A frequent topic of conversation in my work with educators is how to help learning stick. Whether we’re talking about classroom instruction or ideas introduced during a professional learning session, the hope is the same: that learning transfers into practice. My interest in the learning sciences began in 2015 with a Twitter book study of Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning . What began as professional curiosity soon influenced how I approached the design of pro

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Review the top five most-read posts from this past year.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Several years ago, an Instructional Designer friend introduced me to the concept of learner personas . While I had some understanding of...

Discover the power of language and communication through a curated list of transformative books.

Finding the right professional learning network (PLN) can transform your practice and open doors to new ideas and support. In our latest blo

Just like with students, we want to engage adult learners in meaningful ways that spark curiosity, connection, and energy. I recently...

Artificial Intelligence continues to gain popularity in education spaces, sparking conversations about its potential to transform...

Learning Forward Texas’s most popular blogs from 2023-2024 are a fantastic resource supporting leadership and professional learning.

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