Leading Professional Learning

"Murray and Zoul outline what it takes to be a Future Ready School District as it relates to professional learning. It is imperative that school districts move from the one-size-fits-all, sit and get model of professional learning to a system where teachers are empowered, human capacity is built, staff take ownership of their own learning, and leaders serve as a models in their own learning. This book offers practical advice that can be implemented by any educator and is a needed tool for their tool chest!" -- Governor Bob Wise, President "Leading Professional Learning: Tools to Connect and Empower Teachers masterfully connects how and why professional learning for teachers can be transformed. It's an accessible, practical resource that every educator should have in their toolkit." -- Cindy Johanson, Executive Director "This is a brief, but powerful, book about making professional learning for teachers more meaningful and personal. Murray and Zoul have identified several important ways to improve how we support our teachers' learning so that they are better equipped to support their students. The book offers practical tips that schools and districts can take and use immediately." -- Todd Whitaker, Professor of Department of Educational Leadership " There is nothing more important than the professional learning of teachers. Murray and Zoul outline easy to implement strategies while providing an array of tools to assist any educator, regardless of experience, take control of his or her learning." -- Eric Sheninger, Author of Digital Leadership "Too many school leaders dread staff meetings and professional development days because they aren't prepared to make these events meaningful learning opportunities for their staff members. This book will help school leaders feel excited about the next staff learning event by giving them the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact on those they lead." -- Curt Rees, Principal "Murray and Zoul present a refreshingly practical guide for bringing professional learning into the 21st century. In addition to sharing a compelling vision for how technology can supercharge collaboration among educators, they also provide specific approaches and tools so anyone can make the transformation in their own school." -- Richard Culatta, Education Innovator " In this book we learn it is not only possible, but essential for educators to 'own their own learning' when we talk about professional development/growth. Excited to hear concepts proven to work with our students being used with our educators. Great stuff from two awesome educators!" -- Daisy Dyer Duerr, Principal "As a teacher, it's refreshing to read a book that describes how districts can transform old-fashioned, one-size-fits-all professional development into differentiated, professional learning experiences that are beneficial for all involved! I sincerely hope that some day soon, all educators are afforded the opportunity to move from 'renting' to 'owning' their professional learning. Empower us to make the right decisions with regard to our professional growth and we will be more invested in learning, taking risks, and expecting the same from our students!" -- Paul A. Solarz, 5th Grade Teacher "In this book, Murray & Zoul have crafted a must-have educator guide supporting movement away from conventional one-size professional development and toward 21st Century lifelong personalized learning. Along the reading route, authors point out meaningful professional resources, share compelling anecdotes, and introduce easily accessed and collaborative technologies. Concise, practical, and current! Even a well-connected educator might learn a thing a two!" -- Dr. Dea Conrad-Curry, Ed.D. "This book serves as a treasure trove of ideas and resources that can be used at any school. Murray and Zoul focus on empowering teachers with a spotlight on teacher led and designed professional learning opportunities. Any school or district leader that uses these ideas to build their professional learning opportunities will see an enthusiastic and fruitful response from their teachers." -- Jason Markey, High School Principal "In this digital age, teachers and education leadership need to learn the most meaningful ways to help students learn with digital tools. Murray and Zoul have created the book to help educators develop professionally with technology so that they truly understand how to help their learners. Every school should get this book in the hands of their teachers." -- Shelly Sanchez Terrell, Education Consultant "Murray and Zoul remind us that all educators are, at their core, still learners. Leading Professional Learning is a call for all teachers and administrators to be models for their students: curious about new ideas, and armed with the skills to discover answers. This book prepares them well for all of this." -- Angela Maiers, Education Consultant As teachers, we are always modeling being a life-long learner for our students. We push ourselves to take risks and learn new strategies so that we can better serve the students we care for each day. However, sometimes it's not always feasible to take time off for a workshop or connect in person. That is why I appreciate books like this so much. Murray and Zoul have collected a variety of practical resources each teacher can adopt to expand his or her professional practice. -- Erin Klein, Teacher and Blogger "As of now there are about 20 books in the Corwin Connected Educator Series, a seemingly ever-growing set of titles masterminded by Peter DeWitt and Corwin Press. Each book is short enough to be read in one sitting, which makes the collection ideal for book studies and professional development, both during the summer and throughout the school year. Also, each paperback is authored by one or two educators who speak (and blog, tweet, etc.) with a credible voice in the world of connected education. Some of the topics include: Flipped leadership Tools for connecting educators, parents, and communities Blogging for educators Best practices for establishing a makerspace Tools to connect and empower teachers Finally, all of the authors are active on social media, and they regularly present at local conferences, which helps in bringing to life the contents of these books." -- Ross Cooper, Supervisor of Instructional Practice K-12