Opportunities for Schools & Educators

On the Blog: 3 Practical Ways to Help Students Build Active Listening Skills

Active Listening can be challenging to develop. Brittany Usiak, our K-12 & Adult Programs Manager, shares ideas for leveraging curiosity to support the cultivation of this vital skill. This article is the third in a series of posts taking a closer look at the Four Stages of group development in Touchstones.

Read it Here

Hurry! Registration for the Educator Summit Ends June 1

Have you heard? We're hosting our first-ever Educator Summit July 18-20! Don't miss the chance to engage in practice-based sessions exploring how powerful discussion can be for building inclusive community and shared leadership. Join us and a cohort of passionate educators for three days that will rekindle your connection to authentic learning and offer joyous inspiration to bring back to your classroom!

Save 15% on Summer Workshops through May 31

As the school year winds down are you looking for an inspiring and practical professional development option for this summer? In addition to our flagship workshop, we have shorter programs and an option just for elementary teachers. Email us by May 31 to save 15% when you register 2 or more teachers for any summer workshop.

Explore Workshops

A Taste of Touchstones

June 4 | 2-5pm EST | Virtual

If you’ve never had training or are interested in using Touchstones in the fall, and want to experience the method for yourself, this workshop is for you! This shorter version of our full Level 1 workshop focuses on strategies for addressing issues of participation and cooperation in a group. You'll connect with other educators and get a taste of the discussion leadership skills you or your teachers build in the full workshop.

Community Programs News & Opportunities

Next Online Community Discussions

May 6, 2023 | 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

May 20, 2023 | 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Everyone is welcome to join us for our bi-weekly Saturday Community Discussion. This volunteer-led program brings people together to think deeply about ideas and questions connected to the topic of community. Whether you’re just getting familiar with Touchstones or you’re a seasoned discussion leader, Online Community Discussions offer a way to practice discussion skills together and connect with others. This is a free, drop-in program, and we invite you to come as often as you are able. Learn more about our Online Community Discussion Program

Meet our Newest Staff Member!

Jenny Walton joined our staff in April as the new Advancement and Volunteer Coordinator. She'll be supporting the work we're already doing to further Touchstones mission, as well as finding new ways to connect our work to volunteers. She shares, "I am so excited to be here at Touchstones, to stretch my mind and learn, and to add my own unique lens as part of an already amazing team." We're thrilled to have her here too! Learn more about Jenny's first week in our forthcoming spring newsletter, and make sure to welcome her in person or as you see emails from her.

Check Out What We're Reading!

Share Your Touchstones Story

The Touchstones community spans the globe! Help us spread the word about the amazing work happening in your classroom or community group by sharing your story on social media. Use the hashtag #BeyondTheSocraticSeminar in your posts or complete this form to be featured in an upcoming #TouchstonesSpotlight on our channels.