Stephanie Hirsh
Stephanie Hirsh retired in June 2019 after 31 years with Learning Forward, an international association of more than 13,000 educators committed to increasing student achievement through effective professional learning. Hirsh led the organization as its executive director for the last 13 years where she presented, published, and consulted on Learning Forward’s behalf across North America. Her books include Becoming a Learning Team, co-authored with Tracy Crow (Learning Forward, 2018), Becoming a Learning System, co-authored with Kay Psencik and Frederick Brown (Learning Forward, 2018); A Playbook for Professional Learning: Putting the Standards Into Action, co-authored with Shirley Hord (Learning Forward, 2012); and The Learning Educator: A New Era for Professional Learning, co-authored with Joellen Killion (NSDC, 2007). Hirsh wrote a column for The Learning Professional, Learning Forward’s bimonthly magazine, Educational Leadership, Phi Delta Kappan, The Record, The School Administrator, American School Board Journal, The High School Magazine, and Education Week. Hirsh has served on a number of advisory boards including Learning First Alliance, 2-Rev, Digital Promise, the University of Texas College of Education, and The Teaching Channel. She served three terms as a school board trustee in the Richardson (TX) Independent School District. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Staff Development Council, Master Trustee from the Texas School Board Association, and was named a Distinguished Alumna by the University of North Texas.
All Articles
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Intentional learning goals create the potential for transformational change
While engaged in cycles of inquiry or improvement, teams may collaborate to write SMART goals for students but skip the stage of writing goals for themselves. However, a deliberate focus on educator learning with intentional goal setting is what makes a learning cycle particularly valuable for educators and is unique […] -
What it takes to make a great start
By Stephanie Hirsh One of the most frequent questions I have been asked over the years is: What are the essential conditions for launching a new initiative? Often what people want to know is whether they should kick off their new program with volunteers or should they mandate total involvement. […] -
The power of high-quality curricula
I remember how excited I was to begin my teaching career. My principal handed me my keys, my textbook teacher's edition, and the district curriculum guide. I spent hours imagining how I would transform my classroom into an amazing learning space. I also assumed there would be guidance to ensure […] -
Let's embrace what high-quality curriculum can do for all students
I remember how excited I was to begin my teaching career. My principal handed me my keys, my textbook teacher’s edition, and the district curriculum guide. I spent hours imagining how I would transform my classroom into an amazing learning space. I assumed there would be guidance to ensure my […] -
Design a learning agenda
Adapted from the second edition of Becoming a Learning Team by Stephanie Hirsh and Tracy Crow, this tool offers a process for detailing a learning plan focused on the instructional materials most relevant to the student and adult learning goals established in a team learning cycle. Use this tool to […] -
Building a Case for Connecting High-Quality Curricula and Team-Based Professional Learning
Stephanie Hirsh and Tracy Crow of Learning Forward, Eric Hirsch and Lauren Weisskirk of EdReports, and Jody Guarino of Orange County Department of Education help participants deepen their understanding about the research and importance of institutionalizing a coherent and aligned curriculum. Hear about the latest research confirming the importance of […] -
Leverage research on curriculum and professional learning to fulfill the vision of PLCs
Perhaps you've seen our recent blogs calling on professional learning communities (PLCs) to anchor their work in the deep study of their curriculum and instructional materials. At Learning Forward, we have always been explicit about the importance of focusing professional learning on the outcomes we expect for students and their […] -
Whatever name you give it, the PLC plays an important role
In my view, no learning model has captured educators' attention more than collaborative learning structures. Over the last few decades, they've had many names, starting with professional learning communities (PLCs). In some corners, they became professional learning networks or learning teams. We also use the terms communities of practice and […] -
What It Takes To Make A Great Start
One of the most frequent questions I have been asked over the years is: What are the essential conditions for launching a new initiative? Often what people want to know is whether they should kick off their new program with volunteers or should they mandate total involvement. I typically answer […] -
Why teachers embrace -- or reject -- technology tools
Every week, it seems, there are enticing new technology tools developed for educators, schools, and school systems. What is it that leads teachers to use such resources? Learning Forward recently concluded a study to understand the factors that drive teachers to embrace -- or reject -- the use of tools […]
