Professional Learning Cohorts, Meetups and Resources

Whether you’re a district administrator, principal, teacher leader or other instructional leader, Lead for Learners offers various ways to learn from peers and build your capacity to lead personalized learning transformation.

Join the Lead for Learners online community to get access to resources and regular updates on cohort-based learning opportunities and virtual peer-to-peer learning meetups.

Professional Learning Meetups

November 20, 2025, 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM EST, Virtual

Scaling Deeper Learning in NYC High Schools

We’ll highlight how NYC schools are reimagining learning through student-designed pathways and supportive relationships, with examples of deeper learning in action.

December 9, 2025, 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM EST, Virtual

Empowering Learners: Elevating Student Voice in IEP and 504 Planning

Learn how Visible Learning strategies empower HS students in Georgia to lead IEP/504 meetings, set goals, and take ownership of learning.

Video Recaps of Past Meetups

Playlist

11 Videos

Instructional Framework at Yuma Union: AMA Recap with Derek Bosch

5:39

A Strategic Approach to Transformational Change at Beaver Area School District: AMA w/ Emily Sanders

4:06

4:13

Transparency by Developing Common Language

3:23

Essentials to Leading Your School's Personalized Path: AMA Recap w/ Robert Knisely

3:27

Personalizing Professional Learning at Kalispell Public Schools: AMA Recap with Sara Cole

4:59

Integrating AI in Learner-centered Environments: Strategy Showcase with Ian McDougall

3:53

Demonstrating Proficiency: Strategy Showcase Recap with David St. Peter

3:51

Strategic Planning and Visioning: AMA Recap with Dr. Brian White

3:42

Flexible Learning Environments with Dr. Brenda Diaz | Lead For Learners AMA

3:46

Lead from the Seat You're In | AMA Recap with Laura Jeanne Penrod

Insights from the Field

Drivers of Change Shaping Education and the Roles of Educators

As educators and education constituents work to make education systems equitable and learner-centered, we must take a fresh look at what education systems ask the…

Achieving Equity Requires a Personalized, Competency-based Approach

My passion for student-centered systems change doesn’t come from the more typical education reform and innovation circles. Rather, it stems from early experiences working outside…

The Skills and Mindsets of Transformational Leadership

As schools and districts across the country strive to create learning environments that are engaging, flexible and responsive, the need to empower educators at all…

Teachers Are Leaders in Southwestern Pennsylvania

When describing how personalized learning initially took hold in his district, Brian White, superintendent of Butler Area School District in Pennsylvania, had this to say:…

Five Steps to Creating an Instructional Framework

Creating a student-centered instructional framework is fundamental to enhancing learning experiences and ensuring consistency across a school district. Such a framework establishes a common language…

Building Stronger Connections Through Effective Communication

Nearly six years into its personalized, competency-based learning implementation journey, Yuma Union High School District is a case study in how to leverage technology, relationships…

Embracing the Shift: A Journey Toward Personalized Learning

Betty Jo Malchesky, assistant superintendent with Perry Local Schools in Perry, Ohio, has been in the education field for more than 30 years and says…

2024 Legislative Session Recap

By Senior Manager of Policy, Advocacy and Research Emily Brixey, PhD, and KnowledgeWorks Policy and Advocacy Research Intern Sydni BurgThis information is accurate as of…

What a Portrait of a Graduate Is – and How You Can Operationalize Them

With more states and schools creating a Portrait of a Graduate – sometimes called a Profile of a Learner – it’s more important than ever…

Five Essentials for Collaborative Leadership

In Finding Your Path: A Navigation Tool for Scaling Personalized, Competency-Based Learning, one of the competencies for professional development and learning is on collaboration: learning…

Why – and How – Educators Learn Best from Each Other

Many educators and school and district administrators implementing personalized, competency-based learning can feel like they’re on an island, trying something new and building out classrooms…

What Standards-based Grading Looks Like in a Kindergarten Classroom

It’s the first day back from holiday break in Lorena Villa’s kindergarten classroom, and she’s working with her learners to refresh their understanding of Mountainview…