Learning Forward Kansas (LFKS) is your partner in showing you how to plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning so you and your team can achieve success with your system, your school, and your students.
We are the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. We help our members leverage the power of professional learning to effect positive and lasting change.
Vision
Every educator engages in exemplary professional learning so every student excels.
Mission
Learning Forward Kansas sets the standard for professional learning and builds the capacity of educators to equitably serve all students.
Beliefs
- Professional learning that improves educator effectiveness is fundamental to student learning.
- All educators have an obligation to improve their practice.
- More students achieve when educators assume collective responsibility for student learning.
- Successful leaders create and sustain a culture of learning.
- Effective school systems commit to continuous improvement for all adults and students.
The Kansas Staff Development Council, doing business as Learning Forward Kansas, is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) independent not-for-profit organization.
Our Organization
Learning Forward Kansas is a volunteer organization comprised of:
- Member-elected trustees who oversee the management of operations.
- Board of directors representing diverse perspectives on professional learning impacts and issues who advise, recommend and decide on the direction and actions of the organization.
- Statewide membership who support the planning and actions of the organization. All members are welcome and strongly encouraged to be active in the work of their organization.
LFKS Leadership Team
- Executive Director: Jill Lachenmayr, Assistant Superintendent, Andover USD 385
- President: Marie Henderson, Instructional Technology Specialist, Hays USD 489
- President Elect: Jessica Hanvey, Teacher, Pratt USD 382
- Treasurer: Pam Irwin, Superintendent, Twin Valley USD 240
- Registrar: Sonya Schifferdecker, Board Clerk, Mulvane USD 263
- Communications: Heather Teasley, Teacher, Pratt USD 382
- Conference Co-Chair: Traci Holder, Director of Instruction and Intervention, Andover USD 385
- Holly Ingram, Executive Director of Secondary, Wichita USD 259
- Jessica Butler, Teacher, Inman USD 448
- Heather Musil, Instructor, Fort Hay State University
- Gwen Landever, Academic Dean, University of St. Mary’s
- Darla Smith, Director, Smoky Hill Service Center
- Kim Mauk, Director, Southwest Plains Service Center
- Kim Howard, Vice President, KNEA
- Ed Kalas, Education Consultant, KSDE
- Eric Shipman, Future Ready Principal, Wichita USD 259
- Corissa Uphoff, Media Specialist, Prairie View USD 362
- Chris Cooper, Director, Impact Education
Our Executive Director
Executive Director
~ Jill Lachenmayr ~
Email Jill
Our Executive Director, Jill Lachenmayr, is a long-time member of both Learning Forward and Learning Forward Kansas. She is passionate about professional learning and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the leadership team.
Jill also serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Academics Affairs for Andover Public Schools. She has spent her career engaging in advancing the learning of children and adults. She believes learning is the key to success. Her experience as an educational leader has focused on helping individuals and school systems achieve their highest potential.
Let Learning Forward Kansas be your partner in designing exemplary professional learning so every adult and student excels!
Contact me at executivedirector@learningforwardks.org!