Happy Spring...well, it felt like it earlier this week! I don't know about you, but the recent warm weather has me wondering where winter has gone! The spring semester is passing quickly, and we want to remind you of many upcoming spring professional learning opportunities. Our summer professional learning opportunities are released each year on April 15, so watch for our next newsletter on that date.

In addition to the sessions that are open to all educators in our region (found on our newsletter below), we also offer targeted professional learning opportunities designed for individual schools or districts. Administrators, please contact the center directly via e-mail (hgmorgan@ua.edu) or via the following link to request targeted support.

Continue to review our social media pages on Facebook (@uauwaric) and Twitter (@UofARIC) for updates from our sessions. As a reminder, you may find any of our newsletters at: https://inservice.ua.edu/professional-learning-opportunities.

Best wishes for a wonderful spring break!

Dr. Holly Morgan

Director, UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center

Receive support from an assigned Candidate Support Provider as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting. CSPs will facilitate candidate discussions and work sessions specific to your needs. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471525.

2024 ALSDE National Board Scholarship Application is open! It will be due on March 31. All classroom teachers are eligible, but we also want to emphasize that all professional employees such as librarians, counselors, academic coaches, and itinerant teachers who work in the K-12 setting are eligible. Please note that a Google-associated account is necessary to access the application. Many interested applicants each year cannot open the link because they are using a school account.

The deadline for submitting the Scholarship Application is March 31,2024, and the results will be announced in the first week of May. If you or educators in your region have a problem with the application or have questions please contact boydrogan21@gmail.com.

AIpril: Spring Your AI Knowledge Forward

You weren't spooked by AI in October. Now, spring your AI knowledge forward on Tuesdays in AIpril. This ATiM Virtual series will explore new learning in the area of AI in education since October. If you missed October, then no worries! These sessions will be new for everyone! Some tools and resources from the previous series will be shared, but with a new and updated perspective. Registration Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/495085

April 2: UA-UWA RIC Alabama Numeracy Act Overview

Join Ms. Amy Tilford, ALSDE Regional Four Coordinator, for a 1-hour session on an ANA overview for K-5 teachers. Topics covered will include learning about the role of a K-5 mathematics teacher as specified in the Alabama Numeracy Act and explore the components of an effective Tier 1 math block.

April 2

3:30-4:30 pm

Virtual Session via Zoom

Register via PowerSchool PL #496590

Offered 2 days at 2 Locations – April 11 and 12!

Problem Solving Teams Guidance Overview: Laying the Foundation for Instructional Leaders

Crank up the bulldozers and backhoes! It’s time to dig the footers and lay the foundation for constructing dynamic problem-solving teams (PST) incorporating strong Tier I instruction, application of RTI and PBS models, and focused communication during PLC and PST meetings. Allow the guiding questions to help you consider the effectiveness of your existing PST process and generate ideas for improving problem-solving for all students.

Register via PowerSchool Section PL Section #493752

Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024

Time: 8:30-11:30

Location: University of West Alabama, 100 US-11, Lyon Hall D, Room C101, Livingston, AL 35470

Register via PowerSchool Section PL Section #493751

Date: Friday, April 12, 2024

Time: 8:30-11:30

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, Tom Barnes Hall, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Problem Solving Teams Guidance Overview: Reinforcing Foundations of Problem-Solving Teams for Secondary Schools

Roll up your sleeves and grab your shovels for this deep-dive session exploring possibilities for improving the PST process at the secondary level. Participants can expect to receive ideas and resources, as identified by school practitioners and leaders, to strengthen the 6-12 PST process. Join us to consider ways you can renovate and revitalize your existing practices in supporting all students.

Register via PowerSchool Section PL Section #493754

Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024

Time: 12:30-3:30

Location: University of West Alabama, 100 US-11, Lyon Hall D, Room C101, Livingston, AL 35470

Register via PowerSchool Section PL Section #493753

Date: Friday, April 12, 2024

Time: 12:30-3:30

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, Tom Barnes Hall, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Receive support from an assigned Candidate Support Provider as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting. CSPs will facilitate candidate discussions and work sessions specific to your needs. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471525.

If you are an NBCT candidate in the UA/UWA Region, join us on Monday, April 29 for our spring writing retreat. Candidates will work on their analysis of evidence and written commentary. Full-day substitute reimbursement will be provided for each participant (as long as the educator teaches in Region 4, UA/UWA).

