Notre Dame de Namur University to bring AI video coaching into teacher training

Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) has entered into a three-way partnership with education technology firm Edthena and the Reach Every Child and Teaching Center to embed video-based coaching and classroom observation tools into its teacher preparation programs — part of a growing movement among universities to leverage artificial intelligence in developing the next generation of educators.

At the heart of the initiative is Edthena's VC3 video coaching platform, which will be deployed across NDNU's credential programs. The system enables teacher candidates to record their classroom instruction, then share those recordings with supervisors for structured feedback, reflective discussion, and professional mentoring.

University officials say the program is designed to strengthen the supervision, coaching, and reflective practice experience for teacher candidates, while bringing training into closer alignment with the Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) established by California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

"I believe Edthena will be a true game-changer in terms of allowing our faculty, university supervisors, cooperating teachers, and teacher candidates to have meaningful conversations and discussions," said Dr. Kelly Von, Dean of NDNU's School of Education. "The platform helps us analyze and reflect on recorded videos showcasing teacher candidates' instructional experiences, creating richer opportunities for growth."

Von noted that the collaboration not only supports tighter alignment with state credentialing standards, but also strengthens connections and collaboration across programs. "We are already beginning to see these positive effects in our research pilot project," she said.

NDNU University Supervisor Kate Maselli Zimman highlighted the platform's potential to help student teachers build purposeful professional goals. "Edthena feels like a space where goals, videos, and evidence come together intentionally to support student teachers in transformative, deeply reflective, and authentic teaching practice," she said.

The Reach Every Child and Teaching Center joins the partnership as a research and implementation collaborator, helping design coaching practices that incorporate video tools while keeping the social, emotional, and cultural dimensions of teaching at the forefront. The organization's Core Skills Framework will serve as the guiding structure for how NDNU integrates reflective practice, coaching, and teacher development across its programs.

"At Reach Every Child and Teaching Center, we believe technology should deepen human connection, not replace it," said Dr. Halley Maza, Director of Learning Innovation and Research. "Our partnership with Notre Dame de Namur University and Edthena puts that belief into practice, combining video-based coaching and supervision with a strong emphasis on the social, emotional, and cultural dimensions of teaching and learning."

Edthena, whose platform is built specifically to support teacher professional learning through video observation, feedback, and AI-assisted coaching workflows, described NDNU's mission as an inspiration. "Through purposeful use of high-quality programming and technology, the university is creating the opportunity to develop the social, emotional, and cultural competencies essential for today's K-12 classrooms," said Adam Geller, Edthena's chief executive officer.

The partnership reflects a broader shift in teacher preparation programs toward combining digital observation tools, structured coaching cycles, and reflective practice — while maintaining a clear emphasis on human relationships and the relational dimensions of effective teaching.