ESC-20’s Learning Alive Cooperative has evolved over the years to keep up with the needs of our School Systems. What started as Living Science has expanded into a cross-curricular experience that supports all content areas by giving teachers/students access to both living and non-living resources that align to the TEKS.

Our Operation Manager, Charlotte Tondre guides the program to bring classrooms to life in ways students don’t forget. Whether it’s interacting with live animals, exploring plants and microorganisms, or using hands-on kits; these moments shift learning from something students just hear about to something they experience. When students can see it, touch it, and talk about it, engagement will thrive. Over the past few years, Learning Alive has expanded even further by connecting with Learning Off Site, to create more opportunities for both educators and students to step into meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. At the same time, the cooperative model keeps things practical for districts. We offer access to resources, professional learning, and ongoing support in a way that is both cost-effective and impactful.

What makes Learning Alive stand out is how it meets students where they are. Under the leadership of Coordinator Rolando Ruvalcaba, the program continues to make strides in supporting a wide range of learners (including Gifted/Talented, Emergent Bilingual, and Special Education students); while expanding diverse programming and helping teachers connect hands-on experiences to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM).

As districts continue looking for ways to make learning more engaging and relevant, Learning Alive offers a clear path forward. It’s not just about resources, it’s about creating moments that stick with students and support teachers in designing learning that truly matters.

For Information Only.