Circle 101
Join us for
for new-to-Valor teachers
July 9-11, 2025
All new classroom teachers at Valor are invited to join our annual summer training course completely free of charge. If you decide to take advantage of this opportunity, you will join educators and school leaders from our nationwide network of Powered by Compass schools that receive support from Valor's National Impact team.
*This event takes place the week prior to New-to-Valor Base Camp
and is voluntary.
Circle 101 Overview
Circle 101 is a comprehensive 3-day training course to teach the foundational elements of facilitating a Compass Circle.
This introductory course covers the "essentials" for all 5 components of Circle. Once you complete this training, you will have the skills you need to facilitate a basic Circle from beginning to end.
This training is also a prerequisite for Circle 201, offered every February, which teaches the "quality" skills needed to facilitate effective, high quality Circles that produce measurable outcomes.
By taking advantage of this voluntary training, you get access to a more in-depth, comprehensive training than we can offer to staff during our regular on-boarding. Here are few reasons you might chose to join us for Circle 101:
A Top-Tier Training Course
Leading a Compass Circle is a deceptively complex practice that facilitators learn to hone and craft through years of training and practice.
The Impact team at Valor has been perfecting this introductory "101" course for the past 7 years to train educators across the country, which means we have figure out how you can internalize and practice the core skills to get started in just 3 days.
Join a National Movement
As a New-to-Valor staff member, you have optional access to this training event for free. The other participants learning alongside you, however, will be flying in from the dozens of schools enrolled in Valor's 3-year Compass Camp program. Every year, we certify a new cohort of schools to join our growing network of partners across the country through this program. Like you, these educators have chosen to prioritize human connection and belonging as part of their approach to creating transformative school communities.
More Than a Training
You will walk away with more than just a hefty set of technical and adaptive skills. One of the most enduring aspects of our Impact Team events is that they are notoriously impactful and meaningful.
After all, our Circle practice is designed to create a safe and affirming environment to foster connection. And you'll be practicing each component with passionate educators from across the country who are just as committed as you! In other words, you'll also walk away with some lasting connections.
You'll Leave Full
At the end of the 3 days, you'll walk away with a rich set of skills, knowledge, and a full heart. Plus, you'll have access to all the tools and resources we use during the training. AND you'll have made early connections to some of Valor's leaders, so you'll have some friendly faces when the whole Valor team arrives for Base Camp.
We'll even feed you breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the training!
😋
The Fine Print
If you're ready to commit, go ahead and click that button to register!
But if you're busy that week, that's totally fine too!
All Valor staff who facilitate Compass Circles will receive the necessary professional learning during onboarding, as well as ongoing feedback and support throughout the year, to develop your skill as a facilitator.
For those who would like to join the Circle 101 Training Event, please note the following details of your commitment:
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To join, you must register in advance using the registration link below. We are not able to accommodate last-minute arrivals, and you may not register at the door.
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Prior to July 9, you will be asked to complete about 30 minutes of pre-work (to be shared via email once you register).
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Participants commit to being fully present and participating for the full 3 days of Circle 101 - from 8:00am-4:15pm.
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Circle 101 is a tech-free event so you will not need your laptop or personal devices, and you will be asked to limit your cell phone use to breaks and mealtimes.
You will receive additional details in a confirmation email once you register. If you have any questions about Circle 101, please email Travis Commons (tcommons@valorcollegiate.org).
"This experience has truly been mind blowing for me and my team! So very grateful to be apart of something I find so special.
I truly felt cared for."
Partner School Teacher