Events
The Telescope Network creates opportunities for BPS educators to collaborate across the district. We improve learning experiences for all our students when we connect with peers, share our authentic challenges, and learn from each other.
To do this work:
We ASK educators across the district what they want and need to learn next in order to best serve the needs of their students;
We MAGNIFY effective practices by creating opportunities for effective and reflective educators to share their expertise with their peers; and
We CONNECT educators to resources, professional learning opportunities, and each other based on their needs and interests.
What's happening now?
12/10 Reading Horizons Connect & Share
Join us on Zoom on December 10 from 5:30-7:00pm to hear from colleagues about what’s working as they implement Reading Horizons to support their students’ foundational skills and transfer to Tier 1 content. This webinar is for teachers who have previously attended the Reading Horizons 2 day Training.
12/10 Using Improvement Science to Impact Educator Learning
Explore a collaboration between a large district and a teachers union that uses improvement science to structure professional learning driven by educator needs. Learn how this collaboration supports teachers to learn together and how leaders are building new ways to understand the impact of educator learning on practice and on students. Gain access to a tool kit of resources and examples. (Learning Forward 2024 Annual Conference Session 2405)
12/13 Library Services Planning Cohort (Launch)
Join with a group of BPS colleagues to support one of the most crucial elements of teaching: planning. As a librarian, having the unique experience of planning for multiple grade levels can be challenging. In this planning cohort, you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues to familiarize yourself with grade level content and units so that you are able to cohesively plan lessons. The initial date will be a Unit Planning Launch in person session on December 13th from 9-12pm. The group will then meet virtually during the following Tuesdays or Thursdays, 8:30-9:30am or 2:00 - 3:00pm.
1/15 Illustrative Math Grades 3-11 Planning Cohort (Launch)
Need a fresh start on your planning routine? Start 2025 off right with this IM Planning Cohort (Grades 3-11). This PD will address the question, "How do we thoughtfully implement the Illustrative Math curriculum to provide all students access to rich mathematical tasks and learning experiences?" A Planning Cohort is a space for educators to collaboratively plan with the support of teacher experts. During the Planning Cohort you will have time to unpack the Illustrative Math curriculum to develop a thoughtful unit plan, pool resources with other teachers in a similar context, and receive feedback from peers and coaches. Earn 1 ALC for work you are already doing!
Ongoing
Spring 2024 Needs Assessment Report
More than 700 educators across the district told us what they wanted and needed to learn next to best support their students. Read about it in our Spring 2024 Needs Assessment Report.
Decoding Educator Voice
After more than 15 years as a teacher, Mike Garland (Grew Elementary) knows good professional development when he sees it. Last spring, he attended a Telescope Network Learning Site at J.F. Kennedy Elementary and it was exactly what he needed. “I couldn't have designed that, even in my best efforts,” he said. “But that was what I had been asking for: this idea of being able to talk with other teachers and see it modeled efficiently, and to be able to ask questions, and a space to hash it out together.” For Garland, the session on . . .
Ongoing
Peer Observations
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 recommended BPS colleague. After the observation, you’ll have time to debrief and set goals to bring back to your own classroom. Feel free to use our resources/templates to observe & debrief with a BPS colleague or complete the RSVP form if you want help finding a connection or facilitating your visit.