Education Program FAQ

Development with our new learning management system (LMS) provider is already underway, and the improved system is expected to launch in 2024.

When the new Base Camp system launches, the Pathways product offering will be revised to include six of the currently available paths. There will also be an new offering, called explorations. These offerings will be introduced once the new LMS has launched and members have had the opportunity to become familiar with the system. Explorations will be short learnings comprised of approximately three projects each. The list of paths below reflects content that will be available for purchase on the Toastmasters website with the launch of the new platform. Members working in paths not listed here will still be supported in completing these paths.

• Dynamic Leadership
• Engaging Humor
• Motivational Strategies
• Presentation Mastery
• Persuasive Influence
• Visionary Communication

The decision to launch the new platform with these paths was based on several factors, including feedback from members. Since Pathways rolled out, many members have shared that they find the number of path options to be overwhelming when beginning their Toastmasters journey. Fewer path options means a clearer decision process and less overwhelm for new members.

At the same time, the coming addition of explorations will provide existing members—many of whom have requested new content—with options outside of the eleven paths that have been available to them for years.

Adjusting the number of paths offered also lays a foundation for more comprehensive content changes that are coming to the education program in the future. Based on feedback and input from current and prospective members, the Toastmasters Education Team is reviewing and considering new content delivery options including, but not limited to, the inclusion of explorations in our education program. This strategic adjustment to the education program presents more opportunities to look at creative and unique content delivery options for the future.

When deciding which paths would be available for purchase with the launch of the new platform, Toastmasters International reviewed data including path enrollment, path completion rates, and level completion rates. We also considered the unique projects available in each path, and the specialized reasons members might pursue a given path. Ultimately, the final list of paths was selected with input from Board of Directors to ensure a path offering that is strong, provides a diverse range of topics, and will encourage member engagement with the education program.

At the direction of the Board of Directors, World Headquarters is currently exploring the future of the Toastmasters education program. The revisions coming with the launch of the new platform are designed to set a foundation for more regular content additions and updates.

The goal of Toastmasters education will always be to support the club experience and help members improve public speaking and leadership skills. The team discussing the future of Toastmasters education is considering feedback related to Pathways, current educational trends, and Toastmasters’ core competencies of Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Strategic Leadership, Management, and Confidence.

Following the launch of the new learning management system, release schedules detailing planned updates and additions to the education program will be available on an annual basis. While specifics related to long-term future delivery and content offerings are still in development, two new explorations, including completely new projects, will be available for members once the new LMS has launched and members have had the opportunity to become familiar with the system.

Once the new LMS has launched and members have had the opportunity to become familiar with the system, two explorations will be released, each comprised of three projects. These explorations will include new projects and focus on the topics of inclusive leadership and presenting yourself online.

These topics were approved by the Board of Directors based on feedback from members, as well as professional trends.

As leaders in a global organization, it is critical that we understand how to be inclusive of all people. Projects in the exploration focused on inclusive leadership will help members recognize and address unconscious bias, build cultural intelligence, and learn how to nurture supportive relationships.

Since 2020 and the start of the pandemic, members and prospective members have been requesting content that will help them present themselves well in the digital age. The projects in the exploration focused on presenting yourself online will help members learn how to look and sound their best online, manage meetings in the digital space, and conduct hybrid meetings.