Events
Embedded Files
The Telescope Network creates opportunities for BPS educators to improve our collective practice through collaboration and connection in educator-led professional learning across the district.
The Telescope Network creates opportunities for BPS educators to improve our collective practice through collaboration and connection in educator-led professional learning across the district.
To do this work,
We ASK educators what they want and need to learn next in order to best serve their students
We MAGNIFY effective and equity-centered practices by elevating peer expertise across schools
We CONNECT educators to professional learning, resources, and each other based on their needs and interests
What's happening now?
What's happening now?
Jan-Feb 2026 Telescope Network survey
Jan-Feb 2026 Telescope Network survey
Since 2018, the BPS/BTU Telescope Network has incorporated educator voice and district priorities to create hyper-relevant professional learning experiences where educators can learn from and with their peers.
Help to shape future PD offerings by sharing your successes, interests, and learning needs on the 2026 Telescope Network survey. You can connect to learning & leading opportunities and also shout-out peers who are ready to lead PD. Complete survey before 2/14 to enter a 10 x $20 gift card raffle.
2/4 Co-Teaching Structures: Parallel Teaching Learning Site
2/4 Co-Teaching Structures: Parallel Teaching Learning Site
Launch: Our topic is ““How can we use intentional co-teaching structures and collaborative planning to expand access and impact for all learners?” The host teachers are the Grade 2 math team at Gardner Pilot Academy. This session is for Inclusive classroom educators. Preference to teams/team members who can attend together.
In a Learning Site, educators come together for an extended observation in a live classroom around a common area of practice. Participants debrief with the host teacher and set goals for their own classrooms. Participants continue the learning through virtual follow-up sessions.
2/4 MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) Learning Cohort
2/4 MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) Learning Cohort
Session 3: The Multi-Tiered System of Support Learning Cohort is designed to create a space for educators from across BPS to come together to strengthen our understanding of how to support inclusive, inspiring, and engaging classrooms and instruction for all students in BPS classrooms. Each session will include presentations from school-based educators and will also include some “open space” for participant-led small group discussions. No need to RSVP if you already completed this form for prior sessions. New attendees are welcome.
Audience: Open to all BPS educators, including BPS teachers, paraprofessionals, specialists, coaches, and related service providers.
2/9 Early Childhood Emergent Literacy Connect & Share Webinar
2/9 Early Childhood Emergent Literacy Connect & Share Webinar
Session 1: Collaborate with colleagues across BPS around the topic, “How do we make learning accessible and engaging within an inclusive classroom, to ensure the success of all students?”
These sessions are open to all BPS and Boston PreK educators and coaches. The content will focus on teachers who are currently using strategies and approaches from Dr. Karen Erickson’s Emergent Literacy work in K0-2 classrooms with students with significant disabilities.
During a Connect & Share panel discussion, participants hear from BPS colleagues about what’s working in their classrooms and schools. Presenters typically share a 10-minute presentation about an effective practice. Participants connect with peers from across BPS and get new ideas.
New Date 2/9 Inclusive Secondary STEM Learning Site
New Date 2/9 Inclusive Secondary STEM Learning Site
Launch: Our topic is “How can educators support access to grade level content for learners with IEP’s to achieve academic success in STEM classrooms?" The host teacher is Molly Mus (East Boston High School: AP Environmental Science). This session is for secondary teachers exploring strategies and routines for a positive classroom environment.
In a Learning Site, educators come together for an extended observation in a live classroom around a common area of practice. Participants debrief with the host teacher and set goals for their own classrooms. Participants continue the learning through virtual follow-up sessions.
2/11 Stations in SLIFE Learning Site
2/11 Stations in SLIFE Learning Site
Launch: Topic for this session is, "How can we use stations to support SLIFE students’ diverse academic and social-emotional needs?” Led by Blackstone Elementary SLIFE teachers. Co-hosted by OMME.
In a Learning Site, educators come together for an extended observation in a live classroom around a common area of practice. Participants debrief with the host teacher and set goals for their own classrooms. Participants continue the learning through virtual follow-up sessions.
2/12 Wicked Math @ English High Learning Site
2/12 Wicked Math @ English High Learning Site
Launch: Topic for this session is, "“How do we implement inclusive, student-centered experiences that foster positive math identities and empower students to persevere in advanced math classes?” Led by Karina Halloran (Math III (SEI) . This session is for secondary math educators.
In a Learning Site, educators come together for an extended observation in a live classroom around a common area of practice. Participants debrief with the host teacher and set goals for their own classrooms. Participants continue the learning through virtual follow-up sessions.
2/23 Inclusive FOSS Science Advancing Community of Practice
2/23 Inclusive FOSS Science Advancing Community of Practice
Topic for this session is, "How do we implement the FOSS curriculum in an inclusive setting so that all students can succeed?" This sessions meets the contractual 12-hour inclusive education PD requirement.
The advancing OSE course is for grades K0-2 educators who have implemented the FOSS Science curriculum. Participants should have prior PD experience and a solid foundation in UDL, SDI, and academic language supports. The course deepens understanding of these competencies through peer observation, application of a high-leverage practice in their classrooms, and data-driven reflection. Educators will engage in continuous improvement cycles to reduce learning barriers and promote equity, culminating in a final reflection on their and their students' growth.
