"Dr. Barbara Blackburn delivered an exceptionally well-designed professional development program for our PS35X staff this school year. Her virtual series sessions on classroom rigor demonstrated deep expertise and thoughtful progression, moving from student motivation and foundational concepts to practical assignment development and scaffolding strategies. Despite the virtual format, she maintained high engagement through interactive activities and meaningful discussions, including a valuable leadership session for administrators.

 

The program's strength lay in its practical application focus. Dr. Blackburn had teachers assess real tasks for rigor levels, develop improvement strategies, and create scaffolding for their own classroom assignments. Her ongoing commitment has been equally impressive—regular check-ins and follow-up articles have sustained momentum and provided continued learning opportunities well beyond the initial sessions".


Graciela Navarro

Principal PS35X

District 9 NYCPS

"As a small school, it is very difficult to bring in someone of your caliber, but our Skype session allowed us to offer first class, interactive professional development at a very affordable price. For us, this was truly a no-brainer!"

Paul Russo, Principal, Lincolnville Central School, Maine

 

"The webinar on Friday once again (after the Skype) really helped all of us. One teacher thanked me for having professional development that mattered. What a compliment! I am hoping that we can keep the partnership going....What we are trying to accomplish here and your professional guidance is so important for our children. Thanks for what you do!"

Anita Muse, Principal, Langston Hughes School, Chicago

More than a Talking Head

"I marvel at how you so masterfully connected being so far away. And to think you did that blind. You proved to me that teleconferences can be powerful - especially when the presenter is as knowledgeable and dynamic as you! One particular sentence you made turned out to very helpful and provided comfort to many... you said that the process can take 3 -5 years. I could see, and almost feel, the teachers relax with that statement".

 

Debra Vollm Paradise Valley USD, Arizona