Embedded Files
Browse live PD academy offerings by category below. As we offer both virtual and in person academies, be sure to note the location. Google Meet links for any virtual offerings can be found on the Calendar. Please bring your laptop to all EdTech sessions.
The new professional development (PD) structure requires staff to complete six District Directed hours annually. Links below include the focus for these hours for each level as well as a list of asynchronous virtual options. In addition, for other district directed options, checkout the academies with the blue badges in the offerings listed below.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
ripples of kindness: exploring empathy through the arts
2/9 OR 3/9 | 4 PM-6 PM | KERNSVILLE LIBRARY (2/9), JAINDL LIBRARY (3/9)
Deepen understanding of themes in Each Kindness book
Explore arts-integrated strategies to promote empathy and social–emotional learning
Explore arts-integrated strategies to promote empathy and social–emotional learning
Build teacher confidence in facilitating reflective, student-centered learning
Facilitator: Renee Mosser
leadership learning lab (maxwell)
2/25 | 4 PM-6 PM | ADMINISTRATION CENTER BOARD ROOM
Looking to grow your leadership skills in an engaging way? The Leadership Learning Lab is an interactive experience where educators like you come together to explore real-world leadership challenges, share strategies, and build confidence through practice and discussion.
Whether you're leading a classroom, guiding a team, or simply looking to grow your leadership skills, this lab offers a supportive space to sharpen your abilities, collaborate with peers, and walk away with practical tools you can apply immediately in your school community.
In this session, you'll dive into the core leadership principles of John C. Maxwell, one of the most influential voices in leadership development. Through his practical, people-centered approach, you’ll explore key concepts like influence, intentional growth, and navigating leadership from any position.
Facilitators: Dr. Pamela Kelly & Dr. Michelle Minotti
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
5/14 | 4 PM-6 PM | ADMINISTRATION CENTER BOARD ROOM
This session aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in leadership, particularly in education, while also empowering attendees to reflect on their own leadership journeys. Participants will explore historical and current examples of women leaders, identify barriers to leadership, and develop actionable strategies to support personal and professional growth.
Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will:
Understand key moments and figures in the history of women in leadership.
-Reflect on their own leadership journeys, influences, and aspirations.
-Identify systemic and personal challenges women face in leadership roles.
-Collaborate on strategies to promote and support women in leadership within schools.
-Leave with a personal or professional action plan to foster leadership opportunities.
Facilitators: Dr. Pamela Kelly & Dr. Michelle Minotti
Ed Tech
heat up your teaching 2026
2/24 | 4 PM-5 PM | VIRTUAL
It's the winter months, and things might feel a little dull after the glitter and glitz of the holidays. Come learn fresh new ideas straight from the PETE&C ed tech conference and heat up those dull days with something fresh! This is the newest version of this workshop, so even if you've come to one before, this content will be ALL NEW and based on what is shared at this year's conference!
Facilitator: Kerin Steigerwalt
ai for educational professionals
1/12 | 4 PM-5 PM | SPRINGHOUSE ROOM A157
This session explores practical, ethical, and creative ways non-classroom educational professionals—such as guidance counselors, instructional coaches, administrators, and student support staff—can integrate generative AI into their daily workflows. Participants will learn how AI can streamline communication, enhance student support services, strengthen data-informed decision-making, and expand their capacity for problem-solving. Through real-world examples and guided demonstrations, attendees will discover how to use AI tools to draft resources, analyze trends, design interventions, and personalize support while maintaining privacy and professional boundaries.
Facilitator: Kerin Steigerwalt
getting started with gemini
1/15 OR 3/4 OR 4/9 | 3 PM-4 PM | OR 2/17 | 4 PM-5 PM | VIRTUAL
This hands-on workshop empowers secondary teachers to integrate Google Gemini into their classrooms regardless of their tech proficiency. Educators will delve into AI-driven lesson planning, differentiation, and student engagement while also addressing ethical use, privacy, and bias. With practical applications, teachers will be prepared to implement AI-generated resources and enhance instruction with Gemini
This course is one of the steps on our Generative AI pathway. After completing all 6 steps, teachers of students in grades 7-12 can have Gemini enabled for their students. Learn more about the Generative AI Pathway here.
