GSE Dean Susan Fuhrman (left) noted that Spring Forum honors "the nation's most-distinguished educators." Spring Forum '96 was no exception.

Ann Lieberman (center)--professor at Teachers College, Columbia University , and co-director of the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching--was this year's recipient of the National Award of Distinction of the University of Pennsylvania Education Alumni Association. The Education Alumni Association (EAA) co-sponsors the Spring Forum with GSE, Phi Delta Kappa (Tau Chapter), Pi Lambda Theta (Philadelphia Area Chapter) and the GSE Student Organizations Committee.

In presenting the award to Lieberman, EAA President Amy Sichel (right) said, "You are respected in the educational community for your wisdom and your character."

As the forum's keynote speaker, Lieberman discussed "Network and a Changing View of Professional Development." She explained that teacher networks are great instruments of reform, because they encourage learning, sharing and discussion.

Lieberman started her career as a sixth-grade teacher. Back then, she said, teachers had little influence on educational reform. "Things have changed since those days," she continued, "but not enough."

According to Lieberman, networks allow teachers to take an active role in reform. Network members share goals and responsibilities. Everyone is given an opportunity to contribute. This dynamic participation breeds reform plans.

Lieberman has studied 16 different networks. One thing that they all share in common is the fact that they are all so diverse. "You can't franchise networks," she said, "because no two are alike."

Lieberman pointed out that successful networks, despite their differences, empower participants. Through networks, teachers listen to the ideas of others yet still have the freedom to make their own decisions. "Teachers don't have to solely be the recipients of other people's agendas," she said.

Return to Compass Features for May 7, 1996