Professional Learning Resource

In this webinar, we present a specialized tool designed to assist early-career STEM teachers (ECSTs) in identifying factors within complex systems that impact collaborative relationships between colleagues. This tool aids ECSTs in meaningful discussions about implementing equitable teaching practices across all grade bands and content levels, fostering shifts in their own and their colleagues’ approaches.

Welcome to the ‘Strengthening your Teaching Practice through Practitioner Inquiry’ Webinar Series part 1! Part 1 is all about the Activity Systems Framework (ASF) presented by Knowles Director, Teaching Fellows Program Jen Mossgrove.

The public narrative about education often lacks teacher voices. Teachers face barriers in deciding what to write as well as where and how to make their stories public. This resource is intended to reduce those barriers by helping teachers decide systematically on a writing topic and venue.

The Knowles Inquiry Modules guide teacher groups through a self-paced professional inquiry process. Across five modules (developing questions, considering data, collecting data, analyzing data, and sharing outcomes), educators collaboratively examine and refine their teaching practices. The framework promotes reflection, critical friendship, and continuous professional growth through structured yet flexible inquiry cycles.

The Knowles Teacher Initiative Hand Identity Activity is a reflection tool, adapted from Facing History and Ourselves, that supports educators in exploring self-perceptions and others’ perceptions. Teachers can use this activity to reflect on identity, share insights with colleagues, and consider how differences between self-view and external perception shape classroom and collegial interactions.