Professional Learning Essentials

"Unlocking Opportunities for All."

We are excited to partner with Jimmy Casas & Associates and FIRST Educational Resources to bring a Culturize Institute to Summer Conference! We have some amazing keynote speakers coming and our breakout sessions will be filled with learning for all!

We also have a special opportunity to work with the Kansas Association for Middle Level Educators (KAMLE) to bring a strand of sessions focused for middle school on Friday, May 31st.

Click here to access the Olathe Summer Conference Website!

On the website, you can find keynote and session descriptions (as they become available), schedules, and information about earning college credit!

Registration for Olathe Employees is FREE!

• Click here to access the registration form for District Employees.

Registration for Olathe Substitutes is based on the number of days worked in Olathe.

• Click here to access the registration instructions for Olathe Substitutes.

Educators are eager to learn from the wisdom of their colleagues. Please consider presenting or co-presenting a session! Session proposals are due on Friday, March 29

• Click here to submit a Session Proposal form if you are interested in being a presenter

Please continue to use Frontline to enter College Credits, Action Plans, Professional Development Points, and CEUs (if eligible) or to make requests for Salary Schedule Movement. We have not moved any of these processes to Oracle and will not do that until our next professional learning year. We will provide training on these processes prior to any changes being made.

BIG3 Learning Sessions

• Professional Learning Opportunities are available in-person on select afternoons starting at 4:15pm. Self-Paced sessions are also available.
• Check out these new Instructional Technology Session Options:
• Engaging Students with Nearpod Interactives (Part 2)- April 16, 2024
• Adobe Express and Generative AI (Adobe Part 2)- April 23, 2024
• Find out more and access sign up directions on the BIG3 Learning Sessions page of the Professional Learning Website. Click here to access the BIG3 Learning Sessions page.

Earn Professional Development Points

• You have received information about Diversity Without Division from Kathleen Smith our Director of Culture and Belonging.
• If you are interested in earning professional development points for engaging in the modules, click here for the Diversity Without Division Action Plan. It will provide you with instructions and examples of how to earn points through the Action Plan Process.

Seeking Summer Tech Training Feedback!

The Department of Technology Advancement and Training is mapping their summer professional learning and they need your feedback! Complete the Summer Tech Training Feedback form to let the department know what you would like to learn OR if you'd like to express interest in delivering a training session.

Check out the Professional Learning Website for all things professional learning!

• Click here to access the Professional Learning Website.- You will need to log into your Google Apps for Education Account. Be sure to bookmark the link for easy access to information!

The site will be updated frequently to bring you the latest and greatest information about professional learning opportunities, important due dates, Frontline instructions, and more!

Attending out-of-district activities requires prior approval in the following circumstances:

• The activity occurs during your contract day and requires a substitute or you are requesting professional leave to attend.
• You are requesting that the district provide funding for registration, travel, or other expenses.

If you are requesting professional leave or funding, you will need to contact your department director, coordinator, or facilitator or your building administrator to discuss the opportunity. Use the CERT: Out of Dist Prof Act form in Frontline to submit your request. Please submit your request at least 4 weeks prior to the activity. Points earned for an approved activity for which the district provides funding or professional leave will be purposed for relicensure only.

Want to learn more about opportunities available for your department? Check out the Professional Learning Website! You will find a section about out of district opportunities.

If you are not requesting professional leave or funding for attending an out-of-district activity but you want to earn professional development points for relicensure and salary movement, please check out the Action Plan Process on the Professional Learning Website.

Jenna Kuder- jkuderirc@olatheschools.org

5006-8180