Who We Are
Learning Forward shows you how to plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning so you and your team can achieve success with your system, your school, and your students.
We are the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. We help our members leverage the power of professional learning to affect positive and lasting change.
Professional Learning Definition
“Learning Forward’s focus in this new law is its improved definition of professional learning,” said Stephanie Hirsh, executive director of Learning Forward. “We’ve long advocated for a definition of professional development in federal policy that aligns with our Standards for Professional Learning. We concentrated our advocacy energy on this element of the legislation because that definition applies to the references to professional development that appear throughout the law.”
Learning Forward Colorado exists because we believe professional learning is the key to effective teaching, leading and student learning.
Learning Forward Colorado behaves with passion, dedication and commitment to high quality, purposeful professional learning.
Learning Forward Colorado influences and empowers educators who want to make professional learning most effective.
Learning Forward Colorado will succeed by building communities of practice focused on networking professional learning resources, modeling authentic quality professional learning and strengthening knowledge, skills and strategies to lead quality professional learning.
Learning Forward Colorado is a volunteer organization comprised of:
- Member-elected trustees who oversee the management of operations.
- Board of directors representing diverse perspectives on professional learning impacts and issues who advise, recommend and decide on the direction and actions of the organization.
- Statewide membership who support the planning and actions of the organization. All members are welcome and strongly encouraged to be active in the work of their organization.
THE COLORADO STAFF DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, DOING BUSINESS AS LEARNING FORWARD COLORADO, IS A TAX-EXEMPT 501(C)(3) INDEPENDENT NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.
It is with gratitude and appreciation that the Learning Forward Colorado Executive Board thanks Tanya Batzel and Kellie Randall for three years of strong and steady leadership of Learning Forward Colorado. As co-presidents of the organization, they have kept a focus on striving for the Learning Forward mission of building the capacity of leaders to establish and sustain highly effective professional learning. Their leadership has kept the organization intact and moving forward during a precarious time in public education. Tanya and Kellie will continue as active members of the Executive Board in the roles of past-presidents. They will also remain involved in the parent company, Learning Forward, as Senior Consultants as well as continue their work in the Cherry Creek School District as Coordinators of Professional Learning.
The Board would like to announce an exciting new position in our organization. Roberta Reed, past secretary of the board is now the Learning Forward Colorado Executive Director. She brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and educational consultant. Roberta will lead the operations of the organization. Transitioning into the role of Board President is Sherri Dennstedt. Sherri is currently a STEM coach in the Cherry Creek Schools and brings a background in teaching, coaching, and mentoring to the role. The Executive Board is excited for the leadership and service that Roberta and Sherri will bring.
Many thanks,
Learning Forward Colorado Executive Board