NEW TEACHER SEMINAR

Design a learner-centered classroom where students engage, own the work, and grow with purpose.

Quick facts

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Format

Facilitated cohort plus self-paced modules

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Time

25 hours total

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Certificate

Yes

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Price

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Agency by Design:

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Agency by Design:

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Agency by Design:

Why this VLC

A learner-centered classroom does not happen by accident. It is designed. In this seminar you will build the essentials for your first months of teaching: differentiated activities students can manage, facilitation questions that move thinking forward, formative assessment strategies for you and your students, and simple routines that build executive function. You will leave with a practical plan that puts students at the center and builds efficacy for them and for you.

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Agency by Design:

replace tasks with authentic problems and give learners real decisions to make.

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Structures First:

time, resources, choice, and feedback systems that transfer responsibility to the learner.

Who it is for

New teachers and long-term subs setting up a learner-active classroom

Structures First:

Instructional coaches supporting first- and second-year teachers

Executive Function for All:

Grade-level and department teams aligning expectations and routines

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Evidence of Learning:

use student work to guide the next move, not just to record a grade.

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Human and Tech Together:

tools serve the design, not the other way around.

Professional Learning That Puts Learners in Charge

Great teaching is design. Our Professional Learning Experiences help teams create learner-active environments where people own the work, build executive function, and solve authentic problems.

What you will gain

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Replace tasks with purpose-driven problems

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Build structures for choice, time, and resources learners can manage

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Coach executive function skills that drive results

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Use evidence of learning to adjust in real time

What you will be able to do

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Learn who your students are and design with their strengths and needs in mind

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Create differentiated learning activities that engage different types of learners

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Facilitate with meaningful questions that keep the cognitive load on students

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Use formative assessment for quick instructional decisions and student self-assessment

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Build executive function routines so students plan, start, stick, and finish

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Organize a first-quarter plan that turns intention into daily practice

Syllabus snapshot

  • KNOW YOUR LEARNERS

    Six people on a park bench, discussing while using laptops and tablets in the sunlight.

    Takeaway: Build routines to understand students’ strengths, needs, interests, and goals.

  • DIFFERENTIATE FOR ENGAGEMENT

    Group of people working on laptops around a table with holographic icons floating above them.

    Takeaway: Design learning activities that work for different learners and still keep rigor high.

  • FACILITATE THINKING WITH QUESTIONS

    Group of six people outdoors, conversing, holding papers and tablets near a tree and building.

    Takeaway: Develop questioning moves that prompt analysis, synthesis, and reflection.

  • FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT THAT GUIDES ACTION

    Laptop on desk with icons, beside a potted plant, near a window with sunlight.

    Takeaway: Create quick checks for teachers and self-assessment tools for students.

  • BUILD EXECUTIVE FUNCTION

    Person sitting at picnic table in forest, using laptop. Sunlight shines through trees.

    Takeaway: Introduce planning, prioritizing, and reflection routines students can manage.

Course materials and access

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Required text: Participants use  It’s Not What You Teach But How by Dr. Nancy Sulla. Please purchase the book in advance.

Included access: MyQPortal  access is included for all participants while enrolled in the VLC.

Evidence and impact

The facilitation questions and quick checks made my instruction more focused and less stressful.
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I started the year with clear routines. Students knew how to begin, how to check progress, and how to improve.
The facilitation questions and quick checks made my instruction more focused and less stressful.
I started the year with clear routines. Students knew how to begin, how to check progress, and how to improve.
Six colorful book covers by Nancy Sulla about classroom instruction and student taking charge

Related Resources

Six colorful book covers by Nancy Sulla about classroom instruction and student taking charge

Dr. Nancy Sulla Books

Unlock Educational Success with Dr. Sulla’s Books

Enter the Library
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MyQPortal

The Pathway to Student-Driven Learning!

Open MyQPortal

FAQs

  • HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED

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    Plan for 25 hours total including self-paced work and scheduled sessions.

  • CAN OUR TEAM ENROLL TOGETHER

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    Yes. Seat bundles are available. Price:

    VLC PRICE LINE

  • DO I GET A CERTIFICATE

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    Yes. You will receive a certificate noting contact hours and outcomes.

  • WILL THIS ALIGN TO OUR CURRICULUM AND PACING

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    Yes. You will design activities and routines matched to your units and schedule.

  • DO I NEED THE BOOK

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    Yes. It’s Not What You Teach But How is a required resource for this VLC.

Ready to Launch Your Learner-Centered Classroom

PO accepted. Seat bundles available.