Straightforward Newsletter | LearningForwardTexas

September

2020

Welcome to Straightforward's first issue, a quarterly newsletter that will inform and connect you with news from regional affiliates, our partners, and Learning Forward Texas. You'll find each edition will be filled with helpful tips, resources, and information about upcoming events. We hope you will provide feedback and suggestions to help us grow into a valuable resource for your professional learning network.

Learning Forward Texas Training Goes Virtual

Learning Forward Texas consultants and trainers are busy updating and converting our Tips and Tools training modules for virtual workshops. The content will be the same resources and processes that participants love however, they will be delivered in a virtual environment. Participants will be able to apply the techniques in their next face to face or virtual training. Registration information including dates will be available on our website and will be communicated through email notifications. Click here for more information.

How to Series Webinars

Learning Forward Texas will also begin hosting a How to Series of Webinars. These 30 minute instructional webinars will include information on how to use technology in professional learning settings. More information coming soon!

Learning Forward Texas Awards

Learning Forward Texas recognizes groups and individuals who use high-quality professional learning to impact student achievement with annual awards in the following categories:

Campus Excellence in Professional Learning
Team Excellence in Professional Learning
District Excellence in Professional Learning
Superintendent Excellence in Professional Learning

Click here for more information. Application will open October 7, 2020.

Regional Affiliate News

What are Regional Affiliates?

Learning Forward North Texas and Learning Forward West Texas are the first regional affiliates of Learning Forward Texas. This diverse group of PK-12 leaders of professional learning understand the value of connection and collaboration. These leaders meet regularly to discuss topics set by the group, for the group and led by the group. They model the Standards of Professional Learning, and share the best practices and strategies that are working in their districts to support teachers and impact students. They would love for you to join them. BUT you must come ready to share, open to learn and prepared to be a contributing part of a great Professional Learning Network.

September Meetings

Learning Forward North Texas September virtual meeting is September 25 at 9:00 am. Click here for more information about LFNTX

Learning Forward West Texas next meeting will be October 14.
Click here for more information about LFWTX

Are you interested in starting a regional affiliate? Participate in this month's LFNTX virtual meeting to learn more about how an affiliate program works. If you want to know more about starting a regional affiliate, contact Lisa Ham at ed@learningforwardtexas.org

LFTX Resources

Best of the Best

Learning Forward Texas posted a survey on social media asking members to post the Best of the Best Resources for Remote Learning. Below are few of the resources members shared.

Conscious Teaching This website was nominated several times as a resource for tips to help with classroom management and it included a variety of brain-friendly strategies that increase student engagement, reduce stress, and improve lesson design.
How to Keep Students’ Attention in a Virtual Classroom This article from Edutopia shares ideas for student engagement that work online but would also be successful in a face to face environment.
The Bob Pike Group Free Webinars and Podcasts The Bob Pike Group is the industry-leading firm who trains trainers, designs training programs and develops leaders. They offer free webinars and podcast under the Resources tab on their website.

Resources from Learning Forward national

Check out this article in the August issue of Learning Professional from Learning Forward What Teachers Need Now

Learning Forward webinars feature leaders in the field discussing the key topics affecting today's educators. Gain insight from authors, researchers, and practitioners on topics including data-driven professional learning, implementing change, assessing the impact of professional learning, and much more.

Learning Forward is making our COVID webinar series free to the public to support educators as part of our pandemic response.