Learning Forward Affiliates Announce Name Change

DALLAS, June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Learning Forward is pleased to announce that 22 of its 30 active state and provincial affiliates have officially changed their affiliate names to reflect the new name of the parent organization. More will follow in the summer and fall. These affiliates include:

Learning Forward British Columbia

Learning Forward Colorado

Learning Forward Georgia

Learning Forward Illinois

Learning Forward Indiana

Learning Forward Iowa

Learning Forward Kansas

Learning Forward Louisiana

Learning Forward Michigan

Learning Forward Minnesota

Learning Forward Mississippi

Learning Forward Missouri

Learning Forward New England

Learning Forward New Hampshire

Learning Forward New Jersey

Learning Forward New Mexico

Learning Forward New York

Learning Forward Ohio

Learning Forward Ontario

Learning Forward PA

Learning Forward South Carolina

Learning Forward Tennessee

Learning Forward Texas

Learning Forward Utah

Learning Forward Virginia

Learning Forward Washington State

On September 1, 2010, Learning Forward changed its name from the National Staff Development Council (NSDC). The name change emphasizes not only the organization's growth over its 42-year history, but also better represents the vision of the organization as a powerful advocate for teacher and student learning, according to Executive Director Stephanie Hirsh .

This change in name solidifies the relationship between Learning Forward and its state and provincial affiliates. Affiliates provide Learning Forward members the opportunity to expand their professional development networks. They also provide services and programs that connect those who facilitate and lead professional development within individual states, provinces, or regions. With the support and alignment among the affiliates and their local efforts, Learning Forward is able to support more educators and schools and, in turn, effect the achievement of more students.

"The affiliates' name change not only signifies each affiliate's tie to the parent organization, but also that all affiliates speak with one voice about the importance of effective professional learning to improve teaching, leadership, and student learning," says Joellen Killion , deputy executive director of Learning Forward. "Each affiliate is a vital part of the North American tapestry of Learning Forward and works with local, state, provincial, and regional policymakers and educators to ensure that all educators engage in effective professional learning to advance the education reforms and goals within their respective areas."

About Learning Forward (formerly National Staff Development Council)

Learning Forward's purpose is ensuring that every educator engages in effective professional learning every day so every student achieves. Learning Forward is an international association of learning educators focused on increasing student achievement through more effective professional development. To learn more about the impact of high-quality professional learning, visit www.learningforward.org.

SOURCE Learning Forward

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