Learning Forward Affiliates Announce Name Change

DALLAS—May 31, 2011—Learning Forward is pleased to announce that 22 of its 30 active state and provincial affiliates have officially changed their affiliate names to reflect the new name of the parent organization. More will follow in the summer and fall. These affiliates include:

Learning Forward British Columbia
Learning Forward Colorado
Learning Forward Georgia
Learning Forward Illinois
Learning Forward Indiana
Learning Forward Iowa
Learning Forward Kansas
Learning Forward Louisiana
Learning Forward Michigan
Learning Forward Minnesota
Learning Forward Mississippi
Learning Forward Missouri
Learning Forward New England
Learning Forward New Hampshire
Learning Forward New Jersey
Learning Forward New Mexico
Learning Forward New York
Learning Forward Ohio
Learning Forward Ontario
Learning Forward PA
Learning Forward South Carolina
Learning Forward Tennessee
Learning Forward Texas
Learning Forward Utah
Learning Forward Virginia
Learning Forward Washington State

On September 1, 2010, Learning Forward changed its name from the National Staff Development Council (NSDC). The name change emphasizes not only the organization’s growth over its 42-year history, but also better represents the vision of the organization as a powerful advocate for teacher and student learning, according to Executive Director Stephanie Hirsh.

This change in name solidifies the relationship between Learning Forward and its state and provincial affiliates. Affiliates provide Learning Forward members the opportunity to expand their professional development networks. They also provide services and programs that connect those who facilitate and lead professional development within individual states, provinces, or regions. With the support and alignment among the affiliates and their local efforts, Learning Forward is able to support more educators and schools and, in turn, effect the achievement of more students.

“The affiliates’ name change not only signifies each affiliate’s tie to the parent organization, but also that all affiliates speak with one voice about the importance of effective professional learning to improve teaching, leadership, and student learning,” says Joellen Killion, deputy executive director of Learning Forward. “Each affiliate is a vital part of the North American tapestry of Learning Forward and works with local, state, provincial, and regional policymakers and educators to ensure that all educators engage in effective professional learning to advance the education reforms and goals within their respective areas.”