Everyone in the world should do this training. This was my hardest and most rewarding training at the same time. A lot of pre-session reading, 26 hours face to face sessions, directors and principals around the world, new colleagues, and new friends - all of this is just in 8 days. I think this training gave tools to lead my team and my students in the right direction. I am looking forward to a new school year, so I can implement the new powerful knowledge (“protocols”) straight away.

Not “just another meeting,” each Critical Friends Group gathering focuses on improving or resolving dilemmas and tangible work products brought by the participants. Rather than working in isolation, CFG participants enjoy the combined wisdom and commitment of the whole group toward resolving problems. The end result is a shared community, increased trust, improved school culture, focused problem-solving, and everyone helping everyone else become a better educator over time. Research shows that a well-working CFG culture helps schools retain their teaching staff and supports their teachers in continuous improvement.

Critical Friends Group work originated with the NSRF in 1994. The key differences between CFG communities and other professional learning communities (PLCs) are (1) an intentional cultivation of safety and trust between the members, and (2) a focus on solving problems and accomplishing goals brought by its participants. These distinctions are key to the member educators helping each other improve their practices with honesty and integrity, resulting in a more positive school culture.

Groups are led by a certified CFG coach who is trained to use NSRF collaboration tools called “protocols” mindfully. These tools allow all CFG members’ voices to be heard and honored as they give non-judgmental, but open and honest, feedback to one another, resulting in accomplishing great things in short periods of time.

Worldwide, educators are experiencing how CFG work epitomizes the mindset of continuous growth and improvement, as their CFG communities create and solidify their belonging mindset, all of which translates into a productive system to improve student learning.