Professional Development Courses for October 2025 through February 2026

Please click here for ER&D Course Registration Form

Checks and Registration Form must be in the Union Hall ONE WEEK prior to the start of the class. Please do not jeopardize the class by registering too late. All classes are held at the Union Hall.

ELITE (Expanding Literacy Instruction by Tutoring ELLs)

October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 2025 (Sundays) - 8:00am-3:30pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2025, by 5:00pm

Project ELITE (Expanding Literacy Instruction by Tutoring ELLs) – This course focuses on literacy training for educators, providing individualized instruction to English language learners who need additional literacy support. The focus is on reading comprehension and oral language development to help ELLs participate on equal terms in the classroom as they confront the dual challenge of mastering grade-level content while continuing to learn English. ELITE (Expanding Literacy Instruction by Tutoring ELLs) is based on the highly effective literacy intervention research by Diane August and reported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute for Educational Sciences and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

English as a New Language 101

November 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd 2025 (Saturdays) - 8:00am-3:30pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 23, 2025, by 5:00pm

This course is designed for K-12 mainstream or general education teachers and paraprofessionals of English language learners who have little to no information or preparation to work with this rapidly growing population of students. There are four sections (modules) that will include research-based information on second-language acquisition; information about the cultural, academic, and linguistic diversity of ELLs, and a range of strategies and skills to differentiate instruction for ELLs while maintaining academic rigor. 

Reading Comprehension Instruction

November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd 2025 (Sundays) - 8:00am-3:30pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 23, 2025, by 5:00pm

This course focuses on how children learn to read and the best ways to teach reading from kindergarten to the end of the primary grades.

Strategies for Student Success 1

January 6, 2026 – February 5, 2026 (Tuesdays & Thursdays) - 4:00pm -7:00pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 18, 2025, by 5:00pm

This high-quality, research-based professional learning program consists of three hour-long modules that create a manageable way to connect with educators. The SSS modules address teaching and learning in a way that benefits new and veteran teachers alike. The content in the modules can be tailored to benefit individuals, groups and the whole school. SSS approaches professional development and learning from an issues-based perspective. Whether the need is created by policy, mandates, feedback on evaluations or professional inquiry, SSS responds. Content is taught with activities that require reflection on daily practice, debate over research and current practices, utilizing modeling and experiential learning approaches. Engaged discussions augment that relevance of the research-based classroom strategies, and instruction is designed to facilitate immediate use.

S.L.O. (Student Learning Objectives)

January 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st 2026 (Saturday) - 8:00am - 3:30pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 18, 2025, by 5:00pm

If your district is using or planning on using a process for measuring student growth that includes selecting an assessment, setting learning goals, and conferencing with the evaluator about student growth- even if the process is not called Student Learning Objectives or SLO then this training will be important to your local/members. If your district is using SLO this course is a good way for your new hires to understand the process or can be used as a refresher for veteran educators. Participants in this workshop will receive the knowledge and resources needed to be able to in-depth understanding of each of the components of SLO and engage in developing one for their own use. Fully understanding the SLO process will give participants the confidence to take control of it and ensure it is used as a tool for success in the classroom as well as a way to demonstrate its impact on student learning.

Thinking Math 3-5

February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd 2026 (Sunday) 8:00am -3:30pm

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 22, 2026, by 5:00pm

This course focuses on research about how children learn mathematics and how these finds can be applied in the classroom. Ten principles capture practices that lead to a better understanding of math for all students and are applicable at all levels. In this course they are exemplified through the research on counting, addition and subtraction. The course takes a broader look at the importance of patterns and relationships throughout math, addresses the kind of questioning that promotes thinking in math classes, and provides a framework for thinking about curriculum and lessons.

PLEASE SIGN UP EARLY TO SECURE A SEAT IN YOUR CLASS — AS CLASSES FILL UP QUICKLY.