Are you a New-to-Comal Elementary Teacher?
Comal ISD highly values professional learning! As a New-to-Comal teacher, you are required to attend the following courses during Comal U. These courses are specifically designed to support your success in Comal.
Teachers should attend at least 24 hours of learning during the summer. Comal U is a highly encouraged opportunity for teachers to gain these hours, collaborate with other educators, and learn from leaders within Comal ISD!
Click here for a fillable template to help you start planning your personalized Comal U schedule.
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
June 2, 2025 8:30-10:00 (Monday) July 28, 2025 8:30-10:00 (Monday)
Join Dr. Chapman, Superintendent of Comal schools, in the PAC to jumpstart our learning for the 2025-2026 school year! He will highlight the vision for our ever growing district and speak to the goals and plans ahead!
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
June 5, 2025 2:45-4:15 (Thursday) July 31, 2025 2:45-4:15 (Thursday)
Join us to close out a wonderful week of learning at Comal U! We will wrap up the week with a panel discussion and reflect on the journey ahead to make a difference in student achievement.
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
As part of the BIG 3 instructional areas of focus in Comal ISD, student engagement is a key priority for student success. In this course, we will discuss the importance of engagement, determine what engagement looks like, sounds like, and feels like, and discuss the 3 types of engagement. We will also focus on the 4 keys to engagement and provide you with the tools and strategies needed to foster meaningful participation in the classroom.
Key Takeaways Include:
Understanding Comal ISD’s engagement expectations
Learn actionable strategies to increase student participation using the engagement continuum
Implement engagement techniques that support positive student outcomes
Join us to gain valuable insights and practical approaches to making student engagement a driving force for learning!
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
In Comal ISD, we know that when learning is clear, students thrive. That’s why teacher clarity remains a key focus of the Big 3 instructional areas. In this course, participants will learn how purposeful learning intentions and measurable success criteria create clarity for both teachers and students. Participants will leave with an understanding of how to align learning intentions with standards and develop success criteria that enhance student understanding and achievement.
Join us as we explore strategies for making learning crystal clear! Walk away with tools and insights that will help you create meaningful learning intentions and success criteria, ensuring every student knows the path to success.
Credits: 1.5 hours
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach educators how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. This session will be geared toward professionals working with elementary aged youth. FAQ
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
Youth Mental Health First Aid - Elementary
July 30, 8:30-4:15 (Wednesday)
Credits: 6 hours
Click the title below to register for this self-paced session.
Self Paced New-to-Comal Skyward Basics
Complete this self-paced course on your own time between now and the start of school to learn the basics of Skyward in Comal ISD.
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for the session below:
June 2nd, 10:15 - 4:15 (Monday)
Conscious Discipline promotes social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and a positive classroom environment by teaching adults how to manage their own emotions and then model these skills for children, ultimately leading to improved students behavior and academic readiness.
Credits: 4.5 hours
Register for the session below:
June 3rd, 8:30 - 11:45 (Tuesday)
Scholastic Read Aloud fosters literacy skills, expands vocabulary, and cultivates a love for reading by engaging young learners with stories and language in a fun, accessible way.
Credits: 3 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
June 3rd, 1:00 - 4:15 (Tuesday)
July 29th, 1:00 - 4:15 (Tuesday)
Hand to Mind Math emphasizes hands-on learning with manipulatives and is beneficial because it helps children grasp abstract math concepts more effectively through concrete experiences, leading to deeper understanding and improved retention
Credits: 3 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
June 5th, 8:30 - 11:45 (Thursday)
July 31st, 8:30 - 11:45 (Thursday))
Sentence Sandwiches is a lesson structure that begins with targeted letters, moving to oral language and working memory, then Phonological Awareness, Concept of Print/Writing, and finishing with Phonics
Credits: 3 hours
(PreK) Foundational Skills Routine
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
June 5th, 1:00 - 2:30 (Thursday)
July 31st, 1:00 - 2:30 (Thursday))
Foundational Skills Routine is crucial in early childhood because they establish a strong base for future reading and writing success, impacting language development, cognitive skills, and overall academic achievement.
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
June 2nd, 10:15 - 11:45 (Monday)
July 28th, 10:15 - 11:45 (Monday) Option 1
July 28th, 10:15 - 11:45 (Monday) Option 2
This course is designed for new-to-Comal ISD Elementary teachers. Participants will be empowered to design effective, student-centered instruction using the wealth of resources we provide. Join us as we navigate our curriculum unit maps, discover district tools, and identify CISD systems and structures that enhance teacher clarity and student success. Participants will leave the session with new insight, skills, and “next steps” for professional learning. Created by Elementary T&L.
Credits: 1.5 hours
*Be sure to also register for the Core K-5 GT requirements.
If you are a K-2 teacher, be sure to also complete the required mCLASS Online Module for that role as well.
Register and complete this session over the summer when it fits your schedule:
This course is required for ALL New K-2 teachers. This is an asynchronous 3-hour training session to develop an understanding of the different assessed literacy components within mClass, our district's literacy and dyslexia screener. Teachers will complete the self-paced online modules through the Amplify website. Completion of this course is required prior to the start of the assessment testing window.
(New Elementary CICs and ERI teachers will need to take this course in order to provide added support for K-2 teachers.)
Credits: 3 hours
*Be sure to also register for the required courses for Elementary Core and Core K-5 GT.
Visit the GT Toolbox for information on course options to fit your needs. Read below for additional information to determine which is appropriate for you.
