Keynote Speaker
Stephanie Hirsh

Consider assumptions inherent in systems that already recognize the significance of professional learning. Then examine some of the typical barriers to standards-driven professional learning. Consider rationale, research, and strategies for building your case for effective professional learning.

with Hirsh

Examine data that signifies the quality of professional learning educators are experiencing, and then chart a path for improving its effectiveness and outcomes. Consider potential of the Standards Assessment Inventory and Innovation Configuration maps in your work.

Review strategies for measuring impact as well as determine which strategies to employ depending on the outcomes and the constituents for the informa- tion. Bring a professional development strategy or initiative you consider a candidate for evaluation.

Hear Stephanie Hirsh talk about Learning Forward’s Professional Learning Standards and the beliefs of educators concerning change in the “Podcasts” section of the “Sticky Standards: Professional Learning that Sticks” website.

with Hirsh

Stephanie Hirsh iis executive director of Learning Forward. Learning Forward’s more than 10,000 members and 40 state and provincial affiliates are committed to increasing student achievement and educator effectiveness through standards-based professional learning.

Before her appointment as executive director, Hirsh served the association as deputy executive director for 18 years. She began her career as a secondary teacher and later served as a school district administrator in the Richardson (TX) Independent School District. In 1996, she was elected to the Richardson school board and served for three terms.

Today, Hirsh advises policymakers, state and local superintendents, foundation leaders, and other thought leaders on improving student learning through effective professional learning and school improvement. Hirsh also presents, publishes, and consults on Learning Forward’s behalf across North America. Her recent books include A School Board Guide to Leading Successful Schools (2013), coauthored with Anne Foster; A Playbook for Professional Learning (2011), co-authored with Shirley Hord, The Learning Educator (2009), co-authored with Joellen Killion, and Transforming Schools Through Powerful Planning (2006), co-authored with Kay Psencik. Hirsh writes a regular column for JSD, Learning Forward’s bimonthly magazine. She has also written articles for Educational Leadership, Phi Delta Kappan, The Record, The School Administrator, American School Board Journal, The High School Magazine, and Education Week.

Hirsh serves on advisory boards for several organizations including Learning First Alliance, University of Texas College of Education, National Stem Equity Pipeline, Great Teachers and Leaders Center, Chief Learning Officer, and AdvancED. She has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Learning Forward Texas; as a Distinguished Alumnae from the University of North Texas; and as Master Trustee and member of an Honor Board from the Texas School Boards Association. Hirsh earned her masters and doctorate degrees from The University of North Texas and undergraduate degree from The University of Texas. She and her husband, Michael, recently celebrated 35 years of marriage. They have a son, Brian, and a daughter, Leslie, who is an elementary school instructional coach in Dallas, TX.

Closing Address by Brad Neuenswander
Deputy Commissioner,
Kansas Department of Education

This presentation will include an update on the progress in Kansas in transitioning to College and Career Ready Standards, the next generation of assessments, accreditation, and teacher/leader evaluation.

with Neuenswander

Brad Neuenswander is the deputy commissioner for learning services at the Kansas State Department of Education. As the Deputy Commissioner, Neuenswander oversees all statewide education programs and services and ensures the implementation of all state and federal education legislation. These include the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Kansas Quality Performance Accreditation system. In addition, Neuenswander oversees the state’s assessed and non-assessed curricular standards; the state assessments; and research, data analysis and reporting requirements.

Neuenswander’s prior experience includes serving as director of school finance at KSDE. Prior to joining KSDE in 2007, he was the superintendent of USD 268 in Cheney for six years and the superintendent of USD 388 in Ellis for three years. He served as a high school principal in USD 331 Kingman, an assistant principal in USD 268 Cheney, and as a business teacher in USD 211 Norton.

Neuenswander has a bachelor’s degree in business from Baker University and earned his education certification from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. He received a master’s in education administration from Kansas State University and a district administration certification from Wichita State University.