Learning Forward

The opportunity to serve as a trustee and to be a part of the Learning Forward team is an honor and professionally rewarding in so many ways. The mission of Learning Forward is directly aligned with school leadership and as a public school Superintendent, building the capacity of leaders through […]

My introduction to Learning Forward came more than 20 years ago while using its exceptional consultation services. The organizations I’ve served and the educators with whom I’ve served have benefited immensely by participation in Learning Forward’s annual conferences, summer institutes, immersion in the standards of professional learning, and access to […]

My time on the Board has allowed me to learn from, and with, likeminded leaders committed to advocating high quality educator professional learning to provide all students an equitable education. Even though our full-time responsibilities keep us busy, when we have the opportunity to work on a common goal, it […]

I value Learning Forward for the professional relationships I have developed over the years. The quality of the people with whom I have interacted has been outstanding. It motivates me every day to stay current and to continually try to improve.

As a superintendent, I value the diversity of thought our employees bring to the district. Because our leaders were hired at different times and have varying levels of experience, we need a common set of standards that allows us to use our diverse backgrounds to strengthen the district capacity for […]

By Kim Tucker and Rosemary Seitel When Hurricane Mitch hit and decimated the Caribbean Islands in 1998, landforms were dramatically changed. Where rivers once flowed, land emerged. The hurricane had created a new channel, and the bridge, once above the Choluteca River, was now suspended over land. Mitch had ravaged […]

Learning Forward’s Standards for Professional Learning Professional learning that increases educator effectiveness and results for all students ... Learning Communities … occurs within learning communities committed to continuous improvement, collective responsibility, and goal alignment. Leadership … requires skillful leaders who develop capacity, advocate, and create support systems for professional learning. […]

Middle school flips the script: With Inside-Out PD, professional learning starts in the classroom. By Niamh McQuillan The challenges of a learner-centered initiative at a Baltimore middle school led the school’s leaders to reconfigure its professional development model. Two central ideas were key: Generate professional learning from inside the classroom, […]

LESSONS LEARNED: Selecting high-quality, aligned curricula is key. Using a standards-aligned curriculum well requires skillful professional learning. Investing in leadership at the school and district level is essential. Ensuring expert teacher leaders is also important. Effective team learning is part of a larger instructional improvement and learning system. CHALLENGES: Aligning […]