Office of Teaching and Learning

Discover a dynamic educational experience through LEARN's Teaching and Learning Hub. Designed to elevate the educational journey, our comprehensive range of service embraces innovation, collaboration, and personalized instruction.

Using Data in Instruction
LEARN's Teaching & Learning staff equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to harness the power of data to enhance their instructional practices and optimize student learning outcomes. in today's data-driven world, educators must understand how to collect, analyze, and utilize data to make informed decisions about their teaching methods and strategies. 

Instructional Technology
LEARN's Teaching & Learning staff design professional learning to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices.

Curriculum
LEARN's Teaching & Learning staff provide support in curriculum writing, review, and training using the Backwards Design and Universal Design for Learning curriculum models. 

Networks, Collaboratives, & Roundtables
LEARN's Networks, Collaboratives, & Roundtables provide forums for educators to discuss best practices, emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities. Participants share experiences and LEARN staff provide current teaching and learning information, as well as information from the Connecticut State Department and Education. 

Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
TEAM

The TEAM Program promotes excellence, equity, and high achievement for Connecticut students by engaging teachers in the purposeful exploration of professional practice through guided support and personal reflection. LEARN's Teaching & Learning staff provide training for mentors and facilitate Module 5 reflection sessions.

Training and Calibration of Evaluators of Teachers and Leaders
Effective leadership has a powerful influence on student outcomes. Training and Calibration of Evaluator of Teachers and Leaders is a session that provides an overview of the Connecticut Guidelines 2023 for Educators, including classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and student support specialists. This new model includes cycles of Continuous Improvement and is designed to align professional learning plans with professional practice to support improved outcomes for all students. 

Instruction and Assessment Blended Learning Strategies
Blended Learning is an educational approach that combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online or digital learning methods. LEARN's Teaching & Learning staff help organizations leverage the strength of both in-person and online learning to create more flexible and personalized learning experiences for students.

Dr. Linda T. Darcy speaking at Courageous Conversation

Description of Dr. Darcy's photo


Instructional Coaching
Instructional Coaching offers personalized support and feedback to educators, fostering continuous professional growth and improved teaching practices. Coaches collaborate with teachers, address specific needs, and promote student-centered approached. Through ongoing coaching, educators implement innovative strategies, enhance student outcomes, and create a positive learning environment. This process cultivates a culture of lifelong learning, elevating education quality in schools. 

Building Thinking Classrooms
Building Thinking Classrooms involves creating learning environments that prioritize critical thinking, problem-solving, and metacognition. Educators encourage students to question, analyze, and evaluate information, fostering intellectual curiosity and deep understanding. Through inquiry-based activities, collaborative discussions, and reflective practices, students develop higher-order thinking skills. The goal is to cultivate independent and adaptable thinkers who can apply their knowledge effectively in carious real-life scenarios. 

High Leverage Tier 1 Strategies
High Leverage Tier 1 Instructional Strategies are research-based effective teaching approaches used for all students in the general classroom setting. These strategies focus on essential content, differentiation, and active student engagement. They include explicit instruction, formative assessment, cooperative learning, and scaffolding techniques. By employing these strategies, educators create a strong foundation for learning, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction that meets their diverse needs and maximizes academic achievement. 

Multi Language Learner Support
Program Review & Support

A program reviewing for serving multilingual learners is a comprehensive assessment of the educational services and support provided to students who are learning English as an additional language. The review evaluates the effectiveness of language acquisition programs, curriculum, instructional strategies, and support services tailored to the unique needs of multilingual learners. It assesses the alignment with the state and federal guidelines for English Language Learners (ELLs), analyzes student outcomes, and gathers feedback from teachers, students, and parents. The review aims to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and ensure equitable access to quality education for all students. 

Tier 1 Strategies
LEARN's Teaching & Learning staff equip educators with research-based strategies and tools to support English learners in the general classroom. Participants gain insights into culturally responsive teaching, language acquisition techniques, differentiation, and collaborative practices. The session emphasized creating inclusive classrooms and fostering language development, academic growth, and engagement for diverse learners. Through interactive activities and resources, educators leave prepared to implement effective Tier 1 instruction that meets the need of English learners. 

Instructional Technology
Digital Literacy

LEARN's Teaching & Learning staff help educators learn to navigate digital tools, assess online information critically, and promote safe and responsible digital citizenship. This training emphasizes creating an engaging and interactive lessons that leverage technology to enhance student learning experienced. Through hands-on activities and workshops, educators gain confidence in utilizing digital resources and preparing students for success in the digital age. 
LEARN OTL staff presenting at conference
iChoose Success (iCS)
iChoose Success (iCS) is designed to coach young adults towards recognizing, understanding, and developing their natural strengths as tools for exploring leadership and fulfilling professional and personal paths in their future. Using virtual reality career exploration and workforce training software coupled with face-to-face engaging individual and small group activities, iCS aims to guide young adults towards professional and personal paths to which they will feel connected, and through which they can emerge as driven, responsible, and prosperous members of the communities. 

Equity in Education Culturally Responsive Practices
Culturally Responsive Practices in schools aim to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to better understand and incorporate students' diverse cultural backgrounds into the learning process. These workshops provide strategies for culturally responsive teaching, fostering inclusive classrooms, and honoring students' identities. By promoting cultural competence and awareness, educators can create a supportive and respectful environment, ultimately enhancing students' engagement, academic success, and overall well-being. 

Curriculum Review
An Equity Curriculum Review is an assessment process aimed at evaluating educational materials and practices to ensure they promote fairness, inclusion, and diversity. It examines content, representation, and teaching approaches o identify and rectify potential biases and disparities. The goal is to create an inclusive learning environment that empowers all students and reflects diverse perspectives and experiences. 

Document Review
An Equity Document Review involves a systematic examination of various written materials, polices, and guideline within an organization or institution. The purpose is to assess whether these documents promote fairness, inclusivity, and diversity in their content, language, and implementation. By scrutinizing the documents, potential biases or disparities ca be identified and addressed to ensure that the organization's practices align with principles of equity and provide equal opportunities for all stakeholders. 

Strategic Planning
Equity Strategic Planning is a process that aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for an organization to promote inclusivity un all aspects of its operations. It involves setting clear goals, implementing targeted initiatives, and allocation resources to address disparities and promote diversity. 

Increasing Educator Diversity
At each stage of the hiring practice there is the possibility of bias entering the selection of candidates. Each stage also provides the opportunity to create a wider net to attract candidates from marginalized communities. LEARN's Teaching & Learning staff offer anti-bias training for hiring managers. Our team also provides support in creating the Connecticut mandated District Plan to Increase Educators Diversity.