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.

We have a number of professional learning opportunities offered beginning this fall. Check out the following information about the upcoming courses and the EPIC Learning Series we will have available to support your professional learning.

This intensive 8-session course is designed to equip K-12 teachers with the practical skills and knowledge to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms through blended learning. Participants will explore various blended learning models, develop strategies for creating engaging learning experiences, and learn how to manage and assess student learning in a 1:1 device environment.

Participants may elect to earn 1 college credit (for $90.00) or professional development points (through the Action Plan Process).

Please note the session dates/times/locations:

• October 10/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• October 24/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• November 7/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Virtual
• November 21/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Virtual
• December 5/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• December 12/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Virtual
• January 9/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Virtual
• January 23/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center

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/times/locations:

Cohort 5

• October 1/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• October 22/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• October 29/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• November 5/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center

• 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

Educators will engage in a course focused on Adult Learning Theory and effective practices for designing dynamic professional learning experiences. This learning will be put into practice as participants design and deliver a professional learning session for a District or Building Focused Professional Learning session or Summer Conference 2025. BLT Members may wish to attend to support their development of building professional learning.

Participants may elect to earn 1 college credit (for $90.00) or professional development points.

Please note the session dates/times/locations

• October 28/ 4:30-6:00pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• November 18/ 4:30-6:00pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• December 2/ 4:30-6:00pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• January 24/ 4:30-6:00pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• February 24/ 4:30-6:00pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• March 10/ 4:30-6:00pm/ Instructional Resource Center

This course will explore behaviors of self while expanding to provide a foundation promoting appropriate student behavior through a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) lens. Participants will engage in research and guided implementation practice of evidence-based behavior support strategies that can be applied immediately to support personal and student needs.

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

Please note the session dates/times/locations

• January 16/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• January 30/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• February 6/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center
• February 20/ 4:30-6:30pm/ Instructional Resource Center

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:

• October 8
• November 12
• December 10
• January 21
• February 25
• March 25
• April 29

Friday, October 11 is designated as Building Focused Professional Learning for the following times:

Elementary: 8:15-11:45am

Middle School: 7:40-11:10am

High School: 7:15-10:45am

Harmony and Heartland: 8:00-11:30am (per approved variance)

The afternoon of October 11 is designated as Educator Preparation.

Requests for movement on the salary schedule are due by October 15, 2024.

Click here to access instructions on how to make a request.

If you have questions about movement on the Salary Schedule, please email Jenny Koonce in Human Resources.

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?

Informational sessions are being offered via zoom on the following dates and times:

• Monday, September 30 from 3:30-4:30pm
• Monday, September 30 from 4:30-5:30pm
• Thursday, October 3 from 3:30-4:30pm
• Thursday, October 3 from 4:30-5:30pm

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.

We also have some individual professional learning sessions available. Find out more on the Professional Learning Website.

Jenna Kuder- jkuderirc@olatheschools.org

5006-8180