When we think about professional learning, we know it’s not just about teaching some new skill or strategy. It’s about the experience of trying to understand, internalize, and use that skill or strategy, in context, over time, with others, peers and students. It’s not a product that can be handed over; it’s a process between people.

NTC Equity Commissioner Karen Pittman and Gary Briggs from our professional learning systems team encourage teachers to ask students who the important adults in their lives are outside of school, at home, and in the community.

Along with 29 other organizations and researchers, NTC asks for the opportunity to meet with Dr. Cardona and his team to inform their policy agenda.

The Professional Learning Partnerships Initiative is an effort to advance professional learning services to support the equitable implementation of high-quality instructional materials.

In education, women's leadership isn't just important—it's crucial for building inclusive school environments and driving student success. Chief Operating Officer and former 6th-grade teacher Sabrina Plassman, and Vice President of Finance and Business Operations Cheryl Leong who previously worked in California schools overseeing finance, budget, and compliance, advocate for systemic changes to empower female education leaders. They share insights and perspectives highlighting the urgency of fostering strong female leadership to drive positive change in schools nationwide.

Across the state, champions for beginning teachers are leading thoughtful initiatives that communicate to aspiring and novice educators — “we are going to invest in you and your students’ future success.” Seeing years of hard work to co-develop fledging programs grow into mature, responsive, and flexible coaching models is rewarding. We are also honored to be collaboratively learning with state leaders designing policy and programs that reflect what we know works in induction and elevates a clear commitment to teacher diversity and culturally responsive teaching.

In this A Conversation With, we spoke with Principal Monica Brady and Assistant Principal Damen Davis from CIS 303: The Leadership and Community Service Academy.