Facilitator: JR Renna
level up with advanced gemini strategies
1/28 OR 3/10 OR 5/7 | 3:30 PM-5 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BDG ROOM 313A
This session will go beyond basic promptcrafting and into more advanced features and strategies in Gemini. Learn how and when to switch models, Deep Research & Canvas tools, and the powerful ways that Gems can help you.
This course is one of the steps on our Generative AI pathway. After completing all 6 steps, teachers of students in grades 7-12 can have Gemini enabled for their students. Learn more about the Generative AI Pathway here.
Facilitator: JR Renna
adapting teaching in the Ai era
1/13 OR 3/12 OR 4/28 | 3 PM-4 PM | VIRTUAL
This session equips secondary educators with practical strategies for addressing the impact of AI on student work. We'll explore the reasons why students utilize AI tools, delve into the evolving definition of plagiarism in an AI-driven environment, and learn how to effectively adapt assignments and assessments to foster authentic learning. Participants will gain hands-on experience with prompt crafting to guide student AI usage and create AI-resistant tasks. Leave with actionable techniques to promote academic integrity and empower students to use AI ethically and responsibly.
This course is one of the steps on our Generative AI pathway. After completing all 6 steps, teachers of students in grades 7-12 can have Gemini enabled for their students. Learn more about the Generative AI Pathway here.
Facilitators: Lauren Will & Sam Edwards
ethical implications of Ai & digital citizenship
1/21 OR 3/18 | 3 PM-4 PM | VIRTUAL
Join us for a discussion on the ethical implications of AI and the need for proper citation when using AI. We will also show you the APA and MLA styles for proper citation as will as using NoodleTools to cite AI.
This course is one of the steps on our Generative AI pathway. After completing all 6 steps, teachers of students in grades 7-12 can have Gemini enabled for their students. Learn more about the Generative AI Pathway here.
Facilitators: Kelly Flynn & Ali Thompson
Reasoning with NotebookLM
1/29 OR 3/26 | 3 PM-4 PM | OR 2/18 | 4 PM-5 PM | VIRTUAL
Discover how to leverage Google's NotebookLM, which will allow you to build your own mico-knowledgebase for analyzing multiple sources (such as comparing scope and sequences, lesson plans, or assessment data), making decisions (where can I adjust instruction to improve outcomes), and creating content (study guides, FAQs, podcasts, or explainer videos of your materials)
Facilitator: JR Renna
implementing gemini with students (Capstone)
1/14 OR 2/24 OR 3/18 OR 4/14 | 3 PM-4 PM | VIRTUAL
This session is a capstone to our AI Pathway for teachers looking to implement Gemini for student use. We will review best practices on rolling out AI literacy discussions in your class that have been informed by feedback from our Gemini pilot last year. We will provide lessons & resources for you to turnkey, and discuss strategies for instruction that deepens student learning without making AI a shallow shortcut.
NOTE: This course has prerequisite of 5 hours on the AI Exploration Pathway. After completing all 6 steps, teachers of students in grades 7-12 can have Gemini enabled for their students. Learn more about the Generative AI Pathway here.
Email JR Renna with questions.
Facilitator: JR Renna
lockdown browser: what's new & best practices
2/10 | 3 PM-4 PM | VIRTUAL
This training session is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive guide to utilizing LockDown Browser for creating secure assessments within Schoology. The overview will detail the core functionality and cover crucial LockDown Browser settings, including recommended best practices for test configurations and an exploration of its advanced features. Participants will also gain insight into the student experience of taking a LockDown Browser-secured quiz and learn valuable best practices, such as incorporating a practice quiz. Finally, the session will equip attendees with essential technical support resources, including the built-in Help Center and troubleshooting tips, concluding with a dedicated Questions & Answers period.
Facilitator: Respondus Trainer
elementary pd
ELA AND english learners - we can do it together
1/22 | 4 PM-5:30 PM | PARKWAY MANOR MEDIA CENTER
This interactive class will include hands-on practice of ELA instructional materials, and how to use them to differentiate lesson segments. Participants will leave with practical strategies for modifying ELA tasks, and a deeper understanding of how to integrate the WIDA CAN DO descriptors into their daily planning to foster EL success.
