Collaboration is at the heart of effective professional learning, as Learning Forward emphasizes in the Standards for Professional Learning. Educators who participate in the Learning Forward Academy and other networking experiences, such as the Redesign PD Community and the Student Success Learning Network, frequently report that the relationships they develop with other participants are among…
Olivia Elizondo Zepeda shares insights about navigating career changes, the value of professional learning across transitions, and the role Learning Forward has played in her career.
Whitney Oakley has worn many hats during her career in education, including some she didn’t expect. After her district began to focus on high-quality instructional materials and adopted new resources, she found herself not only overseeing curriculum decisions and professional learning, but driving a forklift loaded with lesson materials and serving as what she jokingly…
Sandeep Dutt is chairman of Learning Forward India, which he founded as an international affiliate of Learning Forward in 2015. He is a social entrepreneur, coach, consultant, and speaker focusing on school culture and school transformation. Since 2012, he has been chairman of the Bhadrajun Artisans Trust, which runs the Fabindia Schools Programme with the…
When Beth Brockman transitioned from being a school leader to a district leader for professional learning, she reached out to Learning Forward for connection and support.
How did you get involved with Learning Forward? At the Annual Conferences and other Learning Forward events, Honnick participated in professional learning led by former Executive Director Dennis Sparks and Senior Advisor Joellen Killion. “As soon as I met Joellen, I knew I wanted to be her when I grew up,” Honnick says. “I had…
Position: Deputy director of schools, Loudon County Public Schools, Tennessee In education: 18 years Learning Forward member since: 2015 Learning Forward origin story: I became a Learning Forward member because I wanted access to professional expertise that would stretch my thought processes. I’m in a small- to medium-sized rural district that is very innovative, and…
Position: Teacher and program coordinator at Ridgeview Charter School in Sandy Springs, Georgia In education: 21 years Learning Forward member since: 2007 How Learning Forward helped her: The Annual Conferences are excellent. There’s a wide variety of topics, the people who present are the practitioners, and you get incredibly good ideas. You get the chance…
Position: 6th year as Principal at Fenwick Academy (New Jersey) In education: 24 years Learning Forward member since: 2013 Learning Forward origin story: My superintendent sent me an email and asked if I wanted to go to the Annual Conference in 2013. I said yes, I became a member, and I decided to fill out…