Science of Reading – New Course for DC Educators (reminder)

TNTP in partnership with the OSSE has developed a 25-hour asynchronous course to support the development of pre-K through grade 3 educators. This course, designed by educators for educators, offers an equity lens when looking at the science of teaching reading, and outlines the principles of the science of reading and how these principles can be applied in the classroom. In addition to making research around reading acquisition immediately applicable, the course also includes instructional tips educators can use within early literacy instruction to ensure the success of ALL students. School leaders, there is support for you, too. This course will enhance your capacity to support literacy instruction.

Apply to participate in the course here by Friday, Jan. 27. Learn more about this opportunity by viewing the informational flyers here.

For questions, please contact Demetria Clark at [email protected].

Science of Reading Network for Instructional Leadership Teams at DC Schools (reminder)

In conjunction with the Science of Reading course above, OSSE is pleased to announce a new support opportunity for instructional leadership teams. To realize the potential of the course content and create a lasting impact, TNTP will partner with OSSE to select schools to receive a suite of individual and collaborative supports for school leaders on the Science of Reading. The support will include building leader and educator knowledge to diagnose the current instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading, unearth the systems and policies that are contributing to the current state and plan to refine academic strategies (vision and feedback, curriculum, assessment, intervention, etc.) in support of instructional practices aligned to the Science of Reading. Leaders receiving implementation support will have the opportunity to participate in network convenings and individual walkthroughs and strategy meetings with TNTP, in addition to taking the asynchronous course alongside a portion of their teachers.

Apply for implementation support here by Friday, Jan. 27. Learn more about this opportunity by viewing the informational flyers here.

For more information, please contact Demetria Clark at [email protected].

Teacher Wellness, Emotional Health and Self Care

OSSE is pleased to announce a new professional learning for teachers and school staff who need an emotional charge. This session is designed to offer proven strategies to help alleviate stress and anxiety, mental burnout, compassion fatigue and to preserve emotional health for the long haul. Participants will reflect on the ways in which personal triggers, pain points and conflict resolution impact instructional practices. Instructional coaches, classroom teachers and specialists are strongly encouraged to participate.  

Audience: Grade K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, program specialists and teacher leaders. 

This training will take place virtually on Monday, Jan. 23, from 4–6 p.m. Register here. 

Participants will receive two PLUs for full participation. For questions, please contact Marcus Hughes at [email protected].

Dyslexia Awareness Module

OSSE is pleased to announce a new three-part dyslexia awareness module that will focus on the characteristics and identification of dyslexia; understanding and recognizing reading difficulties; and implementation of instruction that is systemic, cumulative, explicit, diagnostic, multi-sensory and evidence-based to meet the educational needs of students with reading difficulties as required by DC Code §§ 38-2581.02 and 38-2581.03.   
   
This interactive course is ideal for all educators serving kindergarten through grade 12 who lead and support literacy instruction and language development.    
 
By the end of this course, participants will:  

• Learn how to define dyslexia and reading difficulties.   
• Gain awareness about characteristics and indicators of dyslexia and reading difficulties.   
• Learn the importance of universal screening tools.
• Learn the components of Structured Literacy and evidence-based practices for supporting students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.   

Participants can earn up to 16 professional learning units (PLUs) for completion of all three modules. Please register here. For questions, please contact Charmelle Smith, dyslexia specialist, at [email protected]. 

WIDA Self-Paced Workshops

WIDA offers free virtual Professional Learning for all educators that can be completed at your own pace. Take advantage of interactive learning and enjoy relevant, practical content you can put into action immediately. These eight on-demand eWorkshops will be available through Aug. 31:  

• Home Languages in the Classroom 
• Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science: Making Sense of Phenomena 
• Classroom Teachers: Engaging Multilingual Newcomers 
• Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics 
• Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry 
• The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach 
• Making Language Visible in the Classroom: Explore the Key Language Uses 
• Reframing Education for Long-term English Learners (LTELs) 

To start, log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account and click on the “Professional Learning” icon.  For support or to set up a new account contact the WIDA Client Services Center at [email protected] or 1-866-276-7735.

How we can build safe spaces in our classrooms to help our scholars be more expressive and feel welcomed? Join us this coming Saturday, October 22 to learn from each other as we chat about strategies, we can utilize in our classes for the 2022-2023 school year! Register online here!

Kick off the new school year right! Teachers. Invest in you. Spots are limited! Don't miss your chance to register for PD classes starting this Saturday, October 15th!! Register online here.

Register BEFORE this coming Friday, September 9th to receive the Early Bird Discount for WTU's Fall 2022 Professional Development Courses! Download the full list of fall courses here. Interested in new tips for how to integrate technology into the classroom? Join WTU Instructor Julian King in Best Practices of Integrating Technology to Enhance Student Engagement & Assessment as he shares how to create meaningful learning activities using technology. Want to dive into the psychology and education of the exceptional student? Enroll in Dr. John Taylor's class on the Psychology and Education of Exceptional as he will give you practical tips on how to apply the psychological development of exceptional student to concrete classroom strategies. 