Facilitator: Mia Belletieri
elevating arts & letters with canva
3/24 | 4:30 PM-5:30 PM | CETRONIA MEDIA CENTER ROOM 103
Elevate instructional delivery of Arts & Letters and/or other content areas with Canva and your smartphone! If you joined the January session, come back for a hands-on work session to share ideas and troubleshoot together. If you missed it, this is your chance to learn strategies to streamline lessons, use Canva shortcuts, and make instruction more interactive. Walk away with practical tools you can use right away across Arts & Letters and beyond!
Facilitator: Laura Tominaj
cpr & Cpi trainings
CPI Initial Training
1/13 & 1/14 | 4 PM-7 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313A
This class is for those who have never attended a CPI class or for those whose certification has expired. This class teaches the basic CPI principles of crisis de-escalation and personal safety techniques. This class also certifies you for 12-18 months in nonviolent crisis intervention. There will be a hands on portion that participants will be required to demonstrate the skills that they've learned. Must attend both classes!
Facilitator: Kristy Caamano
CPI Initial Training
4/8 & 4/9 | 4 PM-7 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313A
This class is for those who have never attended a CPI class or for those whose certification has expired. This class teaches the basic CPI principles of crisis de-escalation and personal safety techniques. This class also certifies you for 12-18 months in nonviolent crisis intervention. There will be a hands on portion that participants will be required to demonstrate the skills that they've learned. Must attend both classes!
Facilitator: Jordan Hodge
CPI refresher
3/12 | 4:30 PM-7:30 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313A
Recertification in Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention
This CPI course is for anyone who has a current CPI card due to expire. To have a current card, you would have been trained on CPI in the last 18 months.
Facilitator: Alyssa Pagliaro
CPI refresher
2/19 | 4:30 PM-6:30 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313A
Recertification in Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention
This CPI course is for anyone who has a current CPI card due to expire. To have a current card, you would have been trained on CPI in the last 18 months.
Facilitator: Ashley Joseph
CPR/First Aid/AED blended learning Full Training
1/14 | 4 PM-5 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313B (Blended Learning + Skill Session = 3 hours + 1 hour in person testing = 4 hours total for this course)
This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a PC or tablet with a high speed Internet connection. The Blended Learning Course will be emailed 1 week prior to the in-person skill session. Allow approximately 3 hours to complete the online portion. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.
Facilitator: Tyler Rosario
CPR/First Aid/AED blended learning Full Training
3/5 | 4 PM-5 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313A (Blended Learning + Skill Session = 3 hours + 1 hour in person testing = 4 hours total for this course)
This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a PC or tablet with a high speed Internet connection. The Blended Learning Course will be emailed 1 week prior to the in-person skill session. Allow approximately 3 hours to complete the online portion. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.
Facilitator: Kim McHenry
CPR Refresher Course
2/19 | 4 PM-5 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313B (Blended Learning + Skill Session = 2 hours + 1 hour in person testing = 3 hours total for this course)
This class is for those who have been trained in CPR and whose certification is about to expire. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a PC or tablet with a high speed Internet connection. The Blended Learning Course will be emailed 1 week prior to the in-person skill session.
Facilitators: Kylee Lobb & Kim McHenry
CPR Refresher Course
4/15 | 4 PM-5 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313A (Blended Learning + Skill Session = 2 hours + 1 hour in person testing = 3 hours total for this course)
This class is for those who have been trained in CPR and whose certification is about to expire. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a PC or tablet with a high speed Internet connection. The Blended Learning Course will be emailed 1 week prior to the in-person skill session.
Facilitator: Tyler Rosario
CPR Refresher Course
5/5 | 4 PM-5 PM | EDUCATION & OPERATIONS BLDG ROOM 313A (Blended Learning + Skill Session = 2 hours + 1 hour in person testing = 3 hours total for this course)
This class is for those who have been trained in CPR and whose certification is about to expire. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a PC or tablet with a high speed Internet connection. The Blended Learning Course will be emailed 1 week prior to the in-person skill session.
Facilitator: Kim McHenry
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