Learning Forward Michigan is now the new identity of what was previously the Michigan Staff Development Council (MSDC). The change was made to reflect the change of our parent organization, the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) which became Learning Forward as of September 1, 2010. Michigan members voted in January 2011 to follow suit with reinventing its image and identity while maintaining its longstanding commitment to the highest standards for education in Michigan.
Learning Forward hired one of the country’s leading branding firms to help it develop a strong identity and branding that clearly communicated its single purpose:
Every educator engages in effective professional learning every day so every student achieves.
The result:
“Learning” is first in our name, reminding us that learning is at the heart of our purpose and that learning creates our future. Learning Forward invites everyone to join us as we move ahead to ensure effective professional learning that results in student achievement. Learning Forward expresses our call to action, action we as an association commit to each day to ensure effective teaching for every student. Our new name distinguishes us as both a membership association and an advocacy organization that marries practice, policy, and research.