Learning Forward’s 2025 Annual Conference

We can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s Learning Forward Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, December 7-10, 2025! Learning Forward brings together thought leaders, experts, researchers, and other practitioners to collaboratively share the latest learnings, knowledge, and techniques. This conference models deep learning and best practices so you can take them back to lead learning in your schools, districts, or systems. Details listed below, or take a look at Learning Forward’s program here.

1411: Empowering Teachers and Leveraging Local Leadership Through STeLLA

Monday, December 8, 2025, 12:45 –2:45 p.m. EST

Concurrent Sessions

Learn from instructional coaches, professional learning facilitators, and researchers about BSCS Science Learning’s professional learning program Science Teachers Learning from Lesson Analysis (STeLLA®).

• Explore the components of STeLLA and how this program leverages the power of local leadership to develop teachers’ use of evidence-based instructional practices;
• Identify how STeLLA strategically builds teachers’ pedagogical knowledge, develops instructional practices, and supports teachers to meet the demands of the Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS); and
• Consider the factors that are necessary to implement STeLLA successfully in their own contexts and develop an action plan.

Presenters:
Melia Repko-Erwin, American Institutes for Research
Andrea Berry Knox County Schools
Jody Bintz, BSCS Science Learning
Bo Zhu, American Institutes for Research

2208: The Anchored Inquiry Learning Instructional Model

Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 9:30 –11:30 a.m. EST

Concurrent Sessions

Experience how the new Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) instructional model creates learning experiences that motivate students with significant, real-world phenomena and problems. Promote instructional parity through authentic societal challenges, cycles of inquiry, and sensemaking.

• Deepen understanding of the AIL model and its role in achieving the goals of the Framework for K-12 Science Education and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to ensure relevant learning for all students;
• Learn how the model provides robust, three-dimensional, phenomenon-focused assessment tasks that allow students to demonstrate their understanding; and
• Explore the development of high-quality instructional materials that form the basis for robust curriculum-based professional learning.

Presenters:
Cindy Gay, BSCS Science Learning
Nancy Hopkins-Evans, BSCS Science Learning

2408: Strengthening Teaching through Curriculum Implementation and Curriculum-Based Professional Learning

Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 12:45–2:45 p.m. EST

Concurrent Sessions

Identify the importance of coherence and communication around the “why” of using high-quality instructional materials and the role of curriculum-based professional learning. Learn about work with administrators, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders focused on leadership, effective teaching and learning, and the implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and how a strong partnership supports this effort.

• Learn with district leaders about their efforts to strengthen teaching and learning with support for the adoption and implementation of instructional materials supported by curriculum-based professional learning;
• Consider leadership roles and responsibilities for putting into action the elements of curriculum-based professional learning based on district leaders’ experiences; and
• Reflect on the experience and consider implications for your work.

Presenters:
Mina Schnitta, Fort Sam Houston ISD
Jody Bintz, BSCS Science Learning
De Vonna Friesenhahn, Fort Sam Houston ISD
Lori Fuller, Fort Sam Houston ISD
Sandra Lightman, R&D Leadership