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Specializing in:

Strategic Planning

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teacher
leadership

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*Teacher leader refers to anyone who facilitates teacher teams, coaching or PD. 

Collaborative Teams

Leadership
Coaching

*Assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, District coordinators, Program directors, Principals, Heads of School.
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TESTIMONIALS

Brian Turner, Chief Academic Officer

"Elisa played a pivotal role in our school being awarded a $900,000 School Redesign grant. She was incredible at leading our Turnaround Team of teacher leaders and administrators in a meaningful, engaging process that resulted in writing a sustainable improvement plan that was a true representation of what our staff, families and community envisioned for our school. Several years later, we are making gains as we implement the plan."

Cathy Gassenheimer, Executive VP for Instructional Partners

"Our network of instructional coaches found Elisa's insights to be right on target and they wanted more.  Elisa tailored each professional learning experience to our specific needs and afterwards, our instructional partners, principals and lead teachers shared that it was exactly what they needed to move forward..."

Beth S., Guidance Counselor Department Chair

"The retreat provided an opportunity to discuss, brainstorm and think deeply about our administrative leadership team without distraction. Elisa balanced learning with real conversations, and I left feeling hopeful and optimistic. The retreat solidified that we are high-functioning and it is ok to be on a continuum."

Karli Lomax, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

"Working with Elisa during my first year in a new leadership role at an International School was incredibly impactful. At a time when the work often felt overwhelming and the list of priorities never seemed to end, she helped me slow down, focus, and sort through what mattered most. What made her such an effective coach was her ability to truly listen. Through our conversations, I was able to process my own thinking more clearly, and her thoughtful questions consistently prompted meaningful reflection and growth. She brought an authenticity and humility to every interaction that immediately built trust. Beyond her deep knowledge and experience, what I appreciated most was that she never positioned herself as simply giving answers. Instead, she supported me in ways that strengthened my own capacity, confidence, and sense of efficacy as a leader. I left each conversation feeling both supported and more capable. I’m deeply grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone navigating leadership growth or transition.

Bestselling Books

Elisa MacDonald

Two-time bestselling author, consultant, and teacher at heart.

Some think of me as"The Team Lady."

But my work is much more than teaching educators how to facilitate meetings. 

 

I partner with districts to build leadership capacity in schools so that teams advance district priorities and achieve lasting improvements in teaching and learning.​​​​​

"Every school system should have an Elisa MacDonald."

- Mary Bigelow, Middle school science teacher leader with 28 years teaching experience.

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I've trained and developed thousands of teacher leaders, coaches and administrators in the mindset, skills and research-backed practices in becoming skillful, intentional team leaders.

Foundational to my work is my creation of the Team Function Impact Matrix.

First 
published in my 2013 bestselling book, The Skillful Team Leader. I expanded the concept to include specific indicators of successful teams in my 2023 bestselling book, Intentional Moves, which holds nearly 150 strategies for leading high-functioning, high-impact teams. 

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Assistant

Superintendent

Department Head/First Year Teacher Leader

Elisa is a terrifically talented and knowledgeable leader of professional development for teachers, teacher leaders, and school administrators. She is detail-oriented and highly skilled in structuring adult learning to engage educators and help them reflect upon and change their practice.  Elisa is the most skilled professional developer that I have worked with in my 20+ year educational career.

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Toby Romer

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Ed & Special Programs

Newton Public Schools 

".. (Elisa) yours has been the single most impactful professional development opportunity I've ever participated in. I have found ways to revise my interactions with students and colleagues alike thanks to your thoughtful sessions AND your book, which I consult a LOT, so THANK YOU!

 

Lauren Ells

ELA Department Head

Foxborough Regional Charter School

Director of Teaching

and Learning

"... What made Elisa such an effective coach was her ability to truly listen... She brought an authenticity and humility to every interaction that immediately built trust.

Beyond her deep knowledge and experience, what I appreciated most was that she never positioned herself as simply giving answers. Instead, she supported me in ways that strengthened my own capacity, confidence, and sense of efficacy as a leader...

 

Karli Lomax

Director of Teaching and Learning

Georgetown International Academy (Guyana)

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