Brooke Charter Schools’ Post

Conversation number two was so powerful that Malika Ali is planning to observe Dr. Hoa Tu run her own professional learning in her Queens North High Schools next week. During the conversation I was especially impressed with the ways in which Dr. Tu described braiding her own designs for pedagogy-focused & student-centered professional learning with NYCDOE central office mandates for curricular professional learning. Her focus on helping her leaders and teachers understand "The Why" behind all professional learning has led to greater coherence and buy-in from her principals and teachers. #100DistrictConversations 1. "I’ve seen many district-wide professional learning roll-outs that were “one size fits all”. When we don’t acknowledge that there are different student needs and teacher support levels that should be taken into account, we quickly encounter challenges. Everyone wants to know that their voice matters." 2. "The main challenge of adopting any new initiative is messaging. When people don’t understand the why and the how then they don’t comply, but instead pay lip service to the implementation. That’s why professional learning for educators has to mirror the experiences that we want our students to have in the classroom. Unsuccessful professional learning is more about telling someone how to do something. This is not impactful for someone learning a new curriculum or strategy for the first time. If we want that deep cognitive engagement, then we must put teachers into the situations that we want their students to experience, and support them accordingly." 3. "In my experience, professional learning implementations that work well encourage an opt-in, phased approach. By not over-mandating, but instead starting with small commitments from principals or specific teachers, we have intentional time to gain buy-in and build understanding (and excitement!) with more depth and clarity. It may take a little longer, but the sense of feeling seen and supported is well worth it for the alignment and sustainability you gain across schools. We’ve seen a lot of success shifting from “This is how I will support you” to “How would you like to be supported?” How does Dr. Tu's approach sound to you? Please comment below and keep the conversation going. If you're a district leader or know of a district leader who would like to be included in our #100DistrictConversations, please use this form for nominations. https://lnkd.in/gwCPV6JW

Kicking off #100DistrictConversations today with some gems from Davion R. Lewis, PhD. Dr. Lewis is not only the talented Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at the South Bend Community School Corporation, but he is also a Throughline Learning board member! Thank you Davion for sharing these 3 important insights regarding professional learning. 1. "Across the country, many districts have invested in the science of reading with strong results. Now I’m noticing that student engagement in rigorous content is particularly challenging in math, and teachers are hungry for strategies. The leaders in my network are wondering: How can we make math more interactive, experiential, and identity-affirming?" 2. "The partnerships I’ve seen be most successful are the ones that bring together high-quality curriculum AND professional learning around instructional practices. Without this connection, teachers don’t have enough time or support in their already busy schedules to unpack the lesson standards, internalize the math, and determine the best ways to differentiate for their students." 3. "The solutions that sustain over time are ones that build concrete skills: reviewing student work, incorporating technology, regrouping based on data, and fostering collaboration. This is the type of return on investment that the CAOs and Curriculum Directors I know care about." If you agree or disagree with any of these statements above, please comment below to keep the conversation going. If you're a district leader or know of a district leader who would like to be included in my #100DistrictConversations, please use this form for nominations. https://lnkd.in/gwCPV6JW

Do teachers really get the summer 'off'? While students enjoy their break, many teachers are busy planning lessons, attending professional development, and prepping for the upcoming school year. It's a time for growth, reflection, and gearing up to inspire young minds! What are your thoughts? #TeachersLife #SummerBreak #Education #TeacherPrep #EvolveRecruitment

I am pleased to announce our collaborations with Archway Learning Trust, Aldercar High School, TEDDINGTON SCHOOL, The Hathershaw College, Alderley Edge School for Girls, Stafford Grammar School, Stoke on Trent College and finally, The Education Alliance  on the delivery of our bespoke Yipiyap Aspire Train to Tutor course & Peer Tutor Programme. These cost-effective enrichment programmes foster skills, development and create meaningful educational opportunities for your learners by:   Training Year 12 Students: Equipping them with the knowledge and tools to become effective tutors, enhancing their leadership and communication skills whilst experiencing external accountability early in their professional lives. Supporting Younger Students: Trained Year 12 tutors work with younger peers, providing academic support and inspiration to help them thrive, a brilliant support for your teaching staff.   The Peer Tutor Programme, furthermore, also offers Year 12 participants a unique insight into education as a career pathway, sparking a passion for teaching and mentoring.    The student feedback attached says it all. If this programme aligns with the vision and goals of your sixth form, we would be delighted to discuss how it could benefit your students. Please contact me directly at Conor@yipiyap.co.uk. Sarah Barley Dr. Lewis Entwistle Colin Anderson Keely Platten Alaina Wood Fay Cracknell Ash Travis, Hollie Pleavin, Stephanie Pinder, Penny Patrick

