Our PD Philosophy

The Touchstones process is not a book; it’s a program that supports learners of all ages in learning how to engage in civil discourse and in how to work together more cooperatively as a group and as individual human beings.

To that end, we offer not just the Touchstones volumes themselves but also high-quality professional development to assist teachers and other discussion leaders in understanding the process to help them support their discussion groups and to grow as leaders.

Introductory Training

Level 1 Training

Introductory discussion leadership (6 workshop hours total)

  • •Part A (intro to participation and cooperation): 3 workshop hours
  • •Part B (intro to active listening and shared leadership): 3 workshop hours

Discussion Leadership Training

Level 2 Training

Intermediate discussion leadership (6 workshop hours total; 6 coaching hours total)

(Pre-requisite: completion of Level 1 training and 6 months of Touchstones discussion leadership)

Touchstones Trainer Training

Level 3 Training

Advanced discussion leadership (6 workshop hours total; 12 coaching hours total)  

(Pre-requisite: completion of Level 1 and Level 2 training and 12 months of Touchstones discussion leadership) 

For more information on how Touchstones aligns with your goals for students and for yourself, check out these resources:

Professional Learning Pricing  (standard and stand-alone, not including purchase of volumes as a package)

In-person rates

  • Full-day workshop/observation/coaching (6 hours): $5,000.00 (domestic travel included)

Online rates (via Microsoft Teams)

  • Full-day workshop (5 hours total): $3,000.00
  • Coaching sessions (30 minutes each, no presentation/preparation required on the part of TDP) $150.00
  • Model Touchstones Circle Experience (for boards of education, parent groups, etc., 60 minutes): $750.00

Open-Enrollment Workshops (in-person or online)

  • Three-hour in-person or online workshops that we host periodically during the year: $150 per participant

 

Notes on pricing and payment:

  1. Professional development pricing subject to change if clients want in-person events where online is noted and vice versa.
  2. Touchstones accepts payment via purchase order, credit card, and checks.
  3. If you have complex funding and/or accounting processes, please contact Sharon Thomas, Director of K-12 and Family Engagement Programs (sharon@touchstones.org), so that we can support you.

For cost-saving packages that bundle training and materials, click HERE.