Humanities Educators Professional Practice Community
Humanities Educators Professional Practice Community
Humanities Educators Professional Practice Community
Humanities Educators Professional Practice Community
Teaching English and History today requires more than delivering strong content—it requires creating learning experiences that students want to be part of. The Humanities Educators Professional Practice Community, facilitated by Lisa Kaminski, is designed for middle and high school English and History educators who are ready to expand their instructional toolkit, increase student engagement, and create the conditions for deeper learning.
Anchored by Dave Burgess’s Teach Like a Pirate, this community goes beyond a traditional book study. Participants will explore practical, classroom-ready strategies for creating more engaging and student-centered learning experiences, while also learning from colleagues who understand the unique challenges of teaching the humanities. From Socratic Seminars and document-based questions to gallery walks, Blackout Poetry, Readers Theater, Carousel Writing, and more, each session will provide opportunities to explore an idea, discuss its application, and consider how it could work in your own classroom.
Just as importantly, this is a space where educators can connect honestly, share frustrations, celebrate successes, and work together toward solutions. Through conversation, collaboration, breakout discussions, reflection, and shared resources, participants will learn from one another and leave each session with something they can try right away.
What You Can Expect
What You Can Expect
Practical strategies for increasing student engagement and participation
New ways to create deeper, more meaningful learning experiences
Ideas for making rigorous grade-level content accessible to all learners
Classroom structures and routines that support student ownership
Strategies for strengthening discussion, questioning, writing, and collaboration
Opportunities to learn directly from other English and History educators
A supportive community for sharing challenges and solutions
Actionable ideas to take back to your classroom after every session
Same students. New strategies. A more engaging classroom.
If you're looking to diversify your teaching toolkit, reconnect with your creativity, and find new ways to help students become active partners in their learning, this community is for you.
Community Meeting Schedule
Community Meeting Schedule
All meetings are virtual via Zoom and run from 3:00–4:30 PM
September 30, 2026 — 3:00–4:30 PM
October 28, 2026 — 3:00–4:30 PM
December 16, 2026 — 3:00–4:30 PM
January 13, 2027 — 3:00–4:30 PM
February 24, 2027 — 3:00–4:30 PM
March 24, 2027 — 3:00–4:30 PM
April 28, 2027 — 3:00–4:30 PM
May 26, 2027 — 3:00–4:30 PM
8 Virtual Sessions | 90 Minutes Each | Middle & High School English and History Educators
PDPs Awarded Based on Attendance. Earn Up to 15 PDPs!
Virtual Meeting Links Will Be Sent Prior to Each Session
About Your Facilitator
About Your Facilitator
Riverside Learning is thrilled to welcome Lisa Kaminski to the team! With more than 30 years in public education, Lisa brings extensive expertise in instructional leadership, literacy, curriculum development, and professional learning.
Most recently, Lisa served as Director of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development for Westport Community Schools. Her experience spans district leadership, ELA instruction, literacy coaching, curriculum development, and teacher professional learning.
Lisa is particularly passionate about student-centered instruction, evidence-based literacy practices, project-based learning, Socratic Seminar, document-based learning, and engaging instructional strategies. She is known for creating professional learning that is practical, relevant, and immediately applicable to the classroom.
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