Professional Continuum

This section provides information on programs that are supporting the development of high quality instruction and school leadership, beginning with formal educator preparation programs and continuing throughout a career.

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Principals raising hands during conference session
Principal participating in conference session

Stories from the Field

Inside-Out PD: Teachers as the Seeds of Innovation

“Our stakeholder data said we needed to make changes, and here is what we did.” Rebecca illustrated each step carefully that she and her principal had taken to build the teacher professional development system in their elementary school. The design she was sharing was based on the model I had...

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Finding a Way by Focusing on Literacy

Alice Ott Middle School built a reading program intended to bring struggling students to grade level and enrich the skills of those already on grade level. Gone was the large amount of time spent on sustained silent reading that had no purpose other than having students read material of their...

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LFA Updates

Six Lessons from the Elements of Success

In 2018, LFA worked with the American Federation of Teachers' Share My Lesson resource to show educators how to apply the Elements of Success in their classrooms

The Learning First Alliance, which collectively represents 10 million educators, parents and school board members through our 12 member associations, unveiled its groundbreaking “Elements of Success: 10 Million Speak on Schools that Work” in January 2018. The report was designed as a compendium of best practices for schools and educators...

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Research Finds Professional Development is Key—If It’s Done Right

Specific conditions make a difference in whether professional learning is effective. Learning Forward shows how, when these conditions are met, student learning will improve

Sometimes it makes all the difference if you use the right definition and process. After decades of half-hearted federal support for professional development, there is now data to support the investment in teachers and administrators. The new analysis was presented during a Congressional briefing late last month by Learning Forward...

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Member Resources

Beyond Barriers: Encouraging Teacher Use of Feedback Resources

What leads teachers to use new technology products or services to improve their practice? Learning Forward recently concluded a study that investigated factors that drive teachers to embrace or challenge the use of products and services designed to support improvements in practice. Findings from the study can assist education leaders...

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Great Teaching & Learning

To provide a top-quality education, schools, educators, and communities must embrace five essential values that encourage constant learning, professional growth and respect for each individual. Based on these values, the National Education Association offers a guide to help educators achieve and sustain new norms of excellence at every phase of...

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