Touchstones Training is Transformative
Our immersive, experiential workshops give you the intentional practice you need for success as a Touchstones discussion leader. As a participant, you leave equipped with essential skills for your classroom, community, and life. Our staff are always available to answer questions, our volumes provide ongoing tools to support your growth, and you can stay connected with our global community online.
Training in Touchstones Discussion Method
Since our founding in 1984, we’ve trained tens of thousands of educators and volunteers. Whether you are a teacher, school, or district looking to use Touchstones with your students or a community group interested in running a program through your organization, we offer training options that support your goals while building Touchstones discussion skills.
Throughout the year, we offer three levels of training leading to a Certificate in Discussion Leadership. Level 1 provides an introduction to Touchstones, Level 2 further develops discussion leadership skills, and Level 3 prepares you to coach and train others.
Our custom workshops offer a tailored approach to in-service professional development for your school or district or training for your organization. We adapt our open-enrollment workshops to align with your goals and context, and offer introductory training, as well as follow up support.
Our personalized coaching provides you or your teachers with one-on-one feedback and support as they grow as Touchstones discussion leaders.
This intensive cohort-based program is offered each year to deepen Fellows’ discussion leadership skills while investigating themes of identity, community, power, and belonging. This program uses texts exclusively by Black and African-American contributors in our Exploring American Perspectives volume.
Touchstones for Team and Faculty Development
Touchstones offers one-day and weekend-long workshops for educators and administrators. Regular participation in Touchstones develops the the skills your team or faculty needs to connect with each other, communicate effectively, and share leadership. The Touchstones process builds a group in which each person’s ideas are heard and valued. With support from our staff, your team engages in regular Touchstones discussions using our texts to support team formation, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), retreats, and strategic planning.
What Participants Say About Touchstones Workshops
“I have been to hundreds of curriculum introductions and trainings, and this is by far the best one I’ve attended yet!“
2022 Open Enrollment Workshop Participant
Curriculum Coordinator, Texas
“The feedback was [overwhelmingly] positive… perhaps the most indicative comment came from one of our elder statesmen who said it was ‘the best PD we have had at TCS in years’. High praise indeed.”
Myke Healy
Director of Teaching and Learning, Trinity College School, Ontario
“This has been the best workshop I have attended in a long time! I am so inspired and excited to begin using Touchstones in my school and these skills in my life!”
Jenny B., 2021 Open Enrollment Workshop Participant
Elementary Teacher, Maine
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