In the heart of Richmond’s growing innovation ecosystem, one education startup is quietly reshaping how teachers learn, grow, and ultimately help students succeed. EdConnective, a Richmond-based edtech company founded by educator-turned-entrepreneur Will Morris, is pioneering a new model of professional development for teachers — one built on real coaching, data insights, and scalable online delivery.
Redefining Teacher Development
Traditional professional development in schools often means one-off workshops or generic training sessions that leave teachers with ideas — but little practical transformation. EdConnective flips that model on its head.
Rather than delivering sporadic workshops, EdConnective matches teachers with expert instructional coaches who partner with them over time. Through its online platform and proprietary coaching engine, the company collects classroom data, facilitates tailored feedback conversations, and tracks real progress in teaching practice. This hybrid model blends technology with deeply human support, making teacher growth measurable and meaningful.
Building a Scalable Solution with Local Roots
Founded in Richmond, EdConnective has grown well beyond its home city — operating in multiple states and conducting thousands of coaching sessions with educators and school leaders. Its growth reflects a broader trend in education toward personalized professional development that’s both flexible and impactful.
CEO Will Morris brings a unique blend of educational research and startup savvy to the company. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, Morris has focused his work on instructional coaching as one of the most promising levers to boost teaching quality — a focus that’s now central to EdConnective’s mission.
Local Innovation, Global Impact
What makes EdConnective especially compelling is how it bridges local commitment with scalable impact. Based in Richmond, the company benefits from a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem — including incubators, innovation hubs, and a network of educators and technologists — while its platform serves schools and districts across the country.
This kind of educational innovation highlights Richmond’s position not just as a hub for tech startups in general but as a place where meaningful social impact meets strong business fundamentals.
What’s Next for EdConnective?
As schools continue adapting to new expectations for teaching quality, data literacy, and digital learning environments, platforms like EdConnective are poised to play a central role in professional learning that’s ongoing, personalized, and measurable. For educators in Richmond and beyond, that’s a future worth investing in.
