

PL Update Administrator Edition
January 2025
Email us your questions.
Do you ever feel like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland?
“Punctuality is the art of showing respect, to yourself and to others. Be on time, and let your presence illuminate the path to excellence.”
#1: Easy Access to Our PL Monthly Updates
You are just a few clicks away from easy access to PL Monthly Updates – present and past. Rather than dig through old emails, consider adding the current PL Monthly Update to your favorites by bookmarking it. To do so, click on the star icon to the right of the above web address. To access past PL Monthly Updates, scroll down to the bottom of this page and click the PL MONTHLY UPDATES button.
#2: CF-TESS Mid-Year Goal Reflection
It's hard to believe January is here! As we all pause to reflect on the learning and growth that has occurred since the beginning of the school year, teachers are asked to complete Phase 2: Monitor and Adjust Goals within CFPGS. Engaging in reflection helps set the tone for the semester and provides positive reinforcement for all that was accomplished. Scroll down to review the process.
#3: CFPGS Update: Course Creation Resumes
We are excited to announce the pause on course creation in the Cy-Fair Professional Growth System (CFPGS) has been lifted! You may now resume creating and approving courses in the system. Before doing so, please carefully review the Key Updates noted below.
#4: Opportunity to Join TLI Trainer Cadre
We are currently accepting applications for our Teacher Leader Institute (TLI)Trainer Cadre. We are looking for outstanding teacher candidates who:
- Utilize excellent communication skills
- Foster good relationships with students, teachers, and administrators
- Show expertise in leading teams of teachers
- Exhibit dynamic presentation skills
- Demonstrate highly effective instructional and leadership practices
- Graduate of Teacher Leader Institute (preferred)
Do you have a teacher who might bring value to the TLI Trainer Cadre? If so, scroll down the page for additional information and details about this opportunity.
#5: Credit Reconciliation Process
The Office of Professional Learning is in the process of reconciling CTE and DTE credits for teachers who did not earn the required professional development hours for the 2024-25 school year and who have not yet reconciled these credits. More details are provided below.
As always, we welcome your continued feedback. If you have ideas we might consider for further refinement of PL Updates, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Take care,
Glenda, Torine, Tonya, Belinda, and Pat
CF-TESS: Mid-Year Goal Reflection
PHASE 2: MONITOR & ADJUST GOALS - DECEMBER/JANUARY
CF-TESS provides an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their goals. As an appraiser, you will want to provide support to the teachers you appraise as they engage in this reflective process.
Before the end of January, each teacher has the opportunity to do the following:
- Revisit their personal professional goal (PPG) and goal for student growth (GSG) that was set at the beginning of the school year for reflection and assessment of progress made toward the goal;
- Monitor and adjust the goal for student growth
To document the Mid-Year Goal Reflection process in CFPGS, the teacher will complete the Monitor and Adjust Goals activity located in the Phase 2: Monitor and Adjust Goals container.
PRO-TIP
A help guide for teachers for completing the Monitor and Adjust Goals activity is posted behind the Resources tab in CFPGS under My Appraisal Resources.
Appraisal Process for New Hires
While the appraisal timeline may be compressed, all recently hired teachers are required to have a full CF-TESS appraisal. Implementing the full appraisal process during the first partial year provides the appraiser opportunity to become well acquainted with the teacher, the teacher’s pedagogical practices, and the performance of the teacher’s students.
The CF-TESS New Teacher Induction Plan is targeted at all newly hired teachers. We typically target plans once each week; however, if we inadvertently miss someone, please let us know. In turn, Site Administrators (principal or director of instruction) will attach appraiser rights in Staff Management for all recently hired teachers.
PRO-TIP
A help guide for attaching and removing appraiser rights is posted on your CFPGS Homepage under Resources for Site Administrators.
Needed Appraisal Plan Changes
Principals & DIs
Evaluation Pilot for Select Paraprofessional Groups
Principals & DIs
The district pilot for the 2024-25 school year will include:
- Admin Asst I, Attendance
- Admin Asst I, SPED
- Admin Asst II, Finance MS
- Admin Asst III, Finance HS
- Admin Asst I, HS Counselor
- Registrar, HS
Domain 1 of the evaluation instrument reflects the differentiated areas of responsibility for each role, as defined by the district's HR team.
Evaluation Plan Rollout
Evaluation plans are currently available for the pilot group participants in CFPGS.
Next Steps
If the following steps have not been completed, please assist your campus pilot group participants in completing each of the following:
- Annual Review: Complete the Verification of the Annual Review in CFPGS
- Phase 1: Complete the Establish and Implement Personal Professional Goal activity in CFPGS
- Phase 2: Complete the Monitor and Adjust Goal activity in CFPGS
PRO-TIP
Help guides for completing each phase are posted on your CFPGS Homepage under My Appraisal Resources.
