Learning Forward Academy

Calling All Academy January 17, 2012 Dear Colleagues: Happy New Year! With a new year comes a new Learning Forward Academy class. We have learned over the years that a vast majority of Academy participants had the program recommended to them by a colleague. We are currently recruiting for the Class of 2014 and hope you will help us get the word out about Academy. The application deadline this year is March 15, 2012. Please feel free to pass along the following information to those you think might be interested in joining the newest Academy class: Academy Background: In 1991, as part of an effort to increase educator effectiveness at the state, provincial, district, division, and school levels, Learning Forward (then NSDC) launched the first Academy. This inaugural group of 28 principals, teacher-leaders, and central office staff went on to become the first to earn their certificates as graduates of our premier program for professional learning. Since then, over 20 cohorts have followed, graduating over 1200 members. Academy graduates represent 48 states, five Canadian provinces, and four countries outside of North America. The Academy is an extended learning experience that models the organization's vision for professional learning and teamwork in schools. Academy members work collaboratively to learn about and solve significant student learning "problems of practice" that occur within their school, district, division, state, province, or organization. Through immersion in a model of inquiry-based and problem-based learning, participants gain solutions to the problems they and others bring; experience a model of professional learning that exemplifies our Standards for Professional Learning; and construct knowledge and develop skills necessary to transform their learning, their work, and their organizations. Academy members include district administrators, superintendents, principals, teachers, and personnel from local, state, provincial, and national educational agencies, as well as university faculty, independent staff development providers, and leaders from nonprofit educational organizations. Link to More Information & Application: http://www.learningforward.org/opportunities/academy.cfm Link to Academy Scholarship Information: http://www.learningforward.org/getinvolved/chidleysummary.final.pdf Also, attached to this email is a PDF of the new Academy promotional flyer. Thank you so much for your continued support of the Learning Forward Academy! Take care. Frederick Brown Director, Strategy and Development Learning Forward (formerly National Staff Development Council) 17330 Preston Road, #106-D Dallas, TX 75252 972-421-0900   office (ext. 314) 972-421-0894   direct line 972-421-0899   fax 847-707-7425   cell frederick.brown@learningforward.org www.learningforward.org Every educator engages in effective professional learning every day so every student achieves.