• Subscribe

    Sign up here for our monthly newsletter.

  • Menu

    FOCUS

    The power of stories for understanding change

    By Nadira Singh
    June 2025
    You probably remember a favorite childhood story or fairy tale — a story that evokes wonder, amusement, nostalgia, or curiosity — that you enjoyed in the moment and have always remembered. Storytelling and stories like this have been at the center of human experience and connection since the dawn of time. They help us understand and document our lives, relate to one another, and learn. As a district professional learning leader, I’ve come to embrace the power and value of storytelling as an underused method of monitoring change efforts. Educators often examine multiple data points when monitoring and measuring the impact of our work. Indeed, the Standards for Professional Learning (Learning Forward, 2022) include an Evidence standard under the transformational processes frame, because applying evidence

    Read the remaining content with membership access. Join or log in below to continue.

    Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.

    Log In
       

    References

    Hall, G.E., Dirksen, D.J., & George, A.A. (2006). Measuring implementation in schools: Levels of use. SEDL.

    Hord, S.M., Rutherford, W.L., Huling, L., & Hall, G.E. (2006). Taking charge of change. SEDL.

    Killion, J. (2017). Assessing impact: Evaluating professional learning (3rd ed.). Corwin & Learning Forward.

    Learning Forward. (2022). Standards for Professional Learning.

    Nelsestuen, K. & Smith, J. (2020). Empathy interviews. The Learning Professional, 41(5), 59-62.


    Image for aesthetic effect only - Nadira-singh-150x188-1
    Professional Learning and Coaching Coordinator at Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA | + posts

    Nadira Singh serves as a professional learning and coaching coordinator for Gwinnett County Public Schools, Georgia. She has partnered with Learning Forward to serve as a Learning Forward Academy coach for its Class of 2024.


    Search
    The Learning Professional


    Published Date

    CURRENT ISSUE



  • Subscribe

  • Recent Issues

    NAVIGATING NEW ROLES
    April 2025

    Whether you’re new to your role or supporting others who are new,...

    LEARNING DESIGNS
    February 2025

    How we learn influences what we learn. This issue shares essential...

    BUILDING BRIDGES
    December 2024

    Students benefit when educators bridge the continuum of professional...

    CURRICULUM-BASED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
    October 2024

    High-quality curriculum requires skilled educators to put it into...