Learning Academy

I have been twice and it was an amazing experience both times. For me it was an amazing opportunity to take an introspective look at my own work, set intentions, and make amazing connections.

First, how exciting!!! I’ve been to Apple Learning Academy twice and I still think it is one of the best professional leaning experiences I have ever had!

Next you are in for a full week of exploring, creating, brainstorming and hearing from other educators just like you. When I went there was about 20 of us in the group led by 3 Apple Professional Learning Specialists. It’s such a relaxed, fun environment where everyone is learning from each other. You will leave with so many ideas! I know it’s easier for me to say than to do but don’t be nervous. It really is an amazing experience!

Hey!!

I went to ALA last February and was nervous…didn’t know what to expect either. You will have a week of intensive learning with a class-size group (25-30 people) with 3-4 APLs. You will do a lot of reflection on your practices and adjustments that you can make when you take some ideas from Apple into account. I don’t want to share too much because it was a tremendous experience.

You can bring your own devices, but they will give you an iPad and a MacBook to work on during the week as well.

You’ll eat dinner with the group a couple of nights and will have freedom to do as you please the other nights.

Enjoy the week! It was a wonderful experience for me that lead to several changes I implemented for myself when I returned to school.

You’re in for a treat! I attended last February (2023) in Cupertino. Be ready to actively participate and engage. You’ll meet so many people and spend a lot time processing and sharing. We worked on projects a couple of times in the evenings. It was energizing and draining at the same time! I didn’t know what to expect at all because it had just opened back up post-pandemic and the program design had been updated so it was all new. I loved the experience for myself and the two specialists who attended with me. I think they did a great job of ensuring it was impactful for each participant’s role and environment. We were intentionally seated each day including being near others in the same role. We each left with an action plan for something that we wanted to accomplish back home. It was great networking - I’ve even connected with other attendees after that week!

Hi Monique.

I attended ALA in Austin back in November 2023. They withhold any agenda or schedule on purpose. It’s part of the “surprise and delight” aspect of culture building in the ALA training.

It’s a bit unnerving because we educators are planners and we like to know what’s coming, so we can be prepared.

That's why surprise and delight works at Academy.

Many teachers can also be skeptical, whiny, and love to complain that training isn’t worth their time and effort.

Surprise and delight conquers the negativity from the get go.

Relax.

Enjoy the daily activities and you’ll learn a lot to bring back to your district/school.

You’re going to enjoy the small team/paired/group work where you will experience the opportunity to try, fail, and learn in a safe space.

I really enjoyed connecting with several individuals who I had a lot in common. We walked and talked about culture - it was refreshing to know that other educators were experiencing common issues with dysfunctional/toxic school cultures across the country. Apple provided a framework to begin creating a positive school culture at your location.

Enjoy Academy!