Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
Leadership under pressure
October 2021
How do you lead in times of crisis? It starts with openness to learning and growth. This issue examines how professional learning can help you support your teams through stressful times for long-term success.
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In This Issue
FOCUS
Leadership shines a light in dark times
This issue highlights what’s working — and not working — and what kinds of support leaders need to keep going strong.
The case for investing in principals
Infographic shows why leaders matter and where they need support.
As crises mount, respond with compassionate leadership
Compassionate leaders influence others through inspiring, encouraging, empowering, and embodying.
From survival to opportunity
Three leadership capacities allow schools to thrive during times of crisis.
How to prepare leaders for a crisis
School leaders’ insights during COVID-19 suggest ways to strengthen leadership preparation and support.
Cultivate a culture of coaching
Leaders can use these strategies to root instructional coaching in the school culture.
Professional learning for a virtual world
Learning Forward’s network helps districts navigate challenging times.
Lead with social and emotional support
The emotional path is a powerful leadership approach for resilience and recovery.
What it takes to become a learning system — even in a pandemic
How three principals learned from one another while addressing their own problems of practice.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Make each connection count
How one school leader collaborates with staff during crisis.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Can distance bring us closer?
A leadership preparation program evolves to meet new needs.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: How principals lead across content areas
To bolster instructional leadership, develop leadership content knowledge.
TOOLS
Find your growth opportunities
A self-assessment of professional growth needs can help you work more productively.
Make time for professional learning
This tool helps school leaders prioritize time for learning and continuous improvement.
Through the lens
How this issue’s articles embody the Standards for Professional Learning.
IDEAS
New curriculum demands new support
Chicago schools embrace curriculum-based professional learning to implement new instructional materials.
Leaders play key roles in the professional learning ecosystem
For professional learning to stick, pay attention to organizational structures, programs, and priorities.
Group coaching builds connections
Cluster coaching provides multifaceted support by connecting learning leaders online.
3 challenges new coaches face – and how to overcome them
Support from leaders can help novice coaches find their stride.
RESEARCH
What’s next for schools?
Researchers explore what students and teachers have learned from the pandemic about how to improve schools.
Data points
The latest research on how districts are using ARP funds, how leaders influence teacher well-being, the impact of teacher mentoring, and more.
VOICES
UPDATES
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