Dr. Shelby Cosner delivered the Robert F. Nicely, Jr, and Donna C. Nicely Distinguished Scholar in Education Lecture at Penn State University on Friday, February 17th, 2023..  Her presentation, Examining Coaching-Focused Educational Leadership Learning Designs: Implications For Practice And Policy,” provided an overview of Cosner’s recent program of research into coaching as a critical resource for school leader development. Cosner focused particularly on the advantages of structuring interactions between aspiring leaders and their coaches in multiple settings and modalities (e.g. one-to-one as well as group settings), as well as how coaches advance the skills of aspiring leaders through both direct and indirect supports (e.g. by brokering connections to other leaders). Cosner concluded with implications for policy, leadership program designs, and the practice of coaching.