PIR Day Trade and step-up credit is not guaranteed for all of these opportunities. PIR Trade is awarded at the discretion of the Executive Director of Curriculum and step-up is based on contract language and PDAAC approval. To request step-up credit for any of the eligible opportunities below, complete the district pre-approval process before beginning the course.
Google Certification for BPS Teachers
Google Certified Educator Level 1
You'll follow the learning plan on the Google Training Center for Level 1 and show us your skills by taking the test. 3 OPI renewal units.
Google Certified Educator Level 2
After finishing Level 1, you can sit for Level 2. You'll follow the learning plan on the Google Training Center and show us your skills by taking the test. 3 OPI units.
Apple Teacher Certification for BPS Teachers
Apple Teacher Certification
Demonstrate your knowledge of using Apple products for teaching and learning and earn your Apple Teacher Certification. 2 OPI renewal units can be earned per badge.
Canva
This 4 hour training will be blended and flipped. You'll start out by joining a Google Classroom as a learner to flip your learning on Canva. Then we will meet via Zoom, on February 8th, to collaborate and answer questions. Finally you will create for your students and reflect on Canva as a tool for learning. To learn more email Shelly at stantons@billingsschools.org or read the description on the PIR Day Trade Site or click here for more information.
Screencastify to Blend & Flip
This training will be blended and flip. You'll start out by joining a Google Classroom as a learner to flip your learning on screencasting. Then we will meet via Zoom to collaborate and answer questions. Finally you will create for your students and reflect on screencasting as a tool for learning. To learn more email Shelly at stantons@billingsschools.org or read the description on the PIR Day Trade Site.
Techie time at MSUB
Once again monthly sessions through MSUB MRESA III. These events are FREE and focus on our new state technology standards.
Remember to fill out a special request to use for trade and appropriate step up paperwork.
Digital portfolios
Learn about using digital portfolios in your classroom through this online OPI Learning Hub course. FREE, worth 15 OPI renewal units and can be used for step-up.
Upcoming dates:
September 13th-October 10th, 2021
January 10th-February 6th, 2022
March 14th-April 10th, 2022
CODE.ORG WORKSHOPS
Are you looking to grow your computer science teaching skills? AVID, in partnership with Code.org, is offering virtual workshops that will help boost your coding and computer science skills. OPI renewal units available. Click below for more information.
opi teacher learning hub
The Montana Teacher Learning Hub is an online platform that provides high quality professional learning for Montana educators. Earn OPI renewal units, expand your knowledge and best of all, it's free!
Please note: Only facilitated courses will quality for BPS step-up credit. Check the 2021-22 Calendar of Facilitated Courses to see what is being offered.
Finding your roots media lab series
Join us as we host a series of 10 virtual workshops for middle and high school teachers. These two-hour virtual workshops are taught on Mondays from 4pm MST to 6pm MST by the top technology integration trainers in the state and provide teachers in communities across the state with free, high quality, hands-on training. This special series of MTPBS Media Lab workshops will focus on digital storytelling and will use the themes Finding Your Roots. Montana PBS Media Lab workshops will be free to all teachers and will be held after school using Zoom.
SEESAW PIONEER PROGRAM
Become a Seesaw Pioneer to jumpstart your Seesaw community journey and learn within a supportive group of educators. Seesaw Pioneers are beyond the Seesaw basics and are ready to take the next step to grow alongside others. No OPI renewal units awarded.
🌟Gain ideas and inspiration from community experts
🌟Connect in a supportive community of global educators
🌟Access exclusive resources and community events
🌟Grow as a leader within your school
SEESAW COMMUNITY HUB
Teachers who have joined the Seesaw Community by becoming a Seesaw Pioneer, Ambassador or Certified Educator will get access to the Seesaw Community Learning Hub. The Community Learning Hub gives you access to free, high quality courses & PD. Once courses are completed, you will receive a certificate of completion. No OPI renewal units awarded.
Apple professional learning virtual conferences
Explore helpful resources, practice new skills, and reflect on ways Apple technology can support great learning and teaching. Hosted by Apple Professional Learning Specialists, these free hands-on sessions run for approximately 60 minutes and are offered twice daily, Monday through Thursday. No OPI renewal units awarded.
Videos available
July 12th-October 30th
teach with tech conference
TWTCON (Teach with Tech Conference) is an entirely online professional development experience for K-12 educators using technology in their classrooms. Teachers participate in a wide range of sessions all online that focus on your classroom teaching strategies with technology. Learn cutting-edge technology integration techniques and lessons from experts delivered via video sessions. 6 OPI renewal units can be awarded if you watch 10 of the videos and complete this reflection form.