Professional Learning Calendar

During the 2024-2025 school year, the following six (6) district modules will be facilitated onsite for staff members at each CPS school. Please look for the following on the Professional Learning Calendar to see when each module will be presented at your school:

• DST 1 - Verbal De-Escalation | Facilitated by Desiree Phillips, Special Education Director, Secondary & Post Graduation | This professional development workshop is designed to equip school staff with effective strategies for verbal de-escalation and a deeper understanding of student behavior. The goal is to foster a positive and supportive school environment by enhancing staff skills in managing challenging situations and promoting constructive interactions with students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. In 2024-2025, this will be an in-person training presented at each individual school site. 

• DST 2 - Inclusive Practices |  Facilitated by Siobhan Reardon,  Preschool- Elementary Director (OSS),  Shelagh Walker, Preschool- Elementary Director (OSS), Beth Kershner, Director of Multilingual Learners | This professional learning opportunity is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. The workshop emphasizes the importance of differentiated instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and universal design for learning to ensure that every student can access and engage with the curriculum. Teachers will learn evidence-based strategies to differentiate instruction and provide appropriate supports.   

• DST 3 - Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist Practices | Facilitated by Manuel J Fernandez, Chief Equity Officer and Dr. Leslie Jimenez, Director of Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging | Building on last year’s focus, the purpose of this year’s session will be to continue enhancing our equity lens by 1) interrogating the assumptions that underpin our current practices and 2) drafting a plan to transform them into transformative- equitable and inclusive- practices. 

• DST 4 - LGBTQ+-Inclusive Schools | Facilitated by Sam Musher, Youth Advocacy Specialist and Ailene Orr, Curriculum & Training Specialist | Educators will build on last year’s LGBTQ+-inclusive practice basics. Our focus will be on intersectionality: How can we support our LGBT+ and Questioning students and their families, while honoring their cultural, religious, and other identities? 

• DST 5 - Social & Emotional Learning | Facilitated by Kim Huffer, Director of Social, Emotional Learning | Through the integration of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom and school environment, students are able to strengthen their skills, attitudes, and mindsets to help them succeed academically and in the broader world.  Building on last year’s focus, educators will learn practical strategies for helping students to learn, build, and practice skills in ways that are applicable across various areas of their lives. By fostering these SEL skills and competencies, educators can help students thrive academically while preparing them for a fulfilling and balanced life beyond the classroom. 

• DST 6 - Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) | Facilitated by Dr. Heather Francis, Director of MTSS | A strong Multi-tiered System of Support ensures that all students have the opportunity to develop their areas for growth and their strengths. This year our module focuses on talent development—the process of transforming potential into ability. Educators will build on their knowledge of Universal Design for Learning to learn how to (1) use tools to help uncover students’ relative strengths and (2) design interest- and strength-based opportunities for all students as part of Tier I instruction.  

A schedule for each module can be found here (CPS login required).

At least once each month, school leaders and their respective administrative and school-based leadership teams - and in consultation with their respective Faculty Advisory Committees (FACs) - will facilitate building-based professional learning aligned with school-specific goals and priorities, as identified in each school's School Improvement Plan.

Indicated by the code TCH on the Professional Learning Calendar, seven (7) of the twenty-eight (28) blocks of professional learning time on Wednesdays over the course of the school year will be teacher-directed collaboration time. Teachers will submit a form indicating date, time, topic, description, participants and location to the school principal prior to the collaboration meeting occurring. Paraprofessionals, ETS teachers, and building subs should participate in collaborative sessions alongside their lead teaching partners.

Twice during the school year - once in October and once in May - educators will engage in role-specific learning after school. These sessions, designated with the code DPT on the Professional Learning Calendar, will complement the August 28th Colloquium-day department meetings and the three professional days on November 5th, January 2nd, and March 19th (8AM - 2:55PM). Depending on the needs of the particular departments, the October and May after-school meetings may take place in person or virtually.