AVAILABLE TO REGION 1 (UNA) ONLY Do you feel that keeping your middle school kids engaged is a problem? Do you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up? Well, so do the rest of us. Let's look at ways to keep them engaged (mostly) without losing your sanity.

AVAILABLE TO REGION 1 (UNA) ONLY This 6 module course will assist teachers and school administrators in developing strategies and habits for navigating mental health within the classroom. Participants will gain valuable information about the intersection of trauma, mental health management, development of relationships, and classroom engagement. You will need a Gmail address to gain access to the Google classroom and complete assigned work. Participants can work at their own pace, as long as all work is completed no later than May 13th at 11:59p.m.

AVAILABLE TO REGION 10 (USA) ONLY This session will equip school and district leaders with meaningful and applicable research that will assist them in leading significant learning gains with their student populations. The science of learning research encompasses the questions surrounding how educators can teach students in ways that they can take what they learn and apply it to new situations. This session will provide leaders with specific and practical strategies to help teachers teach for transfer of learning so that students learn and achieve at high rates.

This professional learning experience is designed to help school leaders maintain high expectations for educational teams and learners by focusing on the quality of instruction in their schools that emphasizes evidence-based strategies to improve teaching and learning as outlined in the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS). This experience