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Starting Strong
How we begin matters more than we think. This post explores three intentional design moves that shape the start of learning experiences, from first discovery to the opening moments together.

Kathryn Laster
Jan 66 min read


Setting the Stage With Pre-Emails
Pre-emails are one of the simplest ways to strengthen a learning experience, especially when time is tight. This post offers a three-part framework for designing pre-emails that support comfort, content, and connections while staying concise and respectful of educators’ time. Try one small idea in your next session and see how it transforms the beginning.

Kathryn Laster
Dec 1, 20255 min read


Defining Your Own Career Growth
In the final post of this three-part series on personalized professional learning and growth, explore how we define career success and why traditional paths like promotions and titles don’t work for everyone. Learn how the multidimensional career framework can help individuals name their growth priorities and help leaders retain and support passionate educators.

Kathryn Laster
Nov 3, 20255 min read


Designing Your Own Learning
The second post in a three-part series on personalizing professional learning.
After exploring your learning preferences in Part 1, this post invites you to take the next step: intentionally designing your own learning journey. Discover how self-directed learning and curation can transform not only your growth, but also how you support others.

Kathryn Laster
Sep 30, 20256 min read


Owning Your Own Learning
Discover how understanding your learning preferences helps you take ownership of your growth, save time, and design better experiences for others.

Kathryn Laster
Aug 25, 20255 min read


Choreographing the Start of a Session
The first five minutes of a professional learning session can shape everything that follows. In this post, explore delivery strategies from The Choreography of Presenting by Kendall Zoller, including synchronicity and purposeful openings that build connection and trust. Whether you’re leading learning next week or next month, these small moves can make a big difference.

Kathryn Laster
Aug 1, 20256 min read


PL4PL: Insights for Learning Leaders
Review the top five most-read posts from this past year.
learningforwardtx
Jul 8, 20252 min read


What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is a learning session your district hosts with a twist! These sessions are also open to participants from other...
learningforwardtx
Jun 9, 20251 min read


New Board Members and Officers
Learning Forward Texas is excited to welcome new board members, who begin their three-year terms at the Annual Conference in Hurst. New board officers will begin their one-year term in July.
learningforwardtx
Jun 3, 20251 min read


The ABCs for Intentional Engagement at LFTX
Get ready for #LFTX25 by embracing the ABCs of Conference Engagement: Amplify, Build, and Connect. This year’s Learning Forward Texas Summer Conference encourages attendees to intentionally share insights, turn ideas into action, and spark meaningful connections—whether through thoughtful conversations, a playful new Bingo Board, or purposeful planning tools.

Kathryn Laster
May 30, 20256 min read


Relevance at the Center: Reflections on Learning and Design
Staying current isn't enough—great learning leaders stay relevant. In this conversation, Terri Iles shares how intentional design, real-world application, and joyful connection create professional learning that lasts.

Kathryn Laster
May 1, 20257 min read


Shared Resources and Interesting Reading from 2025
This is a list of the resources, articles, and books on professional learning, coaching, and education compiled by the Learning Forward Texa
learningforwardtx
Apr 18, 20253 min read


Jessica Cain Named Recipient of the 2025 Learning Forward Texas Annual Conference Scholarship
Learning Forward Texas announces Jessica Cain, Assistant Principal in Ferris ISD, as the winner of LFTX 2025 Annual Conference Scholarship.
learningforwardtx
Apr 10, 20251 min read


Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Professional Learning Award Winners
Learning Forward Texas announced the 2025 Professional Learning Awards winners several months ago. Debi Tanton, Director of Business,...
learningforwardtx
Mar 29, 20252 min read


Why Educators Return to the Learning Forward Texas Conference Every Summer
Every summer, educators from across Texas—and across roles—gather for something more than just a conference. Read why people attend our little Learning Forward Texas Annual Conference every year.

Kathryn Laster
Mar 29, 20254 min read


Collaboration Skills for Learning Leaders
Prepare for this summer’s Learning Forward Texas conference with a sneak peek into Dr. Thomas Van Soelen’s pre-conference session—and discover why it’s a must-attend for learning leaders!

Kathryn Laster
Feb 28, 20257 min read


Learning Forward Texas Announces 2025 Professional Learning Award Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2025 Fort Worth, TX – [Date] – Learning Forward Texas is proud to announce the 2025 Professional...
learningforwardtx
Feb 5, 20252 min read


Reimagining Book Studies
Ready to bring new life to your book studies? In this month’s post, explore creative strategies to make book studies more engaging, collabor

Kathryn Laster
Jan 28, 20256 min read


Designing with Learner Personas in Mind
Several years ago, an Instructional Designer friend introduced me to the concept of learner personas . While I had some understanding of...

Kathryn Laster
Jan 6, 20256 min read


Elevating Learning Through the Power of Words
Discover the power of language and communication through a curated list of transformative books.

Kathryn Laster
Dec 3, 20246 min read
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