In my early years of teaching, I was part of a K/1 multiage team with three incredible teammates. We planned together, supported each other, and navigated the ups and downs of our early careers teaching as a unit. Later, as an instructional coach, I had a focus area partner and other amazing coaches to learn alongside. But when I moved into a director role, for the first time, I was the only one in the building with my title and I missed that daily connection and support.
I’m grateful to have a strong team and a trusted professional network, but I was always curious how other people in this role navigate their day to day. When my supervisor recommended the Learning Forward Academy as a way to continue learning and growing with others in similar roles, I didn’t know much about it, but I was excited for the opportunity.
During our very first Academy meeting, we were asked to move into our “role-alike” groups. I was stunned, dozens of people shared my same title! I immediately wanted to know everything: Where are you from? What does your role look like in your district? Who are your teammates? What are you working on? Over the next two and a half years, many of the strangers in that room became colleagues and some even lifelong friends.
Learning networks like Learning Forward Academy offer more than professional learning, they offer belonging. They break down the barriers of buildings and titles and help you find people who just get it. Whether you’re in a learning cohort or not, here are strategies that helped me build meaningful, lasting connections that continue to fuel my work and my heart and they can work for you too!
Start by seeking connection, not waiting for it
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at conferences and professional gatherings is to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment to connect and just say “hello.” Don’t wait for others to approach you, introduce yourself. A friendly opener like, “Hi, I’m ___. Nice to meet you. Tell me about your work” can spark a conversation and help you quickly determine common ground. This may sound silly as a strategy to introduce yourself, but we often get caught up in our own thoughts or focused on something else and forget to engage with the people around us.
I remember walking into the first session of Academy feeling both excited and unsure. It would’ve been easy to sit quietly and wait. Instead, I introduced myself to the person next to me. I found out she was working on a similar project in her district with multilingual learners. That moment turned into a genuine conversation and, eventually, an ongoing connection.
You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about someone just by reaching out. While it’s natural to hang back and observe, stepping forward first often leads to more authentic interactions. When you make the first move, people appreciate the effort—and often, a great connection is just one hello away.
Be more curious than compelling
After making that first connection, the next step is to lean in with genuine curiosity. Resist the urge to lead with your own story. Too often, we think we need to keep a conversation going by talking about ourselves, but deep connections often begin when we show real interest in others. Deeper connections are built when you shift the focus and become more interested in learning about the other person than in impressing them.
One question I’ve found especially valuable is: “What’s your story?” I’m naturally curious, and I truly enjoy hearing about people’s experiences, motivations, and what drives them. I love hearing how people arrived at where they are—what they’ve learned, what drives them, and what they’re still figuring out.
By becoming genuinely interested in the person in front of you, you not only deepen the relationship, you also create space for meaningful dialogue and shared learning that can enrich your leadership and theirs.
Create reciprocal value through collaboration
Meaningful connections thrive when both parties benefit and contribute. The most rewarding professional relationships are built on reciprocity. Ask yourself: How can I be helpful to this person? Maybe it’s sharing a resource, passing along an article, offering support on a project, or simply being a thought partner.
A fellow Academy member was exploring how coaching mentoring could improve teacher retention. I enjoyed helping them brainstorm ideas and recommending The Burnout Cure by Chase Mielke. Once you’ve established a connection, look for ways to offer more than you receive whether that’s offering your expertise, or inviting collaboration on a project. This kind of give-and-take deepens trust and demonstrates that you’re invested in each other’s success.
In my experience, simple acts like forwarding an article relevant to a colleague’s work, recommending a helpful tool, or inviting them to join a professional network can make a lasting impact. When you take time out of your busy day to share value you’re sending the message you’re thinking of this person. Think about when someone sends you something meaningful, don’t you feel grateful that they took time out of their day to share something with you?
By intentionally offering value, you move beyond surface-level networking and build relationships grounded in shared purpose and ongoing learning.
Keep the conversation going
The end of an experience shouldn’t mean the end of connection. In fact, the most valuable relationships often develop after the formal structure wraps up. One of the simplest and most impactful things you can do is continue to connect—send a quick email, message to say, “I really appreciated learning alongside you—would love to stay connected.” This small gesture signals that your interest in the relationship is authentic and ongoing.
After Learning Forward Academy ended, I continued to stay in touch with one of my new connections. We’ve checked in on each other over messages asking how one another is doing. One time I texted I couldn’t wait to see her next year at Learning Forward and she responded with we don’t have to wait a year to connect! For some reason, I had it in my mind that I could only wait til we were in person. We scheduled our first zoom a month after the Learning Forward Annual Conference and now we zoom every month for life updates, resources, ideas, and encouragement. It started with just a short message of appreciation and the willingness to take one more step toward connection.
Don’t assume the moment has passed. A thoughtful follow-up often deepens a relationship—and keeps the learning alive long after the cohort is over.
Whether you’re exploring being a part of a learning cohort or deep into one, the opportunity to build connections is always within reach. Introduce yourself. Ask questions. Follow up. Offer value. These small acts create space for relationships that extend far beyond titles or sessions—they build a community of people who truly understand and support one another.
These relationships become more than just professional contacts; they evolve into trusted partnerships that support growth, inspire innovation, and sustain your leadership journey. In a world where leadership can feel isolating, these intentional connections remind us that learning and leading is always better together.
If you’re reading this and we haven’t met yet, I’d love to hear your story. Reach out. Let’s connect!