Spring Writing Retreat

April 29, 2024; 8:30 AM-3:00 PM

Register via PowerSchool Section #471531

• April 30, 2024
• 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
• This year, we will host 3 meetings with the curriculum directors/professional learning directors who serve as direct liaisons to the Inservice Center.
• Each of these regional meetings, beginning with September 28, will occur 2-3 weeks after the ALSDE's Curriculum and Instruction meetings. The purpose of this timing is so that we may discuss specific updates, data, and requests for support based upon the information shared at the ALSDE meetings. We will share ideas and network to share best practices within our region.

Join Dr. Holly Morgan for this hybrid ACLD PLU opportunity that will be held in four sessions from May 2 through June 20, 2024. Participants will build foundational knowledge of planning for professional learning and will examine their roles and responsibilities in professional learning implementation.

Open to current administrators and aspiring administrators! Upon completion of the course, 1 ACLD PLU will be awarded.

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #495548

Four sessions for PLU course:

• May 2 and June 6: 12:00-3:00 PM (face-to face: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401)
• May 16 and June 20: 12:00-2:00 PM (virtual via zoom)

Contact Dr. Holly Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu with any questions.

Receive support from an assigned Candidate Support Provider as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting. CSPs will facilitate candidate discussions and work sessions specific to your needs. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471527.

Beginning Sound Walls Training for Region Four Educators

If you are a K-5 teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or special education teacher in Region Four, please join us for Beginning Sound Walls Training offered by 95 Percent Group (formerly Tools4Reading).

Date: May 14, 2024

Time: 8:30-3:30

Location: University of West Alabama, 100 N. Street, Livingston, AL

Register via PowerSchool Section #495858 or via the following

Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/495858

For a listing of districts served by the UA/UWA region, please visit https://inservice.ua.edu/region.html.

Join Dr. Anna Shepherd-Jones for one of two sessions provided on May 15 regarding the new Alabama Principal Leadership Development System! She will share an overview of the Principal Act for Region 4 principals and assistant principals.

Register for the 9:00 am session via PowerSchool PL Section #498002

Register for the 12:00 pm session via PowerSchool PL Section #498008

*NOTE: All Summer Sessions Offered through the Regional Inservice Centers will be Released on April 15, 2024.

Alabama Educational Technology Conference

June 19-21, 2024 - Mobile County Convention Center

REGISTER NOW FOR BEST RATE!

Early Bird: $140 (ends April 15th)

Pre-Registration: $150 (April 16 - May 31)

Late or Onsite Registration: $175 (After May 31)

Visit alabamaetc.com for conference information and other related questions.

MEGA CONFERENCE 2024

July 8 - 12 at the Mobile Convention Center

Register Now for BEST RATE!

Early Bird Fee $180 - Deadline March 15, 2024

Pre-Registration - $200 (March 16 - June 1, 2024)

Late Registration/Onsite $215 (June 2 and through conference)

For conference information, visit http://mega-alabama.com/

Save the Date for the annual statewide NBCT Boot Camp! It will be face-to-face on July 17-18 at the JSU Regional Inservice Center; it will be virtual on July 19. More information coming soon!

The School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act was passed in 2023 to create and implement a new leadership development system for principals and assistant principals. Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, principals can earn an annual stipend up to $10,000-$15,000 and assistant principals can earn up to $5,000-$7,500 if they successfully complete all program requirements as outlined in the law. Check out this FAQ Document to learn more! You can also find a link to the drafted new leadership standards here.

We are also looking for experienced administrators to help our new principals in their leadership journey! Beginning in the fall of 2024, all first-year principals will have a mentor for two years. We need mentors for our newest principals, and we encourage you to apply if you are a retired principal or plan to retire by July 1. Click here to access the application. If you have questions, please email mentoring@clasleaders.org.

Please register for any AMSTI regional sessions using the following website: https://amsti-ua.wixsite.com/amsti-ua/professional-development

Updated guidance regarding requests for science instructional materials can be found in the document below. Please contact Sara McGee (smcgee@ua.edu) if you have questions or requests for other professional learning support.

