Professional Learning Essentials

This year's theme is, "Unlocking Opportunities for All."

Information about Olathe Summer Conference is now posted on our Professional Learning Website. BIG NEWS ABOUT SUMMER CONFERENCE IS COMING SOON and will be posted on the Professional Learning Website by February 27th! You won't want to miss what we have in store!

Click here to access the Olathe Summer Conference page!

• Click here to access the registration form for District Employees.
• Click here to submit a Session Proposal form if you are interested in being a presenter.
• Educators are eager to learn from the wisdom of their colleagues. Please consider presenting or co-presenting a session!

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 four new Instructional Technology Session Options:
• Engaging Students with Nearpod Interactives (Part 1)- March 5, 2024
• Designing with Adobe Express (Part 1)- March 19, 2024
• 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.

EPIC Learning Series

• Though designed for educators new to Olathe, the sessions are open to anyone wanting to dive into the topics offered.
• Here are the sessions offered on Tuesday, February 27th:
• Consequences with an Instructional Focus- Please RSVP HERE
• Using Assessment Literacy to Guide Instruction- Please RSVP HERE!
• Click here to access the EPIC Learning Series 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.

With the increasing popularity of AI generative tools such as ChatGPT and Bard, some teachers have fully embraced this technology to enhance instructional practices and productivity, while others have expressed concerns about AI's impact on academic integrity. Watch this video to learn how Learning Services and Technology are addressing the utilization of AI in the educational setting.

We encourage staff to share how they are using AI in their classrooms, or alternatively, what their reservations are. Please click here to complete a short, four-question survey. It's essential that we gather as many perspectives as possible to help inform upcoming professional learning opportunities.

Learn more!

• Code.org AI 101 for Teachers
• Microsoft EDU: Fundamentals of Generative AI
• Microsoft EDU: Empower Educators to Explore the Potential of Artificial Intelligence
• ISTE: Artificial Intelligence in Education

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