In 2025-26, Learning Forward extended its work in Maryland under a state program to develop a system of professional learning that seeks to provide Maryland teachers with the skills needed to grow their capacity and positively impact pre-K-12 student outcomes.

In March 2026, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) convened in-person sessions near Baltimore, bringing together local education agency leaders from across the state for two days of professional learning designed and facilitated by Learning Forward. More than 65 state and district leaders participated in the sessions, which primarily addressed the Learning Designs and Implementation standards from the Standards for Professional Learning and dove into how they connect across the full standards framework. Teams examined collaborative inquiry, job-embedded coaching, lesson study, data teams, microteaching with feedback, and case studies and analysis, noting that the learning design has to match the learning goal. Learning Forward facilitators intentionally modeled the standards-aligned practices.

Learning Forward’s current work in partnership with MSDE builds on the inaugural 2024-25 program year, which included a series of in-person professional learning sessions covering eight topic areas and on-demand coaching from Learning Forward coaches. The initiative is designed to elevate the teaching profession by aligning Maryland’s System of Professional Learning to research-based practices through the development, implementation, and evaluation of a series of learning modules. Over a period of six months, professional learning leadership teams from each of Maryland’s 24 local education agencies met monthly to engage in focused learning experiences.

For the 2025-26 sessions, Learning Forward intentionally built time in the daily agendas for activities participants indicated they valued highly, including cross-team collaboration and hands-on application of the content. Because they wanted to learn from other districts, two districts — Worcester County Public Schools and Baltimore City Public Schools — prepared presentations for the group.

In April 2026 the final session, entitled “Culmination: Refining Systemwide Implementation,” will provide the teams with time, structure, and facilitation to synthesize their learning from previous sessions — Evidence, Learning Designs, and Implementation — and to finalize actionable plans that strengthen their local systems of professional learning.

The multiyear initiative sends a strong message about the importance of educator development and growth.