• ASIM Biology Training and Support (Lisa Clark, lclark@ua.edu)

• ASIM Chemistry/Physical Science Training and Support (Brooks Moss, moss020@ua.edu)
• ASIM Physics and Earth/Space Science Training and Support (Julie Covin, jcovin@ua.edu)

Contact our specialists today to request on-site instructional support! We are here for you!

• ASIM Physical Science Training: Friday March 22 8:30 – 3:30 for high school physical science teachers. Topics: Bouncy Ball Energy, Heat Transfer, Half-Life Simulation, Analyzing Radiation. Limited to 24. Register here!
• ASIM Physics Training: Wednesday March 27 8:30 – 3:30 for high school physics teachers. Topics: Work-Kinetic Energy, Energy Exchange, Simple Harmonic Motion, Vibrating strings. Limited to 24. Register here!
• Be on the lookout for ASIM Physical Science (joint chemistry & physics) May 30-31 and ASIM Physics May 28-29 that will be posted in our summer opportunities!

Summer Learning Planning

Join us during our Summer Learning Planning virtual office hours. See dates and times below. Participants should register in PowerSchool using PowerSchool #311710. A link to join the session will be delivered via email.

Virtual office hours are at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the following dates:

• March 15
• April 19
• May 10

Each date focuses on different topics for Summer Learning Planning.

ARI Literacy Leadership | Smore Newsletters for Education

ARI Family & Community / Smore Newsletters for Education

ARI YouTube Videos including ACAP, ALA, and Video Vignettes

Literacy Reimagined Conference 2024

We are ushering in a new era of literacy instruction, where research meets practice. This 2024 conference will unite educators, researchers, and advocates to forge a future where literacy is reimagined and revitalized. Let’s reimagine the future of literacy by discovering how to align systems to reach all students.
Register Today:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/3u2b7hw Early Bird Registration Special: $175

Location:

University of South Alabama

350 Student Center Circle

Mobile, AL 36688

Date and time:

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 (pre-conference)

Thursday, March 7th and Friday, March 8th, 2024 (conference)

OSI Docs and Tools

• Alabama Coaching Framework - Coaching Framework Presentations and Documents
  
• Principal Calendar - Presented at Mega
• OSI Mega Sessions - Presentation Links
• Secondary ELA COS Resources
• OSI Website

• ACIP Support Site

• ACAP/ACT Resource Page

• Youtube (Recorded PL)

Visit the new OSL website at the following link: https://sway.office.com/x6GMkvnr5n1z2O6F

PREP Public Website: Recordings, Slides and Resources

Ongoing updates are continuously added at the following link: OSL Updates

The following sessions are being offered by the ALSDE Department of Special Education. Please contact Gwen Preston (gpreston@alsde.edu) with any questions. The flyers attached contain PowerSchool registration information.

Join Dr. Mayben for his technology sessions this fall! You may find all of his posted opportunities at www.uatim.org/opportunities.

Contact Dr. Robert Mayben at rmayben@ua.edu to support your school or district's technology professional learning needs.

Everyone Counts!/Strong Readers, Strong Leaders-March 20:

The final Everyone Counts/Strong Readers, Strong Leaders quarterly session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20 from 8:30-3:30 (OMI/MTSS-8:30-11:30; ARI-12:30-3:30) at the New Heights Community Resource Center. Register for the upcoming Everyone Counts session in PowerSchool using this section number: 483769.

If this session falls during Spring Break for your district, there will be a make-up session on Tuesday, March 26. Interested in earning a PLU for the Everyone Counts! quarterly sessions? Register in PowerSchool using the following information:

Title: PLUACLD1164 Office of Mathematics Improvement Everyone Counts!

Section #: 485839

For more information, contact Amy Tilford at amy.tilford@alsde.edu or Shea Stroud at shea.stroud@alsde.edu.

This year, ARI, OMI, and MTSS will collaboratively host Strong Leaders, Strong Readers. Meetings will be held from 8:30-3:30. See flyer above.

