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The Professional Learning Organization for Educators
January 2024
Upcoming events, resources, and information to support leaders of professional development.
What's New with LFTX
2024 Learning Forward Texas Annual Conference
Registration Opens January 10, 2024
Final preparations and confirmations are being made for another unbelievable conference.
This year's conference highlights include:
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Pre-Conference on June 10, 2024, with Jim Knight, Joellen Killion, and Learning Forward's Cultivating Leadership
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Lunch, light breakfast, and snacks will be provided
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Breakout sessions from Texas' best professional learning experts.
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Registration links will be sent on January 10.
Keynote Speakers
Pre-Conference Sessions
Debbie Silver
Amber Teamann
Jim Knight
Joellen Killion
Cultivating Leadership
Learning Forward Academy Graduates
Bottom Row - Dr. Becky Odajima, Carrie Pierce, Melanye Griffin
Top Row - Laura McDuffie, Craig McKinney, Noline Martin, Lisa Ham
On December 3, 2023, seven members of Learning Forward Texas celebrated a significant milestone, graduating from the Learning Forward Academy during the Learning Forward Conference held in DC/National Harbor. The Academy is normally a two-and-a-half-year program; however, this class was a year longer due to the pandemic and thus named the Class of 2022ish. Through the program, they engaged deeply with the professional learning standards, focusing on critical educational problems of practice. Learning Forward Texas members of this class included Ivan Cantu, Melanye Griffin, Lisa Ham, Noline Martin, Laura McDuffie, Craig McKinney, Dr. Becky Odajima, Carrie Pierce, and Terry Ward. Their accomplishment not only marks a personal achievement but also signifies their readiness to contribute significantly to their district, equipped with advanced knowledge and innovative practices.
Congratulations to the Class of 2022ish!
Need a new idea for creating Groups?
Flexible grouping strategies are highly effective strategies for creating an inclusive culture that honors learner variability, encourages movement, and increases engagement.
Learning Forward Texas has curated a list of Grouping Ideas to help while planning your next meeting or learning session. There are also other lists for Community Builders, Energizers, Engaging Processes, and Reflections.
Sponsored Content
Still Learning: Strengthening Professional and Organizational Capacity
Join us for a collaborative conversation focused on creating and sustaining learning organizations integrating approaches featured in the new book, Still Learning: Strengthening Professional and Organizational Capacity.
During this webinar with Allison Rodman, you’ll gain insights into how the adults in your school or district can implement and sustain healthy practices that benefit themselves, their colleagues, and their students. Together, we'll explore ways to strengthen capacity at the individual level featuring attunement and alignment.
LFTX Blog
FOMO & NOJO vs. GOJO & MOJO
Fear of Missing Out vs. Positive Spirit of Engagement
In our hyperconnected world, it's easy to fall victim to constant distractions and the feeling of missing out. This month's blog explores the balance between being plugged in and taking time for reflection. Dive into an enlightening discussion on maintaining a positive spirit, the essence of 'Mojo,' and the vital role of continuous learning in our ever-evolving lives.
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 - January 12, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Frisco ISD will host the January meeting. Click here to RSVP
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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.
LFCTX invites you to a professional learning lunch to share ideas, learn from each other, problem solve, and grow through conversation! We ask that you RSVP and select your top 3 choices for table conversations. Please bring a device to access the Padlet and a caffeinated beverage of your choice ;)
Caffeinated Conversation
Education Service Center 20, 1314 Hines, San Antonio, TX 78208
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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 by January 15, 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 Annual Conference in December in National Harbor/DC
Shared Resources
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Coaching is not consulting, nor is it collaborating. Here’s what it is - Learning Forward- Coaching is a high-impact form of professional learning that helps educators build their expertise and hone their practices so students can achieve success. Although some professional learning leaders have an official coach title or role, any educator can use coaching as a way to support another educator. Doing so requires understanding what coaching is — and what it's not, said Sharron Helmke last week at Learning Forward's Annual Conference Read more
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3 Key Strategies for Improving Teacher Growth & Retention - The Teaching Channel - As we enter the second half of the ’23-’24 academic year, school and district leaders face many challenges, including supporting and retaining their teachers. We are seeing school districts across the country successfully tackle these common challenges by embracing video-based professional learning and we are excited to share tangible steps on how your district can, too. Watch Recording
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Getting Unstuck: Conflict Resolution Strategies That Work - Edutopia - School leaders can use these strategies to turn down the heat and make progress on even the most intractable problems. Read more
2024 Professional Learning
Professional Learning Opportunities
Check out these professional learning opportunities for this spring and summer
Tips and Tools for Professional Learning 1
February 5, 8:30 - 4:00 pm
Irving ISD
Registration will be open on January 10; check our website for registration information.
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
Have you planned your spring and summer Professional Learning?
Contact us to help!
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.
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 Texas
516 E. Byron Nelson Blvd., #1279
Roanoke, TX 76262