CFPGS Update: Course Creation Resumes!
COURSE BUILDERS AND OFFICE ADMIN
We are excited to announce the pause on course creation in the Cy-Fair Professional Growth System (CFPGS) has been lifted! You may now resume creating and approving courses in the system. Before doing so, please carefully review the following Key Updates:
Role Name Changes
- Course Proposers are now called Course Builders.
- Final Approvers are now called Office Admin.
- Detailed user directions are available on your Home Page in CFPGS under Professional Learning Resources.
- It is essential to thoroughly review the help guide, as there are nuanced changes in the updated system that may affect course creation and approval processes.
- For Office Admin: Directions for Approving Courses and Sections are now posted directly on your Home Page under Professional Learning Resources in CFPGS for easy access.
- The most commonly missed step in course creation is setting the Section Start and End Dates and/or times. This step is critical to ensure professional development sessions are correctly recorded on transcripts within the appropriate PD Calendar Year.
- For step-by-step guidance, see page 6 of the Build a Course, Add a Section, and Copy a Section help guide attached to this email and posted on CFPGS.
If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your patience during the migration; we look forward to supporting your success with the enhanced CFPGS interface!
Learning Leader Institute Spring Mini-Conference
MARCH 31
We are excited to wrap up the 2024-25 Learning Leader Institute (LLI) with our planned Spring Mini-Conference set for Monday, March 31! You will leave refocused, recharged, and inspired with new ideas and frameworks that you can practice the day you return to your campus or office.
Action Item: Select Session & Register by March 24th
- Select ONE session to participate in for the upcoming mini-conference and register for the corresponding session in CFPGS.
- As principal, director, or coordinator, you may choose to involve varied team members. Please share this information with up to 2 additional team members and ask that they self-register as well. Details are provided below.
NOTE: Spots are limited, so sign up today. Remember to select ONE session. Registration closes on March 24. To view session descriptions and session numbers, click here.
Expanding TLI Trainer Cadre
Accepting Applications thru January 31st
We are in the process of expanding our Teacher Leader Institute (TLI) trainer cadre to better meet district and campus needs. We will select additional trainers over the next few months to join the current TLI cadre. In this expansion, we aim to identify exceptional teacher leaders who meet the selection criteria and have the capacity to successfully balance their current responsibilities with the additional role of a TLI Trainer.
The Application Process
Complete the Training Cadre Agreement Form HERE and Application HERE.
Ask selected references to submit a Reference Form HERE. You will need to solicit a reference from a peer teacher, teacher leader (i.e., IS, CCIS, CIC), and me as your principal. You’ll find a letter that you can provide each reference HERE.
The Selection Process will include a review by the selection committee of each application and reference. Finalists for the trainer cadre will be scheduled for an interview with the committee and will be asked to design and deliver a 5-7 minute presentation.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a “Come & Go Informational Meeting” via Zoom. The Zoom details are noted below:
Date: Monday, January 27
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM (Come and go as it fits your schedule.)
Quantum Learning Virtual Sessions are Here!
"Too often, we’re so focused on sawing that we forget to sharpen the saw." — Stephen Covey
We’re thrilled to introduce Brain Bits Virtual Sessions—a new professional development opportunity from Quantum Learning to help you sharpen your skills!
What is Quantum Learning?
A research-based approach that integrates proven educational practices into a cohesive system. Participants learn strategies to create optimal K–12 learning environments, effectively facilitate learning, and implement best practices.
What are Brain Bits Virtual Sessions?
These bite-sized, virtual PD courses deliver relevant content in manageable chunks for both newcomers to Quantum Learning and those seeking to deepen their expertise.
Audience:
Educators new to Quantum Learning or anyone wanting more QL content.
Scroll down for session descriptions and session numbers!
Brain Bit #1: Calming the Amygdala
DATE: February 8 (9 - 11 AM)
SECTION: 60594
DESCRIPTION: The emotional control center in the brain, also known as the amygdala, can hijack the prefrontal cortex of our students’ brains, negatively impacting their learning. In this two-hour session, we will share research-driven, brain-based strategies that will calm the amygdala to facilitate higher-order thinking and start the process of encoding our content into long-term memory.
Brain Bit #2: Capture and Hold Working Memory
DATE: February 22 (9 - 11 AM)
SECTION: 60595
DESCRIPTION: Do you find yourself telling your students over and over to “Pay attention!”? Guess what? They ARE paying attention ALL THE TIME…to the most exciting thing in the room at any given moment. Is it you? Your lessons? Your activities? If not, have no fear! In this 2-hour session, we will share research-driven, brain-based strategies that will capture and hold the working memory of our students, so that their attention is focused on our content.