Training Menu

MTSS Flyers for Upcoming Marzano Training Sessions

EL Region 4 Specialist: Dr. Stephanie Reynolds (stephanie.reynolds@alsde.edu)

EL Sway Quarterly Newsletter- Nuestras Voces Quarterly EL Newsletter LINK Spring 2024

ALSDE EL Announcements- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sj141chsU-8isaubPw1SivlpYmkO2VVlzk8EKG3xQJk/edit?usp=sharing

The flyer below highlights sessions offered by our PowerSchool coaches in March. Please also feel free to request specific sessions. To request training for your district or school, either reply to this email or click the link in the flyer and submit an Ed Tech ticket request via the following link: Submit Ed Tech Support Ticket

PowerSchool Coach Quandria Robinson (quandria.robinson@alex.state.al.us)

Monthly updates from Alabama Social Studies Chronicle:

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/wbiJGolLxjU5A6ay?ref=email

Monthly updates from ALSDE Physical Education:

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/jEnFSTr5s9egY5JN?ref=email

ACCESS Virtual Learning is an initiative of the Alabama State Department of Education that provides free online classes to all sixth through 12th grade Alabama students.

The program offers Advanced Placement, foreign language and credit recovery courses as well as all the courses needed for a high school diploma. ACCESS courses are led by Alabama-certified teachers and are aligned to the current Alabama College and Career Ready Standards.

Students enrolled in ACCESS courses earn credits from their local school and receive their diploma from their local district.

ACCESS is your partner in education! For more information, please visit access.ua.edu or contact the UA Support Center at access@ua.edu or 205-348-2647.

March 13, 2024 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Virtual Professional Development with Legacy Partners in Environmental Education: Down Under in North Alabama

Alabama is home to more than 5,000 caves with unique ecosystems that support fragile and fascinating life forms. Join Toni Bruner, the Executive Director of Legacy Partners in Environmental Education and a spelunking expert, as she shares her knowledge of Alabama’s extensive cave ecosystem. Learn how caves form and what their important roles are in our environment. Leave with educational resources and activities from Legacy, APT and PBS to share with your class as you explore frozen waterfalls and soda straw ceilings. One hour of professional development will be awarded at completion. Click here to register.

Meet STEM researchers at The University of Alabama who have created K-12 lesson plans based on their cutting-edge research. This is a drop-in networking gala where you can visit with researchers about their lesson plans and with local organizations about their educational programs. We will have food and giveaways while you visit tables.

Tuesday, March 5th from 6-7:30PM

Alabama Museum of Natural History Smith Hall, 427 Sixth Ave, Tuscaloosa Free registration: https://sciren.ua.edu/teacher-registration.html

• OSI ACAP/ACT Resource Doc: ACAP and ACT Tools and Resources

ALSDE has developed proficiency scales that can be used by teachers and students. The following link shares how to access those proficiency scales: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15eWbGs3CQ1D2wHZJUww9cl6Y4NjUDjUi/view?usp=sharing

ATLAS is a resource designed for National Board Certification, but it can also be used by teachers for personal growth or incorporated into district teacher induction programs.This resource is open to our full-time, public school educators in Alabama. Please contact Dr. Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu for an account.

Elevate Your Future With The University of Alabama Online

Choose from 25+ top-ranked education programs, including master’s degrees, certification-only, specialist and doctoral programs. Tailored for you, these programs seamlessly blend virtual and real through 100% online and hybrid formats. It's not just about going back to school; it's an investment in your professional future. Take the next step in your educational journey with The University of Alabama – get started today!

Literacy educators at the University of Alabama are seeking teacher feedback on the full-length texts being taught in Alabama secondary English Language Arts classrooms and have designed a survey to gather that information. All middle and high school ELA teachers are invited to complete the survey.

The survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete. Upon completion of the survey, participants will be entered into a drawing to receive one of thirty $25 gift cards.

Click this link to get started: https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aaeftMhOSfmBdOK

Note: The information you provide will be confidential. Your responses will be associated with a generic code and your name will not be used in any report on this data.

Questions about the survey can be directed to Dr. Brittany Adams (bmadams8@ua.edu).

Start Your Journey Today At UWA!

Choose from more than 70 degree and certification programs at the University of West Alabama Online.

Learn how an online program can give you the convenience and flexibility you need. Scholarships available at: https://online.uwa.edu/tuition/scholarships-partnerships/teacher-connect/

https://online.uwa.edu/

Dr. Holly Morgan, Director

Mrs. Tami Barron, Accounting Specialist

Mrs. Tenika Milsap, UWA Coordinator

Email: hgmorgan@ua.edu
Website: www.inservice.ua.edu
Location: 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
Phone: 205-348-3319
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uauwaric/
Twitter: @UofARIC