COMMUNITY GROUPS
Education is hard work that can often feel solitary. Rarely do we have the opportunity to peek over the hedge and talk with our neighbors about how they’re making it through the day and solving all the problems. Community groups are an answer to this.
Voluntary.
Monthly.
Free of charge.
Participants from districts across the country.
Fresh perspectives.
Educators genuinely seeking community, new ideas, and empathetic peers.
Just bring yourself and an openness to build community and learn. Groups are topic-focused and participant-driven. Facilitated by Dr. Suzanne Newell and/or a special guest, group sessions will follow a predictable format with the overall goal of building community, learning from those with expertise, and helping everyone walk away with renewed energy and inspiration.
“Through our monthly meetings, I have learned so much from colleagues. Connecting with those outside my circle has been affirming and enriching as I get fresh perspectives on challenges we share.”
Retired Principal and Educational Consultant
Scheduling announcement: Enjoy June and July – Community Group meetings will resume in August.
Community Opportunities
Register for one or several of the groups. Then watch your inbox (or your spam folder) for a zoom invite to the meeting/s (this will be coming from [email protected]). We can’t wait to meet you.
Tech Talk Community
1st Wednesday, 10-11:00 CST
So many topics, so little time! Technological changes routinely impact the K-12 landscape, and the recent development of generative AI will surely accelerate this. Join this community to sort through the news, discuss relevant developments, and learn from colleagues about ways to navigate it all. Topics selection will be driven by community needs and may include generative AI tools and implications, cybersecurity, 1:1 programs, workforce development, and more.
Brave Leadership Community
2nd Wednesday, 10-11:00 CST
A community formed around the ideas in Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead book. Members strive to be introspective, brave, clear, and reflective practitioners. Topics range from brave leadership in campus/district situations, leading through timely topics such as new legislation, navigating current events, and thoughtful approaches to the the evolving educational landscape.
Rethinking School Community
3rd Wednesday, 4-5:00 CST
Today’s model of school was designed for a time long gone. However, the inertia of the familiar often stifles our ability to imagine what school needs to be for the future. In this Community Group, participants will discuss what could be. Ideas may range from simple and accessible immediately to radical, visionary, and complicated. Together, we’ll strive to unearth ideas that can help match today’s students with tomorrow’s needs.
Growing Teachers Community
4th Wednesday, 2-3:00 CST
Curriculum alignment is often discussed in the context of ensuring seamless experiences across subjects and grade levels. What about the necessary alignment of teacher preparation programs, new teacher support offerings, and efforts to retain and continually develop educators? This community is designed to bring together all who have a vested interest in preparing, recruiting, growing, and supporting teachers. What can we learn from each other that will ultimately help ensure that teachers, students, and schools succeed?
“These monthly discussions have become such a great support system. I learn, I meet new colleagues, and I leave with my bucket a little more full.”
Program Coordinator
Community Groups co-sponsored by:
