Professional Development Blog

Learning Forward's PD Watch

Learning Forward is the nation’s largest nonprofit membership association focused solely on ensuring success for all students through effective professional learning and school improvement. It advocates for every educator having access to professional learning that is results-driven, standard-based, and job-embedded. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: professional development.

Professional Development Opinion What It Takes To Make a Great Start
Create these three essential conditions to ensure the success of a new initiative.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, May 31, 2018
3 min read
Teaching Profession Opinion The Power of High-Quality Curricula
To achieve equity, we must empower teachers with the materials that expect and support students to do challenging grade-level work.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, May 25, 2018
3 min read
Professional Development Opinion Change Management Is Key to Successful Implementation
Specific change management strategies can have a significant effect on the scaling and spread of an innovation.
Learning Forward & Nicholas Morgan, May 17, 2018
2 min read
Families & the Community Opinion Haven't We Done This Before?
Learning Forward is ready to fight for Title II funding for fiscal year 2019 -- with your help.
Learning Forward & Melinda George, May 10, 2018
3 min read
Professional Development Opinion Leverage Research on Curriculum and Professional Learning to Fulfill the Vision of PLCs
Deliberate and intentional attention to a curriculum-driven agenda contributes to an aligned and coherent professional learning system.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, April 30, 2018
4 min read
Professional Development Opinion Whatever Name You Give It, the PLC Plays an Important Role
Collaborative learning teams are the most important opportunity we have for fulfilling a vision of excellent teaching and learning for every student every day.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, March 29, 2018
4 min read
Professional Development Opinion Why Teachers Embrace -- or Reject -- Technology Tools
A new Learning Forward study examines barriers to using technology tools created to help teachers improve their practice.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, March 15, 2018
3 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management Opinion How Systems Can Support High-Quality Curricula
System leaders and the system itself play a critical role in providing support and context for curriculum work.
Learning Forward & Frederick Brown, February 15, 2018
8 min read
Teaching Opinion Let's Make the Most of Teachers' Time Together
Are these five essential elements of effective collaboration present in your team?
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, February 8, 2018
2 min read
Professional Development Opinion Focus Professional Learning Communities on Curriculum
Well-structured professional learning communities focused on implementing high-quality curriculum can help advance equity for all students.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, January 18, 2018
6 min read
Families & the Community Opinion 5 Reasons Why Every Policymaker Should Fight To Save Title IIA
Insight into representatives' perspectives on public education can help bolster arguments to support Title IIA.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, January 11, 2018
9 min read
School & District Management Opinion My 2018 Resolutions: Listen Closely, Take a Stand, Empower Others
The new year is the perfect time to embrace a fresh start.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, January 3, 2018
2 min read
Education Opinion Let's Establish a Compelling Vision for Relicensure
Educator relicensure and recertification processes are missed opportunities for ensuring access to the professional learning educators need to help students succeed. We can change that.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, December 19, 2017
3 min read
School & District Management Opinion Annual Conference: 3,000 Educators With 1 Shared Purpose
Practitioners, researchers, and experts share strategies for effective professional learning that can advance improved practice and results for students.
Learning Forward & Stephanie Hirsh, November 28, 2017
4 min read