In a Learning Walk, BetterLesson coaches and school or district leaders build deep understanding of what student-centered practices look like, and how to coach teachers on them.
Together they observe instruction, discuss their observations and questions, and identify trends in teacher practice. By the end of the day, leaders produce an action plan for how to support teachers and schools in creating and optimizing student-centered classrooms.
Areas of Focus
Learning Walks focus on one Learning Domain within one of the Essential Elements of student-centered teaching and learning:
In a Learning Walk, leaders gather evidence to understand teacher needs
BetterLesson coaches use a research-based observation tool to help leaders identify student-centered practices like robust student discourse and agency, collaboration, and use of rigorous curricula and content. The specific focus of each Walk is tailored to district needs. These non-evaluative classroom observations surface key instructional trends that otherwise might be missed, and provide school and district leaders with a common base of understanding.
A High-Impact Strategy for Advancing Teacher Practice
BetterLesson’s collaborative, tailored, research-based approach to diagnosing professional development needs helps leaders develop skills that actually change teacher practice, engage students, and improve outcomes.
The Lab allows educators to:
- Select from thousands of curated strategies that align with the specific elements of practice they are focused on improving.
- Gain insights on the ways other educators have implemented a strategy to determine how to best adapt it for their students.
BetterLesson Testimonials
We could not have designed initiatives to effectively address culturally responsive teaching practices without the partnership of BetterLesson and their Learning Walk. We have a concrete plan for how to move forward. This wasn’t just a warm and fuzzy experience.
BetterLesson’s collaborative, tailored, research-based approach to diagnosing professional development needs helps leaders develop skills that actually change teacher practice, engage students, and improve outcomes.
Having participated myself in the BetterLesson PD, I know the caliber of the presenters is extremely impressive. Their energy, experience and passion comes through in every session – and they offer practical hands-on suggestions from their personal teaching lives.
Providing teachers with opportunities to grow and improve their practices is so important. All teachers deserve individual attention to their development.
I believe it is a transformative experience- especially for effective teachers. I feel as though many effective teachers slide through their evaluations and don’t get the feedback they truly need. On the flip side, struggling teachers can have candid and honest conversations without fearing repercussions. They’re able to be vulnerable and find solutions in an efficient manner. My coach is the definition of Teacher Leadership. Her actions alone can inspire teachers to take ownership of the profession. When the example she sets is coupled with her advice, the outcomes have endless potential.
Teachers need mentors. Personally, I loved that these coaches were able to provide outside knowledge to our teachers. When your mentor is from your school, there’s a high possibility of bias due them knowing you personally or knowing your school dynamics, with a Better Lesson Coach, their sole purpose is to coach you through strategy and reflection which allows a refreshing outlook on day to day situations.
Jeff LeslieSuperintendent, New Buffalo Area Schools, New Buffalo, MI
Wanda Colon-CesarioSecondary Biology Teacher, O'Dea High School, WA
Cyrel BrudnyPrincipal, AVI CHAI - Yeshiva Shaarei Tzion, NJ
Jacqueline Erickson RussellEducation Program Officer, Kauffman Foundation, MO
Michael SkombaHigh School Social Studies Teacher, Somerville Public Schools, NJ
Alicia BerryDirector of Curriculum & Instruction, Metropolitan School, Egypt