Happy New Year! I hope this newsletter finds you well after the holiday season. We wish you continued success in the spring semester and want to remind you that we are happy to support you through our regional opportunities. There are many opportunities this semester, and we hope that these sessions meet your classroom, school, and district needs.

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 an amazing start to the spring semester!

Dr. Holly Morgan

Director, UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center

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.

Alabama Technology in Motion and Firia Labs are partnering to offer an exciting Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) professional learning group for the spring semester. It will consist of three face-to-face training sessions and three after school virtual sessions focusing on the DLCS strand of computational thinking with the Firia Labs CodeX. For those teachers who need TEAMS PD, this professional learning group is state-approved through the partnership with AMSTI Affiliate Firia Labs. However, this PLG is also open to any teacher who wants to learn strategies for implementing DLCS computational thinking standards in the math, science, and computer science classroom including those who are not in the TEAMS program.

The registration for this PLG closes on January 5, 2024, so please don’t hesitate to sign up for this innovative learning opportunity! See the flyer, and visit uatim.org/teams24info for registration information.

If you are a secondary coach in Region Four and have not registered for the December and January sessions, please register via the links below. You will need to register for each of the sessions separately in order to reserve your space. More information will be sent to you after registering for the sessions.

January 11, 2024

Feel free to contact Dr. Holly Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu with any questions.

Join us virtually on January 11 from 5:00-7:30 pm as we take a deep dive into the requirements of Component 1. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471518.

A zoom link will be included in the PowerSchool information, and you will also receive a reminder email approximately two days prior to the session.

A+ College Ready: In partnership with the ALSDE, A+ College Ready is offering Alabama secondary teachers the opportunity to attend our Connections workshops. Each day-long workshop will feature engaging, student-centered lessons directly aligned to the Alabama Courses of Study with connections to discipline-specific skills, high-leverage pedagogical practices, and more. Teachers who attend will receive a scholarship to attend the A+ College Ready E3 Training in Summer 2024 for FREE. Register and learn more here.

January 23: 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.

January 23

3:30-4:30 pm

Virtual Session via Zoom

A Zoom link will be added to the notes section of the PowerSchool listing and will be shared with you via e-mail approximately two days prior to the session.

Register via PowerSchool section #491251

Join us virtually on January 25 from 5:00-7:30 pm as we take a review of Components 1-4 and discuss the use of ATLAS. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471519.

A zoom link will be included in the PowerSchool information, and you will also receive a reminder email approximately two days prior to the session.

January 30 and February 6: UA-UWA RIC Mental Health Literacy

Join Dr. Nisha Warbington, UWA faculty, for a two-part virtual session on strategies for supporting students' mental health needs. Topics covered will include anxiety, depression, trauma, and other childhood concerns..

January 30 and February 6, 2024

4:00-5:30 pm

Virtual Two-Part Session via Zoom

Register via PowerSchool section #488484

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). Read more about the training in the attached flyer!

Register via PowerSchool Section #491254 or via the following

Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/491254

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

Join ARI specialists, Kelli Lovinggood and Robin Lee, on February 6 or 13 from 8:30-11:30 am for this face-to-face session that will provide you with multisensory strategies to enhance student learning.

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #491760

8:30-11:30 am

February 6

UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #492161

8:30-11:30 am

February 13

UWA Norris Danner Room/Young Hall Cafeteria

This Professional Learning Unit (PLU) emphasizes the importance of effective feedback to enhance instruction and is provided in collaboration with the Alabama State Department of Education and Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

With the exception of the initial meeting, all course work is completed online with modules becoming available sequentially.

Prerequisites

• Have attended a Alabama Teacher Observation Tool training prior to enrolling in this PLU.

• Hold Alabama Instructional Leader Certifications

• Currently be serving as Principal, Assistant Principal, or Instructional Coach

Start Date:

February 6th

Zoom Orientation (Required)

Morning & Afternoon Sessions available. (approx. 3-hr)

Online Learning Module 1

Feb 6 - Feb 18

Pre-Training ATOT Implementation Assignment

Online Learning Module 2

Feb 18 - Mar 3

Rating Teacher Instructional Practice with Accuracy and Consistency

Online Learning Module 3

Mar 3 - Mar 17

Connecting the Alabama Core Teaching Standards with Effective Teacher Feedback

Online Learning Module 4

Mar 17 - Mar 31

Classroom Observation and Evidence Collection

Online Learning Module 5

Mar 31 - Apr 7

Providing Effective Feedback for Improving Classroom Instruction

Online Learning Module 6

Apr 7 - Apr 30

Post-Training ATOT Implementation Assignment and Reflection

End Date:

April 30th

All work must be submitted.

Registration in PowerSchool Professional Learning

Course Title: PLUACLD1072 CLAS & ALSDE: Providing Effective Feedback for Improving Classroom Instruction (2024)

Course Number: 313948

Session Number: 492297

Registration Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/492297

PLUACLD1185: Beyond Human, Minds and Machines: Exploring Artificial Intelligence

By popular demand, Alabama Technology in Motion will be offering a second cohort for the new ACLD PLU on the topic of artificial intelligence. The PLU will be hosted in two full days in February 2024 (Thursday, February 8 & Wednesday, February 28) Topics include the AI Disruption in Schools, The Future of AI in Education, and Effective AI Integration. Register via PSPL: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/491658

Calling all school counselors in West Alabama! Space is almost full! Register today!

Join us on February 9, 2024 at the Bryant Conference Center for the 2024 West Alabama Regional School Counselors' Conference! This conference is open to all K-12 school counselors in the UA-UWA region.