As the summer fast approaches, don't forget to sign up for WTU's Summer Institute of professional development courses starting next week! WTU members are entitled to a deep discount in the fees for a variety of teacher leadership and adult learning opportunities designed to enhance your professional growth. WTU’s professional development courses are research-based, peer-to-peer and solution-driven. They help teachers build content knowledge and mastery of pedagogical strategies. All WTU courses are aligned to the DCPS IMPACT Teaching and Learning Framework and Essential Practices Standards 1 through 5. Classes need at least 5 paid registrants to officially move forward.

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

WTU Spring 2022 PD Trainer Search!!!

Here is the APPLICATION to join our team of highly engaging and knowledgeable PD Trainers.

Find out more information about this amazing opportunity at the Spring 2022 WTU Trainer Recruitment Information Session, which will be held virtually April 7, 2022 @ 6:30pm-7:15pm. Please register HERE today!!!!

• Application Deadline: 4/30 @ 11:59pm
• There will be opportunities to interview with a panel between 5/1 and 5/13/2022
• Accepted Applicants will be notified by 5/20/2022.

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• Hispanic Culture & Spanish Language II (starts 4/23)
• Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching and Learning (starts 4/23)

Free WTU PD Workshops:

• Dimensions to Wellness (4/23)
• Strategies for Student Success-The Trio:  Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based & Project-Based Learning (4/16)
• Student Debt Clinic (4/19)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

Donors Choose Information Session (TODAY April 4 @ 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom)

Register HERE to attend a Donors Choose Information Session with Donors Choose Ambassador & DCPS Teacher Claire Battle who has gotten 87 projects funded!!!

SAVE THE DATE: 2022 WTU Teacher Leader Virtual Research Symposium (Sat., May 14 @ 9am-2pm)

Register HERE for an amazing lineup of research presentations on topics ranging from mental health to diversity in the curriculum to the certification/licensure process.

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• Hispanic Culture & Spanish Language II (starts 4/23)
• Social and Emotional Learning (starts 4/2)
• Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching and Learning (starts 4/23)

Free WTU PD Workshops:

• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (2-part series 4/2 and 4/9)
• Dimensions to Wellness (4/23)
• Strategies for Student Success-The Trio:  Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based & Project-Based Learning (4/16)
• Student Debt Clinic (4/19)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.

Donors Choose Information Session (April 4 @ 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom)

Register HERE to attend a Donors Choose Information Session with Donors Choose Ambassador & DCPS Teacher Claire Battle who has gotten 87 projects funded!!!

SAVE THE DATE: 2022 WTU Teacher Leader Virtual Research Symposium (Sat., May 14 @ 9am-2pm)

Register HERE for an amazing lineup of research presentation on topics ranging from mental health to diversity in the curriculum to the certification/licensure process.

Wellness Series with Aetna (all sessions are virtual @ 7:00pm-8:00pm)

Each session below is a one-hour “gift of self care” with unique perspectives and tools. Participants will find value in attending one, a few, or all the sessions to support yourself in creating a robust practice of Self Care.

Use this link to register for all or some of the four sessions:

https://artofliving.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkf-mgrD0qEtfZQOKQy_UwiRpBfShnBeLC

• April 6^th Supporting Your Mental Health and Preventing Burnout
• May 4^th Making the Impossible, Possible - Setting and Achieving Your Goals
• June 8^th Courageous Conversations: Healing Conversations about Systemic Racism

Professional Development

Additional PD highlights are posted to the PD Blog at https://www.wtulocal6.net/pdblog

Share My Lesson’s Virtual Conference Starts TODAY!

With nearly 50 free, for-credit webinars from trusted partners and education professionals, you’ll find engaging sessions that will help you feel re-energized, professionally supported, and set up for success with your students.

The 2022 Virtual Conference offers innovative sessions at no cost to participants—and you still get professional development credit! So, if you aren’t excited yet, check out these tips to ensure you get the most out of your sessions this year.

Choose Your Sessions

• Share With Your School Team
• Make Sure the Bottom Toolbar is Visible
• Utilize the Group Chat Box
• Ask Questions in the Q&A Widget
• Do Your Technology Check
• Answer the Poll Questions So You Don’t Miss Out on PD Credit
• Rate Your Experience
• Keep the Conversation Going

Register for All Sessions Now

Shout out to WTU PD Instructors!

Tina Bradshaw-Smith, Joy Newman, Eulyn Thomas, and Nadia Torney offered amazing, engaging PD sessions on the DCPS PD Day on 3/11 to approximately 350 DCPS educators. Thank you to our instructors and all our members who participated in their sessions.

WTU Professional Learning - SPRING 2022 Course Offerings

Sign up now HERE for amazing, engaging, and informative virtual spring professional development with the WTU including these upcoming classes (1 FREE class for new WTU members):

• Social and Emotional Learning (starts 4/2)
• Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching and Learning (starts 4/23)

Free WTU PD Workshops:

• Game Factor (next session TODAY 3/26)
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (2-part series 4/2 and 4/9)
• Dimensions to Wellness (4/23)
• Strategies for Student Success-The Trio:  Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based & Project-Based Learning (4/16)
• Student Debt Clinic (4/19)

Learn more and Register for all classes HERE.