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The Professional Learning Organization for Educators
December 2023
Upcoming events, resources, and information to support leaders of professional development.
What's New with LFTX
Share Your Passion for Professional Learning
by becoming a Learning Forward Texas Board Member
Accepting Applications for LFTX Board of Directors
Learning Forward Texas is looking for individuals who are:
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Passionate about professional learning
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Interested in the development of programming and events for Learning Forward Texas
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Focused on growing your leadership skills by learning from and with other experienced educators
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Called to support the growth of professional learning in Texas
Applicants must:
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Be a current member of Learning Forward (the national organization) and Learning Forward Texas (the state affiliate.)
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Submit an acceptance form to the Texas nominating committee.
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Agree to serve a minimum term of (3) consecutive years.
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Have not served on the Learning Forward Texas board during the past (2) consecutive years.
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Click here for more information, qualifications, and requirements of the Learning Forward Texas Board of Directors.
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Applications Due December 15, 2023.
2022 - 2023 Board of Directors
2024 Annual Conference Update
Keynote Speakers
Conference Registration opens January 10
Debbie Silver
Amber Teamann
Need an idea for an Engaging Process?
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An engaging professional learning process is designed to actively involve participants, often through interactive and practical activities, fostering a deeper understanding and retention of the content.
Learning Forward Texas has curated a list of Engaging Processes to help while planning your next meeting or learning session. There are also other lists for Community Builders, Energizers, Groupings ideas, and Reflections.
Sponsored Content
An Interview With Joan Sedita: Evidence-Based Writing Instruction, The Writing Rope, And Reading-Writing Reciprocity
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Read Collaborative Classroom's new interview with Joan Sedita, author of The Writing Rope and a nationally recognized literacy expert. In the interview we discuss reading-writing reciprocity, essential elements for an effective writing curriculum, and the importance of a strong classroom writing community.
LFTX Blog
Embracing the Future: 5 Ways Educators Can Harness AI for Professional Learning
This month's post is from Learning Forward Texas Board Member Dr. Chris Summers. His blog discusses how educators can use Artificial Intelligence to enhance professional learning experiences. It highlights five key areas: personalized learning paths, intelligent mentorship programs, collaborative AI tools for knowledge sharing, AI-powered feedback and assessment, and Virtual Reality simulations, all aimed at creating more engaging, relevant, and effective professional development for teachers.
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. More information about Regional Affiliates! Regional affiliates or meetings hosted and planned by local school district professional learning leaders.
Invite a friend to these upcoming meetings!
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LFNTX - January 12, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Frisco ISD will be hosting the January meeting. Thank you to Birdville ISD for hosting the Thanksgiving-themed November meeting.
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LFCTX - January 12, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, in-person session. Hosted by Fort Sam Houston at ESC Region 20. Thank you to Jennifer Abrams for leading the November virtual meeting surrounding her work and new book, Swimming in the Deep End. Click here for more information about next month's meeting.
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LFSETX - LFSETX is forming a steering committee to plan a spring LFSETX meeting. If you are interested in serving on the steering committee, complete this form by January 2, 2024.
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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 the Learning Forward North Texas Meeting
Shared Resources
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The power of coaching - The Learning Professional - Coaching is one of the most powerful learning designs to change educator practice and improve student outcomes. This webinar will feature educators in a range of roles who use coaching skills to foster autonomy, efficacy, and growth for other educators. Get practical strategies and tools to harness the power of coaching to sustain learning, bolster collaboration and collaborative organizational cultures, and engender equity among educators, and hear how coaches deepen their own professional expertise through being coached themselves and by coaching others. Watch the webinar.
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12 mentorship must haves - The Teaching Channel - While it’s important to invest in new teachers, it’s as important to invest in mentors. Mentors serve as invaluable guides and supporters on the educational journey. They provide new teachers with a soft place to land, a trusted person to turn to for guidance on new lessons, and a valuable resource for addressing behavior challenges. Mentors are the first line of support for new teachers, making the selection of the right individuals for each new teacher imperative. Read More
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How coaches help educators have difficult conversations - Coaching Conversations podcast - Author and negotiation expert Sheila Heen, the Thaddeus R. Beal Professor of Practice and Deputy Director of the Harvard Negotiation Project, joined Jim Knight on a podcast exploring practical strategies for improving feedback mechanisms, fostering collaboration, and enhancing interpersonal relationships in various educational settings. Said Heen: "The better you get at some of the principles (for difficult conversations), the lower level (the conflicts) are — we tackle them much earlier when they are not as difficult and are sorting something rather than letting it fester." Listen
Important Dates
Important Dates
Learning Forward Texas has dates to add to your calendar. More information about each event will be added to the website in the coming weeks.
Learning Forward Texas Board Member Application
November 8, 2023 - December 15, 2023
Learning Forward Texas Offices will be closed
December 18,2023 - January 2, 2024
2024 Learning Forward Texas Annual Conference
June 10 - 12, 2024
Hurst Conference Center, Hurst, TX
Have you planned your spring and summer Professional Learning?
Contact us to help!
Click here to request information for district-purchased workshops.
Call now to book your workshops with current pricing.
Contact Lisa Ham, Executive Director,
to discuss the benefits of Tips and Tools workshops
ed@learningforwardtexas.org 512-266-3086 ext. 1
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.
Apply to present at the 2024 Annual Conference
Share your professional learning and school improvement expertise with educators from around the world. Submit a proposal to present at the Learning Forward's 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado, December 8-11, 2024.
Submit your proposal to present a session and join your colleagues in exploring best practices in professional learning.
The proposal deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Learning Forward Texas
516 E. Byron Nelson Blvd., #1279
Roanoke, TX 76262