A Peer-Led Journey to Building a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

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Instructor: Riley Williams
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.

Course information

For school leaders and teachers
Duration: 12 hours
4 sessions
Live peer-to-peer learning

The methodology

Teachers will learn in small groups of 2-5 colleagues, meeting once a week for 4 weeks. Sessions are 1.5 hours and can be in-person or online.

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

Instructor

Riley Williams's profile photo

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.

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.

1

Join a circle

Organize your study group with colleagues. You'll have 3 days to "match," from January 2 to January 5.

2

Agree on a schedule

Decide the most convenient time for your sessions, online or in person.

3

Join and collaborate

When the session arrives, connect with your colleagues and complete the activities together.

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