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?
3/18 Amplify Math @ TB Learning Site
3/18 Amplify Math @ TB Learning Site
Launch: Topic for this session is, "How do we implement Amplify Desmos to create inclusive, student centered middle school math learning experiences?” Led by Emily Kmetz & Lauren Weber (TechBoston Academy). This session is for grades 6-8 Middle Grades Math Educators using Amplify/Desmos.
.
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.
3/18 MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) Learning Cohort
3/18 MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) Learning Cohort
Session 4: 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.
3/19 Inclusive Inclusive Library Services Advancing Community of Practice
3/19 Inclusive Inclusive Library Services Advancing Community of Practice
Topic for this session is, “How do we ensure equitable access to information, create inclusive collections, and meet the needs of historically marginalized communities in our libraries?” This sessions meets the contractual 12-hour inclusive education PD requirement.
The advancing course is for educators who have 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, 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. Hosted by Telescope Network & Library Services Team
4/9 Secondary History @ EMK Learning Site
4/9 Secondary History @ EMK Learning Site
Launch: Topic for this session is, "How do we implement routines and scaffolds to support all learners in analyzing complex, culturally responsive historical texts.?” Led by Caroline Abraham (EMK 9th grade History inclusion teacher). This session is for secondary history 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.
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
Spring 2026 Telescope Network survey
Spring 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 3/6 to enter a 10 x $20 gift card raffle.
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.
Report abuse