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Knowles Academy

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The Knowles Academy offers state-of-the-art professional development experiences for teachers. All Academy courses are designed and facilitated by experienced teachers who understand the complexities of teaching in today’s world. All courses include one semester or year of mentoring to assist teachers as they work to successfully implement what they’ve learned in their own classrooms. Participation in the Knowles Academy also gives teachers access to a national network of educators who share resources and ideas, and support each other to continually improve their teaching practice.

Key Knowles Academy Features

Teachers Supporting Teachers

Teachers learn best from other teachers. All professional development that we provide includes experienced teachers as facilitators and coaches.

Professional Community Development

Teaching can be isolating. All of our professional development services are designed to build teacher community so that participants can continue to support each other’s learning and professional growth long after the professional development experience ends.

Long-term Support for Sustainable Change

Effective teacher professional development must be sustained and tied to classroom practice. All Knowles Academy courses include long-term support from coaches, opportunities for teachers to ground their learning in their current practice, and engage with other Knowles Academy participants over an extended period.

Professional Expertise & Leadership

Designing and implementing effective professional development requires a diverse range of expertise and experience. All of our professional development services draw and build on the expertise developed within the Knowles community over the last 20 years.

Upcoming Courses & Workshops

  • In-Person Course
    In-Person Icon Promote Sensemaking with Science & Math Practices
    50.00

    Moving students beyond rote memorization and fostering genuine inquiry and sense-making can be challenging. Our course supports educators in this journey, guiding them to become facilitators of student-driven exploration. Throughout the course, participants engage in hands-on explorations of phenomena, learning how to guide students in constructing, evaluating, and refining ideas. Participants learn to critically assess and redesign curricular materials to maximize student proficiency in science and math practices. Participants emerge with a newfound perspective on science and math education, equipped with tools and strategies to redefine their classrooms as vibrant hubs of exploration. They leave with a deepened appreciation for the transformative power of student-led inquiry and a renewed commitment to cultivating critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

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  • In-Person Course
    In-Person Icon Increase Participation: Strategies for Effective Groupwork
    50.00

    Facilitating successful collaborative groupwork in science and math education can be challenging due to difficulties in crafting collaboration-dependent tasks, ensuring focused productivity, and addressing workload and participation imbalances among students. Our course, designed for educators dedicated to enhancing math and science engagement, introduces Complex Instruction (CI) as a research-backed instructional strategy. Participants will delve into strategies to improve collaboration through groupwork, learning how to address common pitfalls while engaging students with challenging content. By the end of the course, teachers will possess a toolkit of strategies to improve group dynamics, foster participation, and deepen student engagement in collaborative settings. Armed with these skills, participants will be equipped to create collaborative learning environments where every student can thrive, ultimately shaping the next generation of scientists and mathematicians who value and excel in teamwork.

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  • In-Person Course
    Fellows discussing work together on laptops
    In-Person Icon Coaching for Teacher Development
    50.00

    Are you ready to transform your skills and knowledge in instructional coaching? Discover how our dynamic course can help you build a strong foundation in coaching techniques, empowering you to support teachers’ professional growth and elevate their teaching practices. Our course supports administrators and teacher leaders in developing their instructional coaching skills through problem-solving, self-reflection, and meaning-making. Participants will learn about three coaching stances: Cognitive, Collaborative, and Consulting, which will serve as a framework for participants to develop specific coaching plans tailored to teachers at various experience levels and contexts. Participants will leave ready to implement specific coaching plans that cater to the diverse needs of teachers at all experience levels and contexts, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous professional growth within their schools. Whether you have plans to be a coach, or already a coach, join us and become a catalyst for positive change in education! To secure your spot, a $50 registration fee is required. As a token of our appreciation for your dedication as a teacher, and to thank you for investing your time with us, all participants who attend all three days will receive a $100 Amazon gift card. We hope this small gesture not only shows our gratitude but also inspires you with new ideas to bring back to your classroom.

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