Learn more about the Behavior Coach Endorsement Program on our website. See upcoming events and professional development opportunities, along with resources on the Behavior website. Subscribe to the Behavior newsletter and the latest updates, announcements, and tips—all related to behavior management. Read additional behavior-related articles on the ESC Region 13 blog.
For specific questions, reach out to Angela Isenberg at angela.isenberg@esc13.txed.net.
Angela has 24 years of experience in education. She has been in her current position for 12 years. Angela has trained and provided coaching support to over 200 campuses for PBIS. She is also a certified Restorative Practices coordinator. She is a trainer for Interventions, Coaching Classroom Management, CHAMPS, and Why Try.
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