The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning uses mind, brain, and education science as the basis for professional development programming. “CTTL’s research-informed professional development programming has helped St. Andrew’s fulfill its vision for itself, to transform students’ lives,” says Glenn Whitman, dean of studies and director of CTTL.
CTTL has transformed teaching and learning for both students and teachers at St. Andrew’s. Learning about how the brain learns, works, and changes has allowed St. Andrew’s teachers to rethink how they design their classes, assess student understanding, and work with each individual student. Teachers, in turn, give students a research-informed mindset and strategies to become more efficient, confident, and independent as learners.
“Mind, brain, and education science transforms how students think of themselves as learners and increases their awareness of current strengths and potential for growth,” Whitman adds.
CTTL grew out of St. Andrew’s 2009 strategic plan and was formed in the spring of 2011. In just five years, the center:
- committed to providing training and annual professional development to 100 percent of the St. Andrew’s faculty in mind, brain, and education science research.
- created Think Differently and Deeply, a publication of two-page essays written by St. Andrew’s faculty, students, coaches and alumni, in the fall of 2012. The publication is now internationally recognized, as more than 10,000 teachers, school leaders, and policy makers have read the essays for models of how teachers can use research to inform the design of their classes and work with each individual student.
- launched partnerships with Teach For America (DC region) and researchers at the Johns Hopkins Graduate School of Education and Research Schools International, led by faculty from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. These partnerships have given CTTL a clear public purpose, ready access to current research, and the opportunity for CTTL faculty and student fellows to co-create and assess actionable research projects.
- received an E.E. Ford Educational Leadership Grant in 2015 to launch the Science of Teaching and School Leadership Academy for educators from public, public charter, and independent schools. CTTL’s goal is to present to, work with, or train 20,000 teachers, school leaders, and policy makers by 2020.
“The CTTL has transformed our school,” says Whitman. “St. Andrew’s is now a far more agile, creative, and confident school, with a rapidly growing public profile. We are eager to continue this journey.”