Professional Learning Essentials

Many of the links in this newsletter take you to the Professional Learning Website.

You must be logged into your Google Apps for Education Account in order to access that site.

Click here for a quick tutorial on how to access your GAFE account.

Please note, it is possible that when clicking a link the site may try to open in a different browser. You can "right click" the link and copy the URL into a preferred browser.

Did you complete your Masters or Doctoral degree last semester?

CONGRATULATIONS!

Completion of a degree allows you to request mid-year movement on the salary schedule.

1. Enter the courses for your degree into Frontline. Click here for instructions.
2. Have your official transcripts indicating the awarding of the degree to etranscripts@olatheschools.org Submit ASAP to allow time for processing to complete the next step!
3. Submit for salary movement in Frontline. Click here for instructions.

DUE DATE FOR A MID-YEAR SALARY MOVEMENT REQUEST IS

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

Movement on the salary schedule is part of professional negotiations each year, but it is never too early to begin planning.

You may be considering enrolling in courses to earn college credit- OR- You may be looking to write an Action Plan to earn professional development points (or CEUs if eligible).

Click here to access the Professional Learning Website page- "How to Move on the Salary Schedule"

Have more questions? Contact:

Jenna Kuder at jkuderirc@olatheschools.org

Jenny Koonce at jlkoonce@olatheschools.org

Our next Building Focused Professional Learning session is scheduled for the morning of Friday, February 7. The afternoon is dedicated to Educator Preparation.

You can click the button below to access the Professional Learning Calendar via the OZone.

Summer Conference is undergoing a REVITALIZATION and our planning committee is hard at work determining our topics and developing the schedule.

Click here to access the Summer Conference Website to learn more about:

• The NEW structure (2 in-person days and 1 virtual, self-paced day)
• Dates and times of the in-person days
• The benefits of why you should attend Summer Conference!
• The session strands
• JUST ANNOUNCED- FOUR OF OUR NATIONAL PRESENTERS!
• Myron Dueck, Sarah Johnson, Jenni Donohoo, Jonathan Alsheimer
• Options for earning college credit or professional development points
• Other features we are exploring!

• Educators in the field provide great learning for their peers
• Sessions will be workshop format with time for learning and application- 90 minutes in length
• Need support? Want to earn professional development points for developing a session?
• Contact Jenna Kuder at jkuderirc@olatheschools.org with questions
• Click here to access the Call for Proposals

Details will be added to the Summer Conference page of the Professional Learning Website

as they become available and

shared in future editions of the Professional Learning Essentials Newsletter.

ADDITIONAL SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

• We are exploring options for a...
• Build Your Own Summer Learning Schedule
• Select from in-person, virtual, and self-paced sessions available June 7- June 30
• College Credit or Professional Development Points Available
• Select from in-person, virtual, and self-paced sessions available July 1- July 31
• Professional Development Points Available
• Session options may include:
• Mini-Conferences
• Learning Cafes (Coffee & Collaboration or Lunch & Learn)
• Educator Meet Ups
• Self-Paced Learning Modules
• Virtual Planning Sessions
• Complete the survey at the following link to let us know what kinds of sessions you might be interested in joining https://forms.office.com/r/jwfasa8G9f

Participants in this course will examine individual cultural identity and its impact on professional practice. They will develop their capacity to recognize, navigate, and bridge individuals and groups intercultural competency to ensure all feel valued and included. Defining key components and strategies for cultivating a culture of belonging in the school environment is also a focus of the course. Culturally responsive pedagogical strategies will be explored as participants design an implementation plan for their roles in our district.

Participants may elect to earn 4 college credit (for $360.00) or professional development points (through the Action Plan Process).

Please note the session dates and times:

• January 28/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• February 4/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• March 4/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• March 11/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center

This 8-session course is designed for classroom teachers who wish to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Participants will develop an understanding of AI's history, its various forms (with a focus on generative AI), its benefits and challenges, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for leveraging AI in teaching and learning while mitigating potential misuse.

This SELF-PACED course consists of eight interactive sessions that include theoretical input, practical exercises, and collaborative learning. Please note, you also have the option of engaging in the modules individually if you do not wan to take a whole course.

Click here to learn more information about the course, individual modules, and how to enroll.

Want to Attend an Out of District Professional Learning Activity?

• If you are requesting professional leave:
• Use the CERT: Out of District Professional Activity Request form in Frontline
• Please allow at least 4 weeks to complete the request

Are you Presenting at an Out of District Professional Learning Activity?

• Please note policy GBRGA of the Negotiated Agreement regarding professional leave and compensation.

Though designed for educators who are new to Olathe, anyone is welcome to attend.

Educators will earn professional development points for participating. Options for earning college credit through our on-site masters program are also available. Please reach out to Dr. Ann Addison for more information.

Elementary sessions are from 4:30-5:30pm and Secondary sessions are from 4:00-5:00pm on the following dates:

• February 25
• March 25
• April 29

Our Digital Workplace and Advancement Team is offering a variety of sessions to support using technology in your classrooms. All of the events will be offered at the IRC on the dates listed beginning at 4:30pm.

Please be sure to log into Frontline Professional Growth and sign up for sessions through the District Catalog.

• January 28- The Power of Animation: Designing with PowerPoint 3D Models Workshop
• March 4- From Passive to Active: Creating Interactive Video Experiences with Nearpod Workshop
• March 11- Adobe Express: Dive into Basics
• April 1- Lights, Camera, Learn: Video Editing with ClipChamp
• April 15- Adobe Express Show & Tell Workshop

You can find session descriptions in Frontline and on the Professional Learning Website!

The Action Plan process allows you to design your own professional learning path with a side benefit of earning points for movement on the salary schedule.

Want to learn more?

Email the Action Plan Coach for your feeder pattern:

OE Feeder Pattern: Natasha Roseberry

ON Feeder Pattern: Dawn Mercer

ONW Feeder Pattern: Phyllis Clark

OS Feeder Pattern: Patty Mulligan

OW Feeder Pattern: Tiffany Cross

You can also check out the Action Plan page on the Professional Learning Website at this link: https://sites.google.com/students.olatheschools.com/olathe-professional-learning/action-plan-process

Be sure to bookmark the link to the Professional Learning Website

You will need to log into your Google Apps for Education Account to access the website. Use your district username and password to access. Click here to learn how to access your account.

Jenna Kuder- jkuderirc@olatheschools.org

5006-8180