Professional Learning Topics

Based on the depth and breadth of the needs that will be presented as we continue to move forward in our school systems, educators must be strategic and responsive in our focus to offer educational options that meet the needs of all learners. Cultural responsiveness, equity and access will play a key role!

Culturally Responsive Teaching

  • ​Strategies for increasing student engagement based on student prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests as well as known background information about students
  • Quickly gather information needed to assess or advance learning base
  • Promotes the design of meaningful learning experiences in physical & virtual learning settings

Educators

  • Create diverse collaborative groups that change and overlap
  • Role  looks more like an Advisor and Facilitator
  • Capable of troubleshooting technology
  • Ability to communicate and build relationships in a virtual environment
  • Develop long and short term goals for students using data profiles
  • Ability to seamlessly interlace content and grade levels

Differentiated Instruction

  • Teachers learn and practice differentiated instructional strategies which support adapting lessons to address the needs of all learners.
  • Teachers develop lessons which promote authentic  engagement and focus on mastering competencies using traditional and non-traditional approaches to learning with minimal constraints.
  • The teacher regularly incorporate differentiated instructional methods and content to ensure students have the opportunity to master content at high levels.
  • Classroom activities and other instructional resources are aligned to standards and address the ability levels of all students.

Professional Learning

  • Reflective practice using real-time data
  • Advancement of professional goals
  • Increase teacher capacity as it relates to the district's need to accommodate diverse learners
  • Promote career longevity, legacy, and lasting impact for teachers 
  • Increase creativity and innovation while accelerating teacher  expertise

Curriculum & Instruction

  • Aligned to current state standards as well established competency profiles
  • Developed based on identified competencies for the respective content areas
  • Portability and use between various groups of learners​
  • View curriculum and lesson planning through a lens which promotes student voice and engagement during the learning process.