*Be ready with a lesson that could use an “upgrade”.
Brain Bit #3: Feed the Hippo
DATE: February 22 (1 - 3 PM)
SECTION: 60596
DESCRIPTION: How often do you ask students to recall something that you taught a day or two earlier, only to hear them say, “I have no idea what you are talking about!”? The part of the brain called the hippocampus plays a critical role in short- and long-term memory retention. In this 2-hour session, we will share research-driven, brain-based strategies that will help our students’ brains keep our content and remember it longer. In Quantum Learning, we call these strategies “feeding the hippo”.
*Be ready with a lesson that could use an “upgrade.”
Brain Bit #4: Creating Classroom Culture Through Traditions
DATE: April 12 (9 - 11 AM)
SECTION: 60597
DESCRIPTION: Let’s explore how to create a more positive and engaging classroom atmosphere by creating a “home court advantage” and incorporating meaningful traditions. Traditions foster a sense of community, promote student participation, and help students feel valued and connected. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to introduce or refresh traditions in their own classrooms, ultimately strengthening the culture and deepening student relationships.
Brain Bit #5: Cultivating Student Ownership
DATE: April 26 (9 - 11 AM)
SECTION: 60598
DESCRIPTION: Have you ever had students respond to a situation with “It’s not my fault,” “I didn’t do that,” or some other statement that shows they may lack ownership of their actions? In this session, we’ll focus on a meaningful tool called “The Line” that can help students take responsibility for their choices and, therefore, inspire accountability. We’ll explore ways to teach “The Line” to students by establishing clear expectations and how to keep it an integral part of our classroom culture. Doing this will equip students with essential life skills for the future and create an atmosphere of increased trust and empowerment.
Brain Bit #6: Get Students’ Attention and Keep It!
DATE: April 26 (1 - 3 PM)
SECTION: 60599
DESCRIPTION: Are you interested in strategies that reduce behavior problems in the classroom, while also enhancing cognition? Then this is the session for you! Join us to experience effective strategies for capturing and maintaining student attention. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of practical approaches for not only getting students’ attention but keeping them focused, and actively participating. Whether you teach young learners or high school students, this session will provide you with ways to instantly transform classroom engagement – both behavioral and cognitive.
Registration Open for Building Courses in Professional Learning
Mid-Year Hires Compliance Course Completion
AVAILABLE 24/7 VIA MY LEARNING
If you are a recent hire, welcome to Cy-Fair! We will work with you to ensure you are supported in the various onboarding activities.
To educate employees on the various health, safety, social, and ethical issues that might arise on the job, the district requires that all employees complete a series of compliance-related courses. As compared to previous school years, the structure, format, and types of courses offered for the current school year may differ from previous years. Changes are based on district requirements, current legislation, and state and federal law.
Based on audience, employees complete the following compliance-related courses.
Employees launch each course through My Learning in the Cypress-Fairbanks Professional Growth System (CFPGS). The courses are available 24/7 via the Internet. Employees are pre-registered (with some exceptions) for required courses. Courses should be completed within the first six weeks of employment.
Our office will enroll recently hired individuals in compliance-related courses weekly; however, you may self-enroll if you are not registered.
PRO-TIP
A help guide and a video tutorial for accessing and completing compliance-related courses are posted on your CFPGS Homepage under Resources for My Learning.
📝NOTE: Beginning on page 3 of this document, you’ll find directions for completing courses with the TEST-OUT option. Additionally, you'll find a short video tutorial that walks you through completion.
Resolving Credit Discrepancies
Spring 2025
Principals and DIs,
In an effort to ensure all professional development credits earned toward CTE/DTE are accurately reflected on teacher transcripts, the Office of Professional Learning is in the process of reconciling CTE/DTE credits for teachers who did not earn the required credits and who have not yet reconciled these credits.
Action Items
In order to ensure an efficient process for CTE/DTE reconciliation, we ask that elementary principals and secondary directors of instruction please assist with the following:
- Check your Credit Conversion Requests in CFPGS frequently in case there are teachers who have submitted requests to convert eligible OFF-CONTRACT hours to CTE credit.
- Pull your campus 24-25 PD Calendar Year: Total Credits report available in CFPGS.
- Determine which teachers have missing DTE and CTE credit.
- Seek resolution to credit discrepancies. For DTE discrepancies, reach out to the appropriate curriculum coordinator for assistance.
- Offer assistance to any campus teacher in submitting an absence to your campus designee should a teacher need to report an absence for one or more CTE/DTE days.
Looking Ahead
Prior to Spring Break, the principal/DI will receive an email with an electronic list of teachers who did not fulfill their CTE or DTE requirements and who have not yet reconciled the credits. Additionally, the individual teachers indicated on the list will receive electronic notification directly from ProfessionalLearning@cfisd.net regarding their current CTE/DTE credit status and the options available for reconciling any discrepancies.
