New Teacher Center’s Post

Based on a collaborative current state analysis, we provided “game-changing” professional learning and coaching to school leaders in El Paso County’s CLINT ISD to support them in establishing a unified vision for instruction across the district. To lean into the shift, principals and APs: + worked alongside teachers to build their knowledge of high-quality instructional materials and curriculum and designing and delivering demonstration lessons + got comfortable being observed and coached by their peers in non-evaluative instructional interactions with teachers + defined roles and responsibilities for school leaders and other staff to build coherent teams to systematically support teachers in delivering quality instruction Learn more: https://ow.ly/IM6M50SCiIk

“Students are more likely to succeed when they feel connected to school.” This recent EdResearch for Action report, “Strengthening School Connectedness to Increase Student Success,” highlights the characteristics of NTC’s Optimal Learning Environments. These critical enabling conditions for learning address some of the causes of widespread disengagement from school and national increases in absenteeism. According to the report, student engagement is increased by: + Perceptions that teachers/staff know and care about them + Belonging to a supportive peer group + Engagement in extracurricular school activities with positive social dynamics + Feeling accepted in the school community for who they are Learn more about NTC’s Optimal Learning Environment framework: https://ow.ly/aAMc50Smn6L Read EdResearch for Action’s report: https://ow.ly/RKjp50Smn6K

“We were able to have intentional conversations around data, while also being nimble and responsive in adjusting our approach as we continued our work.” What if professional learning design started with evidence and evaluation? NTC’s DESIGNING FOR IMPACT protocol is a glimpse into our approach to doing exactly that with schools and districts nationwide. Dive into: + Starting with what you want to see change in student learning experiences (and how it maps to research for what teachers must do) + Match outcomes to process design and stakeholder engagement + Build a list of evidence as a scaffold for goal-setting + Support monitoring to be a ritual habit, using evidence as a guide Learn more: https://ow.ly/BrQm50Sk5Re

We are proud to share that Dr. Christy Harris has been named New Teacher Center’s Chief Program Officer! 🙌🏾 🙌🏻 🙌🏽 🙌🏿 "Christy’s deep knowledge of how to embed coaching and professional learning support to meet the needs of a rapidly changing teacher workforce is aligned with NTC's vision,” said CEO Tommy Chang. “We're thrilled to add her experience in developing and supporting educators to design optimal learning environments — student-centered learning spaces that are affirming, relational, and social-emotional, the foundation that research shows drives powerful instruction.” From her time as a middle school teacher to her recent role as dean of regional programs for Relay Graduate School of Education, she has created the conditions for teaching and learning experiences that prioritize the well-being, learning potential, and growth goals of the young people and adults within them. https://ow.ly/mqEx50SkmV0

NTC will be closed from July 1 - 12, reopening on July 15. We like to say we do human work. That’s what teaching and learning is — people building connections to grow together. This break is an opportunity for us to recharge, foster joy, and strengthen relationships — integral to our mission at NTC. Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of our community. Have a rejuvenating summer!

We cannot only fight oppression that directly impacts us. When asked what allyship means to Lisa Schmitt, co-leader of NTC’s LGBTQ+ Allies Group, she shared: “Being an ally means listening, laughing, loving, collaborating, and supporting my LGBTQ+ friends and the community with intention. It means seeking to interrupt my own unconscious bias. It means seeking to understand; inviting and celebrating the shared experiences and unique perspectives that shape my understanding of people and the world around me. It means viewing my behaviors through the lens of how my actions affect the lives of others. It means recognizing and calling out bias and injustice, and working to change problematic policies, practices, and behaviors so my friends in the community know they can trust me to stand up for them.” #PrideMonth