Events
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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 across the district 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, and
We CONNECT educators to professional learning, resources, and each other based on their needs and interests.
What's happening now?
What's happening now?
10/23 History DBQ Advancing Community of Practice
10/23 History DBQ Advancing Community of Practice
Launch: Topic for this session is, "How do we implement the DBQ project in an inclusive setting so all students can succeed?” This sessions meets the contractual 12-hour inclusive education PD requirement.
The advancing DBQ Project in History course is for grades 5-12 educators who have prior experience with the DBQ Project curriculum. Participants should 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 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.
More Info / RSVP on Vector
10/28 & 10/29 Stations in SLIFE Learning Site
10/28 & 10/29 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 Maria Pires & Shaina Shusterman (Ohrenberger 3-8)
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.
10/30 Inclusive Practices & Routines Connect & Share Webinar
10/30 Inclusive Practices & Routines Connect & Share Webinar
Session 1 of 2: Collaborate with BPS colleagues on the question, “How do we make learning accessible and engaging within an inclusive classroom, to ensure the success of all students?” This session is primarily for upper elementary educators (Grades 3-6). All are welcome. Join for one or both sessions.
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.
10/30 Elementary IM Learning Site
10/30 Elementary IM 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 Maria Pires & Shaina Shusterman (Ohrenberger 3-8)
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.
11/19 Language & Power Summit (Sense of Belonging)
11/19 Language & Power Summit (Sense of Belonging)
Session 2: 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?”
11/20 Inclusive AI Apps Connect & Share Webinar
11/20 Inclusive AI Apps Connect & Share Webinar
Session 2 of 2: Collaborate with BPS colleagues on the question, “How do we make learning accessible and engaging within an inclusive classroom, to ensure the success of all students?” This session is primarily for upper elementary educators (Grades 3-6). All are welcome. Join for one or both sessions.
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.
Recent Reports & Publications
Recent Reports & Publications
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.
4/25 Learning Site Debrief: Breaking Down the Invisible Moves
4/25 Learning Site Debrief: Breaking Down the Invisible Moves
(4/2025 Boston Union Teacher) On November 15, 2024 the Telescope Network hosted a Learning Site at the Dearborn STEM Academy on the topic ““How do we implement Illustrative Math (IM) in a high school classroom to create inclusive, student centered math learning experiences?” The session brought 11 teachers and instructional coaches from across BPS for an extended peer observation of host educator Cindy Nguyen, ESL paraeducator Luisa Pina, and their 10th grade math class at the. . .
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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