Available options for teachers to resolve discrepancies include the following:
- Submit an absence through the building designee
- Convert eligible OFF-CONTRACT hours (This applies to CTE only.)
- Be docked a daily rate of pay
***Teachers MAY NOT use a personal day for a staff development day.***
PRO TIP for Principals and DIs
Pull your campus 2024-25 PD Calendar Year: Total Credits report in CFPGS. This report provides an at-a-glance view of where your teachers stand regarding CTE and DTE. To navigate to the report, log into CFPGS and click on the Reporting tab. Under My Reports, click on the Run Report button located to the left of the report.
Supporting New Teachers
Four key principles govern a comprehensive induction program: orientation, ongoing support provided through the district's New Teacher Institute, mentoring, and networking. The goal of mentoring and induction programs is the retention and growth of new teachers so that every student succeeds.
Supporting New Teachers in January
Lead Mentors at every campus are equipped with proven strategies for mentoring novice teachers as well as preparing campus mentors to meet the needs of novice teachers during the Phases of First Year Teaching. Each new teacher is paired with a mentor and meets on a regular basis while developing relationships that involve trust, open communication, and collaboration.
Mentoring is a partnership created to help support new teachers by providing an experienced teacher to discuss topics confidentially and provide guidance. Below are a few suggested items mentors can do/share to support mentees on their campuses during January:
- Establish times for mentor/mentee meetings for the second semester
- Discuss common assessment practices, including testing procedures and testing ethics
- Reflect on the highs and lows of the first semester
- Discuss any changes the mentee might light to make concerning routines and procedures
- Verify that your mentee has all necessary resources and materials for the second half of the school year
- Discuss strategies for working with struggling learners and make a plan for ensuring the success of all students
- Discuss strategies and ideas for strengthening home/school connections (i.e., postcards home, email, newsletters, etc.); remind your mentee that these strategies can be used to acknowledge something a student is doing right or well, not always to correct behavioral concerns
- Discuss the appraisal process (mid-year goal reflection)
Checkout Our New Teacher Induction Webpage
You are just a click away from additional resources to support Lead Mentors, Mentors, and New Teachers. Simply click HERE.
Feel free to reach out to tonya.dixon@cfisd.net with questions or concerns
PLLs Supporting Professional Development
At every campus, Professional Learning Liaisons are specifically chosen to serve in the role based on their knowledge and willingness to help others grow. As the school year begins, PLLs help monitor staff’s progress in completing the beginning of the year Compliance Courses.
In addition, PLLs assist staff with accessing professional development transcripts and records and share information about professional development opportunities.
Upcoming Professional Learning Liaison Share Session
The next Professional Learning Liaison Share Session will be held on January 9th from 5:00-6:00 via zoom. Please remind PLLs to register for session #56526. During the session, they will receive timely information about professional learning opportunities. This year, we are reading “Adventures in Teacher Leadership: Pathways, Strategies, and Inspiration for Every Teacher.” Organized around five key tools—communication, collaboration, professional development, data, and advocacy—this text covers every aspect of what is involved in taking on leadership responsibilities.
Feel free to reach out to torine.champion@cfisd.net with questions or concerns.
Opportunities to Grow Yourself and Others
Because we know that you continuously seek opportunities to grow others and yourself, we encourage you to explore and share two available resources that are just a couple of clicks away. Scroll down to learn more.
- Leadership Development Resources – visit here to find information regarding the district’s Leadership Institute Series
- Graduate Resources – this one-stop-shop provides various graduate programs for those seeking principal certification and/or a M.Ed., Ed.D., or Ph.D.
Department Responsibilities
The professional learning department is committed to providing support, building capacity, and cultivating talent by partnering with departments across the district to provide research-based professional development that can translate into improved student achievement and overall school effectiveness.
The team offers educators a continuum of support services through multiple professional learning opportunities. From new teacher induction and mentoring to the teacher appraisal process, leadership development, and Quantum Learning, the Professional Learning staff strives to provide high-quality, job-embedded professional learning for all stages of professional growth. The essential functions of the department are as follows:
- Cypress-Fairbanks Professional Growth System (CFPGS)
- New Teacher Induction and Mentoring
- Teacher Appraisal Process
- Graduate Cohorts and Resources
- Districtwide Professional Development
Department Staff Directory
Director for Professional Learning
Torine Champion, Ed. D.
Coordinator for Professional Learning
Professional Learning Specialist
Belinda Sepulveda
Administrative Assistant to Director for Professional Learning
Pat Bice
Administrative Assistant for Professional Learning