Who We Are

As a publishing and professional development company, MiraVia brings learning theory into practice.

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What We Do

MiraVia provides learning-focused professional development and products presenting practical strategies, useful resources, and innovative ideas for thoughtful educators.

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Why It Matters

Navigating the demands of the current climate requires a professional culture committed to learning.

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Leading Learning Focused Teams

A team is not a static thing; it is a living system with the potential for growth and positive change.
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Facilitating Learning Focused Data Work

Teachers blaze the path to knowledge generation when pairs, small groups, and entire faculties purposefully use data as a source for analyzing progress and proactively planning for improvement.
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Conducting Learning Focused Conversations

The ability to structure and facilitate powerful learning-focused conversations lies at the heart of building productive relationships and enhancing professional expertise.
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Creating Learning Focused Classrooms

Discover the bridge between current learning theory and effective classroom practice.
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MiraVia offers keynote presentations that inspire, inform, and instruct. These interactive sessions provide relevant content based on compelling educational issues. Our keynotes deliver research-driven ideas and effective tools that put theory into practice in your schools. Learn More

Spotlight

To our MiraVia community:

During this challenging time, while we stay home to stay safe, there are a variety of things that will need to be put on hold. The good news is that learning is not among them. We want you to know that we are here to support you with materials and resources to continue your professional development, individually and virtually with colleagues.

Sharpen your skills with the structured learning experiences available on this site. Create a virtual study group with colleagues using a Study Guides for one of our books.

Study Guides

Mentoring Matters Third Edition Study Guide

Learning Focused Supervision Study Guide

Data-Driven Dialogue Second Edition Study Guide

Ideas for Using Study Guides

If you’re new to a book take a sequential approach as each section presumes knowledge of the previous sections. Use a journal to record your responses to the questions you’ll find in each section of the Guide. 

If you’re an experienced user and want to refresh and refine your knowledge and skills, consider reviewing the Table of Contents to set a learning goal and focus on that section of the Guide.

Video Exercises

Enhance your skills with the learning-focused toolkit. Download an exercise sheet and choose a video. You’ll find exercises for paraphrasing and inquiring. For learning-focused conversations, you’ll find a Learn by Viewing exercise differentiated for beginning and more advanced skill levels.

Invite colleagues to share the learning journey. Form a virtual study group, download an exercise sheet, choose a video, individually record and then compare your responses.

As we look toward the future and returning to school, we hope you’re anticipating being together for productive learning-focused conversations and collaborative interactions with colleagues in the same room.

In the meantime, feel free to contact us with any questions about best use of the tools on our website or if you’re interested in virtual professional development with Laura, Bruce or one of our associates.

 

 

Don’t Over-facilitate Your Group

In our book, Leading Groups: Effective Strategies for Building Professional Community , we describe seven essential premises for guiding and growing positive and productive groups.

  1. Groups develop and their development can be positively influenced.
  2. Human behavior has a biological and sociological legacy.
  3. There are predictable dynamics in groups.
  4. Work sessions should be learning sessions.
  5. Investing energy in design saves energy in delivery.
  6. Shaping the discourse determines direction.
  7. You can’t lead where you won’t go.

These premises need to inform the decisions and behavior of all group leaders . But, there are hidden dangers for group leaders who are not clear about their intentions, behaviors, and expectations when planning for group development and guiding group member interactions. LEARN MORE