February 2024
Upcoming events, resources, and information to support leaders of professional development.
What's New with LFTX
2024 Professional Learning Award Winners
Honored at TASA Mid-Winter Conference
Marcy Corley, represented Frisco ISD's Professional Learning Department
Dr Jennifer Perry, represented Birdville ISD's Professional Learning Department.
This year's award winners were selected by the Learning Forward Texas Board of Directors and were announced last week at TASA's Mid-Winter Conference in Austin, TX. Click here to read the press release. Each applicant was asked to submit a 10-slide presentation highlighting a program or initiative. Click below to view their submissions and past winners
2024 Learning Forward Texas
Annual Conference
Keynote Speakers
Debbie Silver
Amber Teamann
Pre-Conference Sessions
Jim Knight
Joellen Killion
Cultivating Leadership
Registration is now open. The 2024 Learning Forward Texas Annual Conference will continue to focus on supporting adult learning. Connect and collaborate with other coaches, directors, and professional learning specialists. This year's conference will be held at the Hurst Conference Center in Hurst, Texas. The same great conference at the same price! We can't wait to see you again!
Sponsored Content
Webinar: Where the Science of Learning Meets the Science of Reading, Facilitated by Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey
Join us to learn more about how combining the science of learning with the science of reading has the potential to meet the needs of the whole child and support the development of independent learners.
While the science of reading tells us what is essential for building a reader, the science of learning tells us the conditions that are necessary for learning to thrive and last. Participants will engage in learning about the evidence base for the Science of Learning and connecting those principles to the components of the Reading Rope.
2024 Learning Forward Conference Scholarship
Looking for individuals who are:
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Passionate about professional learning
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Interested in attending the Learning Forward Texas Conference
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Lacking the financial support to attend
Are you reflecting on your learning?
Regular reflection helps students learn, and some simple strategies can make it a regular and meaningful routine. We know that reflection increases student learning.
Learning Forward Texas has curated a list of reflection activities to help you plan your next meeting or learning session. There are also other lists for Community Builders, Energizers, Engaging Processes, and Grouping strategies.
LFTX Blog
The -ING Effect: A Strategy for Purposeful Planning
In this month's blog, guest blogger, Kathryn Laster, shares her passion for intentionality and purposeful planning of professional learning. Unlock the power of purposeful planning by using the strategy of -INGs! Discover how identifying -INGs transforms professional learning, meetings, and more. Elevate your experiences and thrive in the pursuit of purpose.
Learning Forward Texas is looking for monthly guest bloggers for our newsletter. Email Lisa Ham at ed@learningforwardtexas.org if you are interested; include your name, title, topic, and the month you would like to contribute.
Regional Affiliates
The Learning Forward Texas Regional Affiliates are ready to go with meetings scheduled throughout the year. Regional affiliates are meetings hosted and planned by local school district professional learning leaders.
Invite a friend to these upcoming meetings!
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LFNTX - Thank you to Frisco ISD for hosting our January meeting with a bagel bar and an afternoon soda bar. The February meeting will be on February 9, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm in Arlington ISD. Click here for more information.
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LFCTX - Thank you to Fort Sam Houston and ESC Region 20 for hosting the January meeting. Leader ISD will host the March Virtual meeting on March 22, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Click here for more information.
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LFSETX - LFSETX is forming a steering committee to plan a spring LFSETX meeting. If you want to serve on the steering committee, complete this form.
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LFWTX - We are still seeking a leader to schedule and facilitate several virtual meetings for the West Texas group. Contact Lisa Ham if you are interested in facilitating their meetings.
Click here for more information from each of the regional affiliates.
Images from last month's LFCTX and LFNTX meetings.
Shared Resources
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2024 Raising School Leaders program application now open - Charles Butt Foundation - The application for the 2024 cohort of the Raising School Leaders program, an initiative designed to develop stronger school leaders who will enhance the quality of education across Texas, is now open. Principals serving Texas public schools selected for the program will attend the Achieving Excellence: Leadership Development for Principals institute, a weeklong summer institute at the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The professional development summer course is taught in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by faculty at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This year, the program is geared toward Texas principals from rural and/or small districts. The application closes at 12:00 p.m. (noon) CST on March 15.
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A Teacher Rubric and Checklist for Assessing AI Tools - TCEA - There are a lot of AI tools floating around. But which ones are relevant, safe, and easy to use? Evaluate AI with this rubric and checklist! Read More
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Voice Lessons from Jennifer Abrams - Jennifer Abrams - Sign up for the Voice Lessons newsletter by Jennifer Abrams. A monthly commentary on communication challenges and a set of cool resources. Jennifer trains and coaches teachers, administrators, and others on new teacher/employee support, having hard conversations, collaboration skills, and being your best adult self at work. Read this month's blog
2024 Professional Learning
Professional Learning Opportunities
Check out these professional learning opportunities for this spring and summer.
Tips and Tools for Professional Learning 2
March 22, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium Community Room
9900 Hemphill St
Fort Worth, TX 76134
2024 Learning Forward Texas Annual Conference
June 10 - 12, 2024
Hurst Conference Center, Hurst, TX
Contact Lisa Ham, Executive Director,
to discuss the benefits of Tips and Tools workshops
ed@learningforwardtexas.org 512-266-3086 ext. 1
Have you planned your spring and summer Professional Learning?
Contact us to help!
News from Learning Forward
Powerful Practices in Professional Learning -
February 13 to March 5, 2024
This course for professional learning leaders and facilitators will help you design and deliver highly effective adult learning in in-person and virtual environments. Ensure your learning designs promote the highest levels of learning and retention and increase adult learners’ capacity to implement new learning. Expert Learning Forward Texas facilitators Trish Hinze and Terri Iles will lead live learning sessions.
You're invited to the first Title II-A Symposium
Join us Feb. 29-March 1 in Arlington, VA, for a two-day learning event designed to help districts strategically plan their use of Title II-A funding to support comprehensive professional learning in their systems. This event will support you in advocating for funding, developing a grant implementation plan, and learning how to evaluate the impact of professional learning programs.
Learning Forward Academy
Learning Forward is excited to announce that the next Academy cohort is forming! Becoming a member of the 2026 Academy will provide you with the opportunity to be on the ground floor of the newly revised Standards for Professional Learning that were recently released in Spring 2022. The Learning Forward Academy is a great way to increase your capacity as an educator and leader in the ever-changing education landscape. Application deadline is March 15, 2024
Learning Forward Texas
516 E. Byron Nelson Blvd., #1279
Roanoke, TX 76262