Building a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
Collaborate to create a role-specific Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) section and build leadership skills for school resilience.
About the course
This course is designed for K–12 administrators and staff to strengthen school resilience during disruptions such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, and pandemics. Using Circles' peer-based model, participants collaborate to create a role-specific Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) section. Throughout the experience, they also build leadership and crisis response skills through scenario-based activities and shared reflection.
How it works
You will join a group of 2 to 5 colleagues, and as a group, you will meet 4 times, either in person or online, at a time you all agree on.
Join a circle
Organize your study group with colleagues during the match period.
Agree on a schedule
Decide the most convenient time for your sessions, online or in person.
Join and collaborate
When the session arrives, connect with your colleagues and complete the activities together.
What's included
Requirements
- Current teaching position or educational role
- Basic computer literacy and reliable internet access
- Willingness to engage in interactive group learning
- Openness to implementing new strategies in classroom practice
Course syllabus
Session 1: Why Continuity Matters – Grounding in Purpose
- • Understand the purpose and importance of a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
- • Identify gaps in existing emergency plans using the REMS framework
- • Reflect on personal leadership goals for responding to school disruptions
Session 2: What We Must Protect – Essential Functions & Risk
- • Define and prioritize essential school functions using a REMS-aligned approach
- • Analyze the impact of service disruptions on vulnerable student populations
- • Track personal growth in confidence around continuity leadership
Session 3: Making the Plan Real – COOP Frameworks in Action
- • Learn key components of COOPs, including succession, communication, and alternate delivery
- • Begin drafting a personalized COOP section with peer support
- • Shift mindsets around planning through collaborative reflection
Session 4: Practice & Grow – Sustaining Resilience
- • Simulate a real-world disruption using a tabletop exercise
- • Finalize and reflect on a drafted COOP section
- • Evaluate growth in confidence and leadership capacity
Meet the instructor
Riley Williams
Dr. Riley Williams is a nationally recognized leader in experiential learning and school safety, renowned for her ability to translate complex crisis planning into clear, actionable strategies for educators. Holding a Doctorate in Education, her pioneering research in project-based and outdoor adventure learning underscores her belief that the most impactful education is rooted in real-world experience and collaborative discovery. As both a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Dr. Williams also brings unmatched expertise in operational resilience, emergency preparedness, and systems-level school safety.
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