The Forward Thinking podcast is produced by Learning Forward Texas and is designed for educators who lead and support professional learning in their schools and districts. Our goal is to share ideas, perspectives, and practical insights from educators across the field who are working to strengthen teaching and learning through high-quality professional learning.
In each episode, we will spend time in conversation with leaders and practitioners who are doing this work every day. We hope these conversations spark ideas you can bring back to your own systems and teams. Learning Forward Texas is the only organization in Texas who focuses on Professional Learning. www.learningforwardtexas.org (http://www.learningforwardtexas.org)
From Learning to Doing: Designing Professional Learning for Application
What happens when professional learning is designed with application in mind from the very beginning? In this episode of Forward Thinking, Debi Tanton talks with Regina Jackson, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Royse City ISD, about the intentional planning behind a district professional learning day. Regina shares how her team created time for teachers to learn, process, practice, collaborate, and apply new learning, what the day looked like in action, and what they learned from the experience.
2 Oct 2026
Designing Professional Learning That Makes a Difference
In Episode 5 of the Forward Thinking Podcast, Dr. Glenda Horner, Director of Professional Learning for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Past President of Learning Forward Texas, joins us to explore what makes professional learning meaningful for adult learners.
From understanding your audience to creating opportunities for connection, conversation, and reflection, Glenda shares practical ideas for moving beyond simply presenting information to designing learning that makes a difference. And her BEST TIP for facilitators? Don’t try to do too much.
2 Sept 2026
Conversations with our Trainers
What does great professional learning look like today? Episode 4 of the Forward Thinking Podcast kicks off our series on professional learning design with three of Learning Forward Texas’ most experienced facilitators: Karen Nix, Terri Iles, and Tim Persall.
They share what they’re seeing in districts across Texas, how the needs of adult learners are changing, and what still matters most. You’ll also hear practical planning and facilitation advice, along with favorite strategies from our Tips and Tools for Professional Learning workshops.
28 Jul 2026
New Teacher Induction and Support - Part 3 - Starting Strong
What makes the biggest difference during a teacher's first year? In this episode of the LFTX Forward Thinking Podcast, we hear directly from those who have just lived it.
Join us as we talk with Tiara and Edwin, two beginning teachers from Mesquite ISD, about the experiences, relationships, and supports that helped them thrive during their first year in the classroom. They reflect on the district and campus systems that contributed to their success, but one theme rises above the rest: the power of collaboration. From supportive mentors and instructional coaches to teammates who were always willing to help, they share how learning alongside others gave them the confidence to grow.
Whether you are a district leader, campus administrator, mentor, instructional coach, or classroom teacher, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that strong professional learning communities don't just develop great teachers—they help them stay and succeed.
4 May 2026
Supporting Mentors, Strengthening New Teacher Success - Part 2
In episode two of this three-part series on new teacher induction, Learning Forward Texas continues the conversation about what it takes to build coherent systems of support for beginning teachers.
Dr. Nicole Zwahr, President-Elect of Learning Forward Texas, joins the podcast to explore one of the most important elements of a strong induction system: mentor support. In this episode, she shares insights from her experience working with new teachers and mentors, discusses what strong mentor support looks like in practice, and highlights leadership moves that can help mentors guide beginning teachers more effectively.
This conversation offers practical ideas for educators and leaders who want to strengthen induction efforts and ensure new teachers are supported in meaningful, lasting ways.
31 Mar 2026
New Teacher Induction and Support - Part 1
Join us for an engaging 30-minute conversation where we’ll discuss the topic of new teacher induction and learn about innovative strategies for creating a dynamic beginning teacher induction program! Chris will share how leaders can be more intentional and purpose-driven in their efforts to support new teachers and share a framework for structuring beginning teacher support that not only aligns with your district's unique culture and values but also enhances your professional learning priorities. Drawing from his wide-ranging experience as a teacher, campus and district leader, researcher, and consultant helping other districts around the country start systemic teacher induction programs, Dr. Chris Summers shares insights, priorities, and practical tips (many of them found in his book Purpose-Driven Teacher Induction) leaders can use right away to elevate induction beyond mere orientation and compliance. Let’s help beginning teachers not just survive, but actually thrive!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Contact LFTX: Forward Thinking
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of LFTX: Forward Thinking?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
