Professional Learning
The Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Office of Student Services and Office of Technology and Digital Learning, are pleased to offer a variety of district sponsored professional learning opportunities. From graduate level courses, workshops fulfilling DESE re-licensure requirements, staff-facilitated book studies, professional learning communities (PLCs), and communities of practice (COPs), we strive to organize and facilitate opportunities for our staff to grow in the profession. Below you can find a listing of district-sponsored professional learning opportunities.
LSDO (Local Staff Development Organization) We are excited to be involved in LSDO, along with 14 other districts to provide free and reduced professional development. Check out https://sites.google.com/view/lsdopd/home designed to provide you with current professional development offerings. Please check this site often to view upcoming events, workshops, courses and job alike opportunities.
Summer 2022 July 1, 2022 - August 31, 2022
This professional development graduate level course provides educators with an overview of the components of executive function. It covers the impacts of having both a language-based learning disability (LBLD) and executive function deficits, as well as practical instructional strategies to support students. Six modules will be covered through this graduate course: Overview of Executive Function, Attention and Memory, Emotions, Motivation, Effort, and Landmark Teaching Principles. This course will satisfy DESE re-licensure requirements for Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners.
Book Study: Better Learning Through Structured Teaching: A Framework for the Gradual Release of Responsibility - REGISTRATION OPEN NOW UNTIL JUNE 10!
Better Learning Through Structured Teaching is the definitive guide to the gradual release of responsibility - an instructional framework any teacher can use to help students to be more successful and self-directed learners. To gradually release responsibility is to equip students with what they need to master content and develop new competencies. On a day-to-day basis, it means delivering lessons intentionally structured to incorporate four interrelated phases: Focused Instruction ("I do it"), Guided Instruction ("We do it together"), Collaborative Learning ("You do it together"), and Independent Learning ("You do it alone"). This book study will explore this instructional practice and help educators prepare for utilizing this model in the upcoming school year.
Fall 2022 September 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
This professional development graduate level course provides educators with an understanding of components of study skills, which include the management of materials, time and information. The course explores the importance of developing strong study skills in order to achieve goals and improve overall academic proficiency, particularly for students with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) and an executive function deficit. This course is divided into six, self-paced modules: Overview of Study Skills, Materials Management, Time Management, Prerequisite Comprehension Skills, Note-Taking, and Test-Taking.
Winter 2022-2023 December 2, 2022 - March 10, 2023
Understanding Students with Dyslexia (Landmark School Outreach) REGISTRATION INFORMATION COMING SOON!
This graduate level course provides educators with an overview of dyslexia, which falls under the diagnostic umbrella of a specific learning disability (SLD). The first half of the course will define the learning disability, debunk associated myths, and explore the benefits of early identification and intervention. The neurological origins and common manifestations of dyslexia, as well as comorbidity of dyslexia and other learning challenges (such as dyscalculia and dysgraphia), will also be explored. The second half of the course will introduce best instructional practices for supporting students with dyslexia, cover special education laws related to SLD, and offer alternative perspectives for consideration. The content and strategies presented in this course are rooted in the science of reading (SOR).
Spring 2023 March 13, 2023 - June 30, 2023
Check back soon for upcoming Professional Learning opportunities.
Summer 2023 July 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Check back soon for upcoming Professional Learning opportunities.
We are Looking for Book Study Facilitators!
As part of our Professional Learning opportunities, the Office of Teaching and Learning is looking for our own staff members to facilitate a book study of their choosing. If you know of a professional text that would benefit other staff members and if you would like to facilitate a book study, let us know! Book study facilitators receive additional PDPs for their work and taking on this leadership opportunity is great evidence for educator evaluation! Fill out the form below for additional information, or contact Assistant Superintendent Zachary Waddicor for details.
We are Looking for Professional Learning Community Facilitators!
To help promote the continued growth of our professional staff, we are looking to increase the number of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) this upcoming school year. If you have a PLC topic that you would like to facilitate, let us know. We will give you training in how to facilitate a productive PLC and you can earn additional PDPs for your work! This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and it can serve as evidence for educator evaluation. Fill out the form below for additional information, or contact Assistant Superintendent Zachary Waddicor for details.