Click on a title to expand the course description.
Courses are listed by seat hours. If graduate credit is desired (Wichita State University), a total of
12 seat hours = 1 college credit
Books for the program are not supplied and must be purchased by the participant.
Important Note for Non-Maize employees! Due to security reasons, email accounts affiliated with another school district and personal email accounts, sometimes limit the availability to Google Classroom. This might lead to your inability to take a course through the Maize PLS.
Presenter: Shannon Griesel
Target Audience: ALL (PreK-12 Educators)
Dates: September 7- November 30
ISBN-10: 1421449226
Not sure how you feel about AI in education? You're not alone. This book study is designed for educators who want to better understand artificial intelligence and its impact on teaching and learning. Together, we'll explore both the opportunities and challenges of AI while discussing practical ways to maintain authentic learning, support student thinking, and use AI responsibly in the classroom. This is for any educator but applies more to 7th-12th grade teachers.
Presenter: Betsy Lang
Target Audience: ALL (PreK-12 Educators)
Dates: September 7- November 30
ISBN Number: 978-0-06-342372-5
Math is more than numbers - it's a relationship. For some of us, math has always been exciting, confidence-building, and full of rewarding challenges. For others, it has brought feelings of anxiety, frustration, or self-doubt. Our students walk into our classrooms carrying these same experiences every day. In "Math-ish", Jo Boaler challenges us to rethink what it means to learn and teach mathematics by exploring the power of mindset and creating meaningful learning experiences that help every student see themselves as capable mathematicians. Whether you already love teaching math or are looking for new ways to engage your students, this book study will leave you inspired and equipped with new ideas that you can use right away!
Presenter: Jennifer Bailey
Target Audience: ALL (K-12 Educators)
Dates: September 7- November 30
ISBN-10 : 1936706210
ISBN-13 : 978-1936706211
Book study via Google Classroom and reflection questions
Target audience: Elementary and secondary ELA
Course objectives:
Participants will . . .
**Gain a better understanding of phonograms and 30 spelling rules that explain 98% of English words
**Be able to share their new learning with students.
**Be able to explain to others, students and adults, the logic behind even the seemingly illogical “exceptions” to those rules.
Book description:
Denise Eide, the author of Uncovering the Logic of English, explains, “It is generally believed that English is a language of exceptions. For many, learning to spell and read is frustrating. For some, it is impossible, especially for the 29% of Americans who are functionally illiterate. But what if the problem is not the language itself, but the rules we were taught? What if we could see the complexity of English as a powerful tool rather than a hindrance?” -
This book “challenges the notion that English is illogical by systematically explaining English spelling and answering questions like:
**Why is there a silent final E in have, large, and house? and
**Why is discussion spelled with -sion rather than -tion?
**With easy-to-read examples and anecdotes, this book describes the phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words.”
Presenter: Emilee McCoskey
Target Audience: ALL (PreK-12 Educators)
Dates: September 7- November 30
ISBN: 1596670215
(PK-12 and Support Staff) What if becoming a happier, more fulfilled educator didn't require working harder—but simply thinking differently?
Join us for an inspiring book study of 7 Simple Secrets, where renowned educators Annette Breaux and Todd Whitaker share practical, uplifting strategies for finding greater joy, purpose, and success in education. Through personal stories, humor, and real-world examples, the authors remind us that while we can't control every challenge we face, we can choose the attitudes and actions that shape our classrooms, our relationships, and our careers.
Throughout this study, we'll explore seven simple yet powerful habits that can transform the way we approach teaching, collaborate with colleagues, and connect with students. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, this book offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and meaningful reflection that can reignite your passion for making a difference.
Come ready to reflect, collaborate, and discover how small changes in mindset can lead to lasting impact—for yourself, your students, and your school community.
Those enrolled in the Maize based cohort ONLY.
Presenter: Jennifer Bailey
Target Audience: LETRS Cohort 9 Volume 1 participants ONLY- Maize based
Dates: September 7- November 30
This course focuses on using assessment data to identify reading difficulties and design targeted intervention plans. Participants will learn how to select, implement, and evaluate instructional strategies based on how the brain learns to read.
You must:
*Complete all online coursework for Volume 1.
*Pass the end-of-volume test with a score of 80% or higher.
*Attend all in-person training sessions.
Presenter: Jennifer Bailey
Target Audience: LETRS Cohort 9 Volume 1 participants ONLY- Maize based
Dates: September 7- November 30
Maize Based LETRS Cohort Only
This course is an extension of Units 3 & 4 and focuses on applying foundational literacy practices in authentic classroom settings. Participants will deepen their understanding of phonics, word recognition, spelling, and advanced decoding by designing and refining explicit, systematic instruction aligned to the science of reading. Emphasis is placed on strengthening implementation, reflecting on instructional impact, and ensuring transfer of learning to support all students in developing accurate and automatic word-level literacy skills.
You must:
* Show completion of the Spring 26 PLS Course LETRS Units 3 & 4: Applying the Fundamentals of Literacy