Register via PowerSchool Section #488550 or via the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/488550

Join ARI specialists, Kay Haas and Jennifer Manning, for the ARI Dyslexia Awareness Overview! Two sessions will be offered for the UA/UWA region; both will be held face-to-face from 8:30-11:30 am. Register for either February 9 or 29 using the PowerSchool PL section numbers below:

February 9: Section #491755

February 29: Sectio #491757

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 #471522.

• February 22, 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.

The 2024 Alabama National Association for Multicultural Education (AL NAME) Conference will be held March 8, 2024 at the University of Montevallo.

Proposals are invited from counselors, educators, social workers, practitioners, students, social justice advocates, and others in social-serving institutions to participate in the conference. Please note that proposals are due on January 26.

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.

• Registration is now open for all Spring 2024 Science Foundational Training (SFT) sessions.

  Please note the information below:

  AMSTI is committed to providing educators and their students with resources, professional learning opportunities (PLOs), and ongoing classroom support aligned with Alabama’s standards. AMSTI will begin offering updated K-12 Science Content PLOs in June 2024. Participation in these updated PLOs is required to receive AMSTI and ASIM materials/kits starting in August 2024.
  AMSTI's updated Science Foundational Training (SFT 2024) is a prerequisite for participation in updated K-12 Science Content PLOs. SFT 2024 will be available to K-12 teachers starting in January 2024. K-12 science teachers who completed AMSTI's current SFT from September 2021 to December 2023 will not be required to complete SFT 2024. Training dates and registration will be posted to the AMSTI UA website. https://amsti-ua.wixsite.com/amsti-ua

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

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 as you return to school! We are here for you!

Join our session series listed in the flyer below; all are TEAMS-approved PD sessions!

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:

• October 27
• November 17
• December 8
• January 26
• February 16
• March 15
• April 19
• May 10

Each date focuses on different topics for Summer Learning Planning.

Monthly Smore Newsletter

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-February 7:

Join us for our next Everyone Counts!/Strong Readers, Strong Leaders quarterly session on Wednesday, February 7 from 8:30-3:30 (ARI-8:30-11:30; OMI/MTSS-12:30-3:30) at the New Heights Community Resource Center. Register for the upcoming Everyone Counts! session in PowerSchool using this section number: 483768.

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

The Office of Mathematics Improvement is proud to announce our Math Madness: Choose your starting 5! event! This event challenges students to select and complete five math activities from a list of eight. One winner from grades K - 5 will be randomly selected to attend the Alabama vs. Auburn basketball game on February 7th in Auburn. Names will be submitted electronically.

When: January 15th - 19th (activities completed)

How: Entries by Jan. 22 by midnight.

What: 1 pair of Bama vs. Auburn basketball tickets

Who: Winner announced at winner's school on agreed-upon date between January 26th - February 2nd.

Contest information will be shared digitally by your OMI Regional Coordinator on January5th.

For more information, contact Amy Tilford at amy.tilford@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.

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

EL Quarterly Newsletter: https://sway.office.com/XzqKvaJ2CF1h76Fk?ref=Link&loc=play

Alabama ELLevation Education Link- https://ellevationeducation.com/district/alabama

Virtual ELLevation Training Links-

ELLevation Virtual Training Links

AMTESOL Conference Link-Registration:

https://www.amtesol.org/registration

Resources: Use Forms for FEL Monitoring Compliance (wistia.com)

The flyer below highlights sessions offered by our PowerSchool coaches in January. 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.office.com/vhXG8BDAWvVIzXQ4?ref=Link&loc=play

Monthly updates from ALSDE Physical Education:

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/sWXttQsUs5FvUsh1?ref=email

The Alabama Best Practices Center: Register for the ABPC Instructional Partners Network! Join us for four days of collaborative learning beginning January 10th and 11th. We look forward to welcoming the new year with this new cohort of instructional leaders! See a full overview of the learning, schedule, and other details here.

Ongoing

K-12 Alabama Public Television Certified Educator Program

Bring the world to your classroom with APT and PBS LearningMedia. This online self-paced course will help you utilize APT and PBS LearningMedia to enhance your lessons. You will receive six professional development hours at completion. Click here to become an APT Certified Educator.

February 7, 2024 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Vietnam War and Alabama Standards- Virtual

How is the Vietnam War covered in Alabama’s course of study? Join Blake Busbin, ALSDE Social Studies Education Specialist, to explore ways to approach the Vietnam War as outlined in Alabama standards. Discover new resources, innovate approaches, and how to make this complex conflict engaging for your students. One hour of professional development will be awarded at completion. Click here to register.

February 12, 2024 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Yellowhammer History Hunt Teacher Professional Development at the Alabama State Capitol

We’re going on a hunt to find out more about Alabama’s journey to become the 22nd state. This time, our Yellowhammer History Hunt Professional Development will be at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery. Teachers will receive six hours of professional development. Lunch will be on your own. Click here to register.

February 21, 2024 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Virtual Professional Development: Reaching all Learners with Content Differentiation

Find out ways to differentiate the content in your classroom through ways like tiering, scaffolding, learning contracts and curriculum compacting. ALSDE Gifted Specialist Emily Hurst will walk us through the different ways to make this happen. You will leave this professional development with materials from Alabama Public Television and PBS LearningMedia to support this in your classroom. One hour of professional development will be awarded at completion. Click here to register.

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.

Please refer to the attached flyer for topics, dates, and registration information. A Zoom link will be shared with registered participants soon. These virtual sessions are opened statewide.

• 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.

New Year, New Opportunities With UA Online

Achieve your educational goals in 2024 with UA Online. Explore over 25 top-ranked programs, including master's degrees, certification-only, and educational specialist and doctoral programs in 100% online and hybrid formats. And discover our latest offering – the PhD in Instructional Leadership with a concentration in Instructional Technology program. Learn, lead and become legendary with UA Online. Take the next steps and apply!

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