New-to-Comal teachers must obtain or show proof of their foundational 30 GT hours (Days 1-5). If you already have your 30 foundational hours, an annual 6-hour update is required and can be a combination of any GT credit courses offered at Comal U or through approved outside training (Region 20, APSI).
Asynchronous 30-hour (5 day) - (6 Exchange Hours)
Credits: 6 hours
Register for each session below to meet your needs:
Participants will learn guiding principles behind ELA instruction in Comal, and how to use Comal ISD curriculum documents to lesson plan backwards using TEKS, unit maps, and unit assessments to enhance student centered learning and progress monitoring. Come learn the Comal way!
Credits: 1.5 hours
This course introduces educators to our new high-quality Tier 1 instructional materials. Participants will experience a lesson from both the pacing and student perspective, while exploring all key components of the resource. By the end, educators will be prepared to practice planning using lesson internalization in part 2 of Kiddom training
Credits: 3 hours
Building on the foundation from Part 1, this course guides participants through using Comal ISD curriculum documents and Kiddom resources to practice lesson internalization. Educators will focus on refining their understanding and preparation for the first weeks of school, ensuring they are fully equipped to deliver effective, engaging lessons from day one. Required Prerequisite: Kiddom 101: Part 1
Credits: 3 hours GT: 3 hours
Register for each session below to meet your needs:
Participants will learn guiding principles behind instruction in Comal, and how to use Comal ISD curriculum documents to lesson plan backwards using TEKS, unit maps, and unit assessments to enhance student centered learning and progress monitoring. Come learn the Comal way!
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for the session below:
Self-Paced (Must be completed after May 27, 2025 to receive credit for the ‘25-’26 school year)
Teachers will complete the asynchronous online course by TEA. This self-paced course is a foundational training module for science safety at the elementary school level. The course provides elementary school teachers an opportunity to review safety policies, procedures, and responsibilities that pertain to instructional settings. Participants will submit their course certification through Google Forms to receive course credit. In order to receive PD hours for this training, it must not be completed prior to May 27, 2025.
Credits: 3 hours
Register and complete this session over the summer when it fits your schedule:
Self-Paced – Dual Language ONLY
This course is required for ALL New K-2 teachers. This is an asynchronous 3-hour training session to develop an understanding of the different assessed literacy components within mClass, our district's literacy and dyslexia screener. Teachers will complete the self-paced online modules through the Amplify website. Completion of this course is required prior to the start of the assessment testing window.
(New Elementary CICs and ERI teachers will need to take this course in order to provide added support for K-2 teachers.)
Credits: 3 hours
*Be sure to also register for the required courses for Elementary Core and Core K-5 GT.
Register for the session below:
July 29th, 8:30 - 11:45 (Tuesday)
This course is required and designed for new K-5 dual language teachers to CISD. Participants will learn the key components of our One-Way DL Model, including its goals, instructional strategies, effective language integration, and available resources. By the end of the session, participants will have a solid understanding of how to implement the framework in their classrooms to support bilingual students.
Credits: 1.5 hours
*Be sure to also register for the required courses for Elementary Core for your grade level and Core K-5 GT.
Register for the session below:
July 29th, 1:00 - 4:15 (Tuesday)
This course is required and designed for new 1-5 Spanish Immersion teachers to CISD. Participants will explore the core components of the Spanish Immersion model, including its goals, instructional strategies, and available resources. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully implement the program in their classrooms.
Credits: 3 hours
*Be sure to also register for the required courses for Elementary Core for your grade level and Core K-5 GT.
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
Participants new to Comal ISD will learn the mission and vision of the special education department. Participants will gain an understanding of the resources the district has to offer and will become familiar with Comal ISD case management expectations.
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for the session below:
July 28th, 10:15 - 4:15 (Monday)
Participants will explore team vision and goals for the year. Collaborate with peers. Explore district and legislative updates pertaining to PE and Health. Explore enrichment opportunities for extending wellness outside of the PE/Health classroom. Receive tools and strategies for supporting campus wellness initiatives.
Credits: 4.5 hours
Register for one session below:
June 5th, 8:30 - 11:45 (Thursday)
July 31st, 8:30 - 11:45 (Thursday)
HeartSaver CPR and AED Certification for PE and Health Teachers only.
Credits: 3 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
Jun 2nd, 10:15 - 11:45 (Monday)
July 28th, 10:15 - 11:45 (Monday)
This course will be used to review Fine Arts specific processes and procedures. Please bring your laptop, your calendar, and and a list of all independent contractors that you use during the year. There will be time to collaborate with peers and feeder patterns. There will also be time to input events in the calendar.
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
This course is designed to support Fine Arts educators in understanding and leveraging the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) to enhance instructional effectiveness and student achievement. Participants will explore the key components of TIA, including teacher designation levels, student growth measures, and evaluation criteria specific to Fine Arts disciplines. By the end of the course, participants will have a clear roadmap for navigating the TIA process, maximizing opportunities for recognition and compensation, and elevating Fine Arts instruction in their classrooms.
Credits: 1.5 hours
Register for one session that fits your schedule:
July 28th, 2:45 - 4:15 (Monday)
This professional development course is designed to equip Fine Arts educators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize CutTime, a powerful cloud-based management system for performing arts programs. Participants will learn how to streamline administrative tasks, track inventory, manage student records, communicate with parents and students, and oversee financial transactions, including fees and fundraising efforts. By the end of this course, Fine Arts educators will have a strong understanding of how to maximize CutTime to improve program organization, enhance student engagement, and simplify day-to-day management, allowing them to focus more on instruction and artistic growth.
Credits: 1.5 hours
Congrats!!! You have completed your Comal U Registration!
Reach out to your Professional Learning Team!