Last week at our 2010 Summer Conference in Seattle, I had the opportunity to address those in attendance on how NSDC is working to achieve the priorities included in our five-year strategic plan. I was pleased to be able to share highlights from our efforts this past school year as they relate to each of our priorities, and I want to summarize them here. You can see a more extensive overview of our work in each of the areas by reading our 2009-2010 Annual Report, available here.

Priority 1: Affecting the Policy Context. On your behalf we work to impact professional development policy decisions at the federal and state levels. This year an NSDC Academy graduate represented our point of view before Congress. Others have visited their representatives to advocate for more powerful PD. Many state leaders, including those in Florida, Georgia, and New Jersey, developed their own policy strategies.

Priority 2: We are also committed to Examining the Evidence on the impact of professional development on educator practice and student learning. As a result of this priority, we are releasing a series of three studies, including the first-ever national study on the state of professional learning: Professional Learning in the Learning Profession. And watch the web site for an exciting new tool to assist you in finding answers to your evidence questions.

Priority 3: Narrowing the Achievement Gap. As one example of our commitment we regularly convene the staff development representatives from our nations largest 35 school systems. Just imagine the number of lives we touch when we connect those systems for support and leadership.

Priority 4: NSDC is equally dedicated to Developing School Leaders. We serve school leaders through our conferences, through the Learning School Alliance, the NSDC Academy, and our latest e-learning initiatives. We are committed to meeting your needs so that you can achieve the goals you set for your colleagues and your students. We are seeking leaders for our new PD communities to support role-alike and issues-driven groups.

Finally, Priority 5, Engaging Thought Leaders. These leaders reside in every community. They are often the go to individuals when policymakers, newspapers, or others seek answers to PD questions. We want your help in making sure they get those answers right.

This is a brief overview of how we have tried to serve our members as well as hope to engage you further in the future in advancing our purpose. And if you are interested in getting more involved watch the web site for the latest opportunities.

Stephanie Hirsh is NSDC's executive director.