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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 306 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 255 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 16 min read


PL4PL: Insights for Learning Leaders
Review the top five most-read posts from this past year.
learningforwardtx
Jul 82 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 306 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 17 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 294 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 287 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 286 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 66 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


Find Your People: Expand, Connect, and Grow with PLNs
Finding the right professional learning network (PLN) can transform your practice and open doors to new ideas and support. In our latest blo

Kathryn Laster
Nov 1, 20247 min read


Supercharge Your Professional Learning: Strategies to Activate and Engage Adult Learners
Just like with students, we want to engage adult learners in meaningful ways that spark curiosity, connection, and energy. I recently...

Kathryn Laster
Sep 25, 20245 min read


Exploring Chatbots in Education and Professional Learning
Artificial Intelligence continues to gain popularity in education spaces, sparking conversations about its potential to transform...

Kathryn Laster
Aug 30, 20246 min read


Top 5 Blog Posts for 2023-2024 with a focus on Leadership and Professional Learning
Learning Forward Texas’s most popular blogs from 2023-2024 are a fantastic resource supporting leadership and professional learning.
learningforwardtx
Aug 2, 20242 min read


Reflective Leadership and Building a Culture of Appreciation
For the summer Learning Forward Texas conference, we’ve presented a series of interviews with our keynote and pre-conference speakers. We’re

Kathryn Laster
Jul 9, 20248 min read


Inspired to Learn: Insights from a Lifelong Educator
I recently had the honor of speaking with Joellen Killion, an influential leader with decades of experience and contributions to the...

Kathryn Laster
Jun 18, 20247 min read


Conference Learning That Lasts
The annual Learning Forward Texas conference  is just around the corner! Summer is a prime time for educators to dig into new learning,...

Kathryn Laster
May 30, 20246 min read


Fostering Deliberate Optimism
I recently had the privilege of chatting with Dr. Debbie Silver, who is an educator and educational speaker. In our conversation, we...

Kathryn Laster
Apr 23, 20246 min read


Leading, Learning, and Collaborating with Trish Hinze
In anticipation of our summer Learning Forward Texas conference, we’re thrilled to present a series of interviews with our keynote and pre-c

Kathryn Laster
Mar 30, 20246 min read
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