NSRF’s Statement of Support of BLM
In line with our longstanding commitment to democratic, equitable education and social justice, we condemn the brutal murder of George Floyd and we stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters across the US and the world against systemic anti-Black racism. We honor the intrinsic value of all victims of police brutality and white supremacist violence, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, their families, and thousands more racialized victims of violence ...
Achieve all your teacher resolutions in 2020
Did you make New Year's Resolutions for 2020? NSRF would love to help you achieve them. (1 min. read)
I’ve met some of my best friends during CFG Coaches’ Training in February
Now's your opportunity to be certified as a CFG coach in the upcoming Open CFG Coaches' Training beginning February 3-5. 2020. (4 min. read)
6 reasons why Critical Friends are the friends you want around you in 2020
"Critical Friends" may not be who you think we are. Check this list for six great reasons why you WANT Critical Friends in 2020 (and why you should consider joining our February or July training). (6 min. read)
Learning is in the Debrief, by Penelope Preen
As a new CFG coach, I found the idea of debriefing very daunting. Debriefing had not been part of my life as a learner and I wasn’t too sure of the point of it. Why, I wondered, is it necessary, or useful, to spend time at the end of a protocol discussing the outcome and the process? Wasn’t it all over by then? What are the right kind of questions to ask? What do I do if no-one has anything to say? As I have gained experience, debriefing has become my favorite part of facilitating. Here are 7 of my favorite insights from debriefing and why they are effective. (5 min. read)
Am I doing CFG work or just leading protocols?
Many people have experienced how fully engaging in Critical Friends Group® work transforms their practice and even their perspective on the world. The trust and sense of belonging that this work engenders can evolve relationships with colleagues, administrators, and students. Simply using protocols within your meetings and classrooms is powerful, but only a glimpse of what CFG work can do for your practice, for your students, and for your school culture. (8 min. read)
Accidentally making it worse
Thinking about the "baggage activity" that has gone viral: VITAL details to consider when leading activities designed to build trust and a greater sense of belonging. (6 min. read)
Sneaky-sneak peek of Building Belonging in the Classroom
Open training for new Critical Friends Group Coaches in Bloomington in October is your first chance for a "Sneaky sneak peek" at some of the new Building Belonging in the Classroom materials. We'll focus on adult collaboration as we always do in CFG Coaches' Training, but a bit of "flavor" from Building Belonging will be shared here. Join us, but make it quick! (2 min. read)
October CFG Coaches’ Open Training deadline is approaching!
Details about the October Open Training - how educators and administrators can come as individuals to Bloomington, Indiana, to be trained as CFG Coaches and learn how to improve their work experientially. (2 1/2 minute read)
Big emotions arise in a CFG meeting. You’re the coach? What should you do?
“Big” emotions can arise in Critical Friends Group work: trust has been built, the circle we sit in truly has become friends, and we’ve grown to depend on one another’s help when we’re facing dilemmas that have troubled us, sometimes for years. You're the coach: what do you do? #CFGWork #criticalfriends #coaching (6 min. read)