The Touchstones Circle

Our monthly update on programs, events, and opportunities

Become a Touchstones Fellow!

Build your discussion leadership skills through hands-on practice with other educators as part of our virtual professional learning cohort. Beginning October 11, Fellows will gather for 8 weeks to engage with our Exploring American Perspectives (EAP) volume – which exclusively includes works by African American and Black contributors – to explore themes of belonging, inclusion, equity, voice, leadership, and community. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 20.

Exploring the Four Stages of Inclusive Discussion Series

Join us September 28 for the first session in this four part series taking a closer look at The Four Stages of group development. We will engage in a Touchstones discussion focused on issues of participation, think deeply about how to be a bridge for all students and provide opportunities for various forms of participation, and have time to connect with each other.

Touchstones Family Engagement Pilot Program

We know that when schools partner with caregivers and parents, students succeed! Fostering trusting relationships between school staff and families is now more important than ever. Aligned to the latest family engagement research, we can help you expand the impact of Touchstones to the entire school community.

New Digital Discussion Evaluation Tools

Are you interested in getting a better sense of your class' progress toward Essential Skills in Touchstones this school year? We've adapted some of our individual discussion evaluation tools into short, digital, surveys you can use to assess growth throughout the year. Get in touch with us to get access for your students!

Join us for Online Community Discussions!

Seeking to hone your discussion skills while connecting with the Touchstones community? Our Third Thursday Community Discussions continue on September 15th from 7:30 to 8:45 PM EST and our bi-weekly Saturday discussions return September 10 at 12pm EST. As always, all are welcome and no prior preparation is required.

New Volunteer Coordinator!

We're excited to welcome our new Volunteer Coordinator, Carey Pitts-Velasquez! Carey comes to us through VolMD, and she'll be working to expand volunteer opportunities at Touchstones in 2022 and 2023. These include strengthening our afterschool programs and senior programs, and supporting the work of our veterans and prison programs. Please join us in welcoming Carey to the team!

Touchstones Groups with Seniors and Veterans

Are you interested in starting a Touchstones discussion group with seniors or veterans in your community? Learn more about our programs and reach out to us at [email protected] to get started.

Program for Women at MCI-W Continues

Led by a group of 9 volunteers, our program for women at MCI-W continues. This program would not be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers. If you live in the Annapolis area and are interested in supporting the program as a volunteer, reach out to us at [email protected].

• Boosting High School Students Sense of Agency and Motivation
• What Students Can Learn Through Intentional Conversation
• On Civil Discussion in the Higher Ed Classroom
• 3 Ways to Get Students Engaged in Their Learning

The Touchstones community spans the globe! Help us spread the word about the amazing work happening in your classroom or community group by sharing your story on social media. Use the hashtag #BeyondTheSocraticSeminar in your posts or complete this form to be featured in an upcoming #TouchstonesSpotlight on our channels.