Training Associates

Phyllis Cottner is an educator and facilitator who is passionate about helping educators work better together on behalf of students. As a Trainer Associate with Thinking Collaborative, she provides professional learning in Adaptive Schools and Cognitive Coaching, supporting teachers and leaders in building strong collaborative teams and reflective practices.
Phyllis believes that when educators feel heard, supported, and challenged in the right ways, they grow—and so do their students. She creates learning spaces that are welcoming, practical, and focused on real-world application. Participants leave her sessions with tools they can immediately use to strengthen communication, deepen thinking, and improve outcomes for students.
With a strong background in literacy and the Science of Reading, Phyllis understands the connection between adult learning and student achievement. Her work centers on helping schools build trust, clarity, and shared responsibility so that every student has access to high-quality instruction.
Phyllis brings warmth, authenticity, and a steady focus on growth to every training she leads.
She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Hendrix College (Conway, AR), a B.A. in Education, and a Master’s degree in Special Education (Wichita State University (Wichita, KS).