intermediary organizations that serve as the hub or backbone of an education network can be integral to a network’s success. use this checklist to assess whether a potential intermediary partner can fulfill the core capacities to support your emerging network.

building connections

providing neutral, objective support

• this partner does not have a separate, predetermined agenda for the focus of our work or how we should do it.
• this partner is experienced in helping groups create dialogues and reach consensus about important decisions.
• this partner demonstrates sincere commitment to the long-term success of our network.

network experience

• this partner has served as an intermediary for networks like ours.
• this partner has deep, empirical knowledge of how to support networks.
• this partner is well-versed in the research literature about networks.
• this partner has a track record of publishing and presenting about networks and has standing in the field.

performing critical network operations

• this partner can facilitate inquiry and action cycles with groups of diverse stakeholders.
• this partner can support in-person and virtual collaboration.
• this partner can provide training in our content area or easily connect us to the content-specific support we need.
• this partner can help us apply research-based information to our context.
• this partner can support data and evidence use on multiple levels (e.g., formative and summative evaluation, monitoring progress against network goals, documenting network activities and member satisfaction).
• this partner can manage the logistical details (e.g., planning, scheduling, arranging) for network convenings, leadership meetings and virtual collaboration.