Building intentional, professional relationships matter, no matter what field your career is in. In public school education, this has often been overlooked. ELP is changing that. As one New Teacher, Joanna, told us after completing the two-year pilot program: “I think this program has the possibility to help early career teachers do better because of the relationships and support. I think you can feel very alone in your first year, because everyone in the school already knows each other and you’re figuring yourself out. I think it definitely gives you a community, which makes you feel able to stay around.” #education #teacher #educatorsleading #theprofessionofteaching #newteacher

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I can't help but reflect on my time as a teacher and how much the landscape of education continues to change and evolve. Teaching isn't just about delivering lessons; it's about nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and guiding future leaders. To all the teachers out there, I want to acknowledge the immense dedication and hard work you put in every day. Contrary to popular belief, summers off are often filled with planning, professional development, and preparing for the next school year. The workload is condensed into eight intense months that demand your expertise, empathy, and tireless commitment to student success. It's disheartening to see the current state of education in our country. We talk about the future citizens of America, yet we struggle to provide fair wages and support to those who shape these future leaders. The focus on test scores often overshadows the importance of holistic education, where students thrive not just academically but also as compassionate, curious, and resilient individuals. As we celebrate teachers this week, let's also reflect on how we can better support and uplift the education system. Our teachers deserve more than just appreciation; they deserve fair compensation, resources, and a system that prioritizes student well-being over standardized metrics. Thank you to all the educators who continue to make a difference in the lives of our children and the future of our nation. #TeacherAppreciationWeek #Education #SupportTeachers #FutureLeaders #ThankATeacher

Do you remember your favorite teacher? Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Maybe, like me, you remember each teacher who inspired you at each stage of your education journey; the impact of a great teacher extends far beyond the classroom and can influence the future trajectory of their students' lives. There is no profession I respect more than teachers. My mom and three sisters are teachers, and I know there is no way I can do what they do. I need a nap after chaperoning a field trip. Teachers create safe and inclusive spaces where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves. They follow individualized education plans to make sure every child is getting the education that works best for them. Since 2020, teachers have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, transitioning seamlessly to virtual and hybrid learning environments, finding creative ways to engage students, and overcoming obstacles with grace and determination. Some of them taught our children from home while managing their own children's online learning. As a parent, teachers are my heroes. They love and protect my kids every day. Next week, make sure you tell the teachers in your life how important they are, because I guarantee you that they don't hear it enough. #TeacherAppreciationPost #TeachersAreSuperheroes #HappyImALawyer

Check out this excellent piece by Dr. Shadae Harris. She shares her impactful work in Richmond, and how engagement is an essential part of teaching and learning. Important reading relevant to every district. "We separate ourselves from families when we do not invest time and heart into knowing their truth, including their tears and outrage. By knowing what shapes families—where they have come from and where they want to go—we can create a personalized engagement system based on the needs and the beautiful strengths of the school community."  https://lnkd.in/gwFRSGUe

As we navigate an ongoing teacher shortage, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve in attracting and retaining top talent. That's why we’re excited to share a new resource to help you rethink your approach to teacher recruitment. This short guide, by BloomBoard president and co-founder Jason Lange, distills current research on the preferences and values of Gen Z into actionable strategies school districts can implement to attract and retain the next generation of educators. From reimagining educator preparation programs to leveraging cutting-edge technology in recruitment, this playbook offers a roadmap to success in securing the best and brightest for your district. Download the brief here: https://lnkd.in/gH88XAmk

I highly recommend this recent resource from Maria Gabriela Crabtree, Katherine Prince, and Jeremiah-Anthony Righteous-Rogers, MPAP of KnowledgeWorks entitled “Envisioning Educator Roles for Transformation”. In this era of urgent need for learner-centred education systems, we can get lost in advocating for more of the same. Framing system transformation by newly relevant educator roles holds enormous potential. For more perspectives in relation to community climate action check out my article at https://lnkd.in/ey5awUUk #communityschools #climatechange #educationsystemtransformation