Program: School Improvement
Audience: Teacher leaders, instructional coaches, building and/or district-level leaders interested in leading a turnkey of this book study locally.
Dates: 6/15/2026 to 8/17/2026
NewThis professional learning opportunity invites educators to explore the powerful practices of Building Thinking Classrooms while intentionally connecting them to the NY Inspires Portrait of a Graduate. Through this book study, participants will deepen their understanding of how to create classroom environments that promote critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and student agency-key competencies aligned with New York's vision for graduate success.
Teachers will engage in ongoing discussions, reflection, and practical application of strategies from Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, examining how these approaches can foster the skills outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate, such as effective communication, innovative thinking, and self-directed learning. Participants will have opportunities to share experiences, analyze student work, and plan for implementation in their own classrooms.
The first meeting will be an in-person kickoff event where teachers will experience a brief Thinking Classroom activity firsthand, setting the tone for the collaborative and student-centered practices emphasized throughout the study. During this session, participants will also receive their copies of the book and connect with colleagues as they begin this shared learning journey.