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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.

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    The 22 districts participating in Learning Forward's Redesign PD Community of Practice share our concerns that too few educators experience effective professional learning that will help them ensure all students succeed. As a result, too few students experience Learning Forward's vision of excellent teaching and learning every day. The districts agreed to participate […]
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    As states prepare the first drafts of their consolidated plans as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), I encourage them to recognize the powerful opportunity this new law provides to rethink their learning systems. States can leverage all funding streams to advance a coherent vision of continuous learning […]
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    At Learning Forward's 2016 Annual Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, board president John Eyolfson and I recognized several school systems and organizations for their attention to effective professional learning. We gave out seven awards, which we named "the Learnies" -- one for each of the seven Standards for Professional Learning. […]
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    I landed just a few hours ago in Vancouver, British Columbia, the site of Learning Forward's 2016 Annual Conference. As I prepare for the seven-day marathon shared with many on the Learning Forward team, I want to explain why I am more excited than ever. The week begins with two days […]
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    The 22 districts participating in Learning Forward’s Redesign PD Community of Practice share our concerns that too few educators experience effective professional learning that will help them ensure all students succeed. As a result, too few students experience Learning Forward’s vision of excellent teaching and learning every day. The districts agreed […]
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    When Learning Forward released the updated Standards for Professional Learning five years ago, we frequently heard this question: Where did the Equity standard go? The version of the standards published in 2001 included an Equity standard, which stated: "Staff development that improves the learning of all students prepares educators to understand […]
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    I love connecting people who care about the same thing or can help each other with a particular task or goal. So, as you can imagine, I love networking. However, you may be surprised to learn that I am an introvert. I tried to overcome this for years until I […]
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    When Learning Forward released the updated Standards for Professional Learning five years ago, we frequently heard this question: Where did the Equity standard go? The version of the standards published in 2001 included an Equity standard, which stated: "Staff development that improves the learning of all students prepares educators to […]
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    Lately when I talk to district leaders about professional learning, our conversation often turns to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Given the influence that the federal education law has on how districts plan and allocate resources, they are interested in Learning Forward's view on implications for professional learning. Our […]
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    Dear Colleagues: I am so excited to welcome many of you to our Annual Conference this year in Vancouver, British Columbia! I’m sorry that many of you from the United States may have challenges securing permission to attend the conference. Having previously served on a school board and in the central office, […]
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