2/25 Language & Power Summit (Sense of Belonging)
2/25 Language & Power Summit (Sense of Belonging)
Session 3: These summits are open to secondary educators, coaches and administrators seeking to examine routines and practices around language use, within the context of systemic and interpersonal power dynamics, to better understand “How can we improve teaching choices about language to build a sense of belonging for all students?”
In a Learning Cohort, you will address a common challenge, learn from peers, develop ideas to bring back to your own setting, and get support as you try out new strategies. Some learning cohorts include optional follow-up coaching opportunities for participants who are interested in implementing ideas in their own settings
2/26 Wicked Math @ TechBoston Academy Learning Site
2/26 Wicked Math @ TechBoston Academy Learning Site
Launch: Topic for this session is, "“How do we implement inclusive, student-centered experiences that foster positive math identities and empower students to persevere in advanced math classes?” Led by Laura Guggenheimer (AP Precalc). This session is for secondary math educators.
In a Learning Site, educators come together for an extended observation in a live classroom around a common area of practice. Participants debrief with the host teacher and set goals for their own classrooms. Participants continue the learning through virtual follow-up sessions.
3/4 Early Childhood Inclusive Practices Learning Cohort
3/4 Early Childhood Inclusive Practices Learning Cohort
Session 4: Collaborate with early childhood colleagues across BPS around the topic, “How do we support all young children in BPS through thoughtful planning and intentional, inclusive practices?”
In a Learning Cohort, you will address a common challenge, learn from peers, develop ideas to bring back to your own setting, and get support as you try out new strategies. Some learning cohorts include optional follow-up coaching opportunities for participants who are interested in implementing ideas in their own settings
3/9 Middle School Day of Learning
3/9 Middle School Day of Learning
Are you looking to strengthen the ways in which you cultivate learning environments and a strong sense of belonging for the middle schoolers in our 7-12 schools? The Telescope Network is hosting a Day of Learning for BPS educators, admin, and coaches serving middle school students on Monday, March 9th at English High School. We’ll explore the classroom routines, instructional moves, culture and climate initiatives, and enrichment opportunities that contribute to learning environments where early adolescents are able to thrive. The session will feature opportunities to observe BPS educators at English High School in action, as well as talk with counselors and support staff about successful initiatives that support belonging.
Recent Reports & Publications
Recent Reports & Publications
11/25 Telescope Network 2024-25 Annual Report
11/25 Telescope Network 2024-25 Annual Report
Since 2018, the BPS/BTU Telescope Network has incorporated educator voice and district priorities to create hyper-relevant professional learning experiences where educators learn from and with their peers. In this report, you can read more about the impact of our work. According to an independent assessment by the Wheelock Education Policy Center (WEPC):
Since 2018, more 32% of BPS teachers have voluntarily joined at least one Telescope Network PD session. From 2022-24, more than 40% of district teachers engaged with Telescope.
In 2023-24, nearly 60% of BPS students had at least one Telescope-participating teacher.
Last year, 881 educators earned 4210 PD hours by attending Telescope Network sessions.
This work is both engaging (98% recommend) and impactful (fostering improvements in educator practices and mindsets).
Telescope Network’s work has been evaluated by WEPC/RPPL, shared at national conferences, and published in the Teachers College Record and other publications.
11/25 Literacy Development For All
11/25 Literacy Development For All
(11/2025 Boston Union Teacher) Over the past few years, there’s been a quiet revolution rumbling across BPS. It started in 2022 with a handful of teachers getting together to form a book study group. Currently, it includes more than 300 BPS educators from across the district who have been coming together to improve learning and living conditions for their students with severe disabilities. These revolutionary approaches have spread across schools and across our central office as well. What’s this revolution about? Emergent literacy ...
6/25 Spring 2025 Needs Assessment Report
6/25 Spring 2025 Needs Assessment Report
From February to April 2025, the Telescope Network shared this survey with educators across Boston Public Schools. We received 705 survey responses from 114 different BPS schools and Central Office Departments.
2/25 Teachers and coaches learn together at Boston’s learning sites
2/25 Teachers and coaches learn together at Boston’s learning sites
(2/2025 The Learning Professional) Biology teacher Sarah Benat stood at the front of her classroom at Brighton High School in Boston, moving her arm up and down to mimic the slope of an increasing, decreasing, or constant line on a graph. Her twelve students, all in the early stages of learning English, responded to each arm movement with a. . .
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Peer Observation Checklist
Peer Observation Checklist
One of the best ways to improve your practice is to observe someone else doing similar work. During a peer observation, you can observe a BPS colleague. After the observation, you’ll have time to debrief and set goals to bring back to your own classroom. Use our updated peer observation checklist to prep your observation & debrief. Contact us if you want help finding a connection or facilitating your visit.
Educator & Staff Spotlight
Educator & Staff Spotlight
At the BPS/BTU Telescope Network, we magnify effective practices from across the district. We continually ask, “Who’s doing this work well?” and create opportunities for peer leaders to share their expertise with others across the district. Please use this quick survey to spotlight an effective educator or staff member.
How will this info be used? Bright spot educators highlighted below may be asked to help give feedback on our strategic plan. Additionally, the Telescope Network maintains a database of recommended educators who may be asked to host peer observers, facilitate PD sessions,, or lead in other ways.
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