"The overall experience of forming our Teachable Points of View, working on our learning plans, collaborating and networking with others, and being able to attend and participate in Learning Forward's opportunities designed specifically for professional learning leaders is one that I would recommend to any educator striving to improve as a leader and as a contributor to increased student achievement."
Nancy Caudell-Trammell Assistant Principal
The Learning Forward Academy is an opportunity to delve into an extended and profound learning experience that immerses members in a model of inquiry- and problem-based learning. They clarify and gain knowledge to solve significant student learning problems in their school, district, or organization.
Far from a “one-size-fits-all” approach, the Learning Forward Academy seeks to understand members’ needs and then assist them in meeting objectives through a collaborative learning environment and the support of experienced coaches. The goal is to provide an integrated toolbox that empowers members to:
Construct knowledge and create the best strategies for improved educator practice;
Become the professional learning subject-matter expert for their organization;
Successfully implement professional learning in their environment; and ultimately
Share 2 1/2 years of learning with other educators from around the world (July 2012 through December 2014);
Experience 12 face-to-face, team-based learning days for in-depth instruction and to build relationships and foster community;
Attend Learning Forward’s 2012 and 2013 Annual Conferences on us and be inspired by and network with industry experts and peers (complimentary registration--a $1,390 value!);
Participate and collaborate by phone and in a virtual environment to extend learning and for continuous process improvement;
Receive assistance to achieve objectives through planned and just-in-time support from an experienced coach who is also an Academy graduate;
Gain access to resources, relationships and real results with a complimentary Learning Forward membership for 3 years—to advance the professional development journey (a $447 value!); and
Celebrate successful completion with a formal graduation at the Annual Conference.
"My participation in the Academy Class of 2009 has transformed my vision of high quality professional development -- one that embraces NSDC's Standards of Staff Development and supports improved student achievement through a continuous cycle of improvement. I have new language, new tools, the support of trusted critical friends and a renewed sense of urgency to affect positive change through powerful professional learning. To describe the Learning Forward Academy experience as profound could only be an understatement."
Debbie Price Teacher-Consultant
Watch the 2011 Academy video
"Our entire organization is thinking differently about professional learning. It is more of a vital part of our organization than ever before. Our administrative team understands the importance of things like follow-up and evaluating impact... so do a lot of the teachers... slowly, we are building an understanding of professional development as much more than Institute Days."
