Community Membership
Tap into a lifelong national network of 600+ Knowles Fellows. From in-person meetings to virtual connections; support is always available.
Teachers at the Center of Improving Math & Science Education
Community, support & resources for teachers
The Knowles Teacher Initiative supports a national network of math and science teachers who are collaborative, innovative leaders improving education for all students in the United States.
Teaching Fellowship
Professional Learning
Knowles Academy: For Teachers, by Teachers
The Knowles Academy offers state-of-the-art professional development experiences for teachers. All Academy courses are designed and facilitated by experienced teachers who understand the complexities of teaching in today’s world. We offer both in-person and online courses and 90-minute online workshops for all teachers.
Schools & School District Learning
We understand the ever-evolving landscape of education. Our professional learning services are designed to be flexible and responsive, ensuring they can be tailed to meet the needs of schools and districts. Our services engage participants and serve as a model for best teaching practices.
Upcoming Courses
Explore current online and in-person professional learning opportunities.
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In-Person Course 
Promote Sensemaking with Science & Math Practices
50.00 Moving students beyond rote memorization and fostering genuine inquiry and sense-making can be challenging. Our course supports educators in this journey, guiding them to become facilitators of student-driven exploration. Throughout the course, participants engage in hands-on explorations of phenomena, learning how to guide students in constructing, evaluating, and refining ideas. Participants learn to critically assess and redesign curricular materials to maximize student proficiency in science and math practices. Participants emerge with a newfound perspective on science and math education, equipped with tools and strategies to redefine their classrooms as vibrant hubs of exploration. They leave with a deepened appreciation for the transformative power of student-led inquiry and a renewed commitment to cultivating critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
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In-Person Course 
Increase Participation: Strategies for Effective Groupwork
50.00 Facilitating successful collaborative groupwork in science and math education can be challenging due to difficulties in crafting collaboration-dependent tasks, ensuring focused productivity, and addressing workload and participation imbalances among students. Our course, designed for educators dedicated to enhancing math and science engagement, introduces Complex Instruction (CI) as a research-backed instructional strategy. Participants will delve into strategies to improve collaboration through groupwork, learning how to address common pitfalls while engaging students with challenging content. By the end of the course, teachers will possess a toolkit of strategies to improve group dynamics, foster participation, and deepen student engagement in collaborative settings. Armed with these skills, participants will be equipped to create collaborative learning environments where every student can thrive, ultimately shaping the next generation of scientists and mathematicians who value and excel in teamwork.
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In-Person Course 
Coaching for Teacher Development
50.00 Are you ready to transform your skills and knowledge in instructional coaching? Discover how our dynamic course can help you build a strong foundation in coaching techniques, empowering you to support teachers’ professional growth and elevate their teaching practices. Our course supports administrators and teacher leaders in developing their instructional coaching skills through problem-solving, self-reflection, and meaning-making. Participants will learn about three coaching stances: Cognitive, Collaborative, and Consulting, which will serve as a framework for participants to develop specific coaching plans tailored to teachers at various experience levels and contexts. Participants will leave ready to implement specific coaching plans that cater to the diverse needs of teachers at all experience levels and contexts, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous professional growth within their schools. Whether you have plans to be a coach, or already a coach, join us and become a catalyst for positive change in education! To secure your spot, a $50 registration fee is required. As a token of our appreciation for your dedication as a teacher, and to thank you for investing your time with us, all participants who attend all three days will receive a $100 Amazon gift card. We hope this small gesture not only shows our gratitude but also inspires you with new ideas to bring back to your classroom.
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Resources
How an Understanding of Status Can Improve Your Teaching
Status imbalances in student groups can affect participation and learning, with higher-status students often dominating discussions. By recognizing and addressing these imbalances, teachers can create a more inclusive classroom, encouraging all students to engage, share their reasoning, and take academic risks.
Small Moves, Big Impact: Making Space for Student Stories
In the third and fourth years of the Knowles Fellowship, teachers focus on understanding and improving learning opportunities by recognizing and addressing societal impacts on education. Through sharing personal stories and fostering inclusivity, they enhance student engagement and create equitable classrooms.
Should Groups Set their own norms? Maybe Not
Knowles Staff, Joyce Lin and Ayanna Perry, share their experiences in co-creating norms can be challenging and problematic because it typically generates norms consistent with dominant perspectives and cultures. They advocate that norms should be given to (rather than created by) a newly formed community to elevate the different needs, goals, and perspectives of all team members.
