This past week I was in Tucson, Arizona facilitating the 2nd Annual ATA Beginning Teacher Institute: The Power of Inquiry to Accelerate Learning. The Arizona K12 Center have become close pals over the years. I adore the work they do and they support they provide to teachers in Arizona. This particular event is one of many they offer, all of which aim to give educators the most current best practices in professional development.

From the Center, “As the demands of our 21st Century economy and demographics emerge, the education community is called upon to respond in kind. New approaches are required to address new challenges. At the same time, we cannot afford to simply embrace innovation for its own sake. Now more than ever, research-based answers are essential to enhancing teacher performance and student learning. With the practitioner standing at the intersection of theory and practice, the Arizona K12 Center develops and facilitates leading professional development solutions for our classrooms today.”

I am so thankful to have worked with close to 150 teachers within their first three years of teaching for three full days of inquiry practices, strategies, and frameworks. Those in attendance were enthusiastic, collaborative, and responsive to all of the sessions we engaged in. I left feeling like we are just scratching at the surface of some powerful change in Arizona and I cannot wait to be back.

If you were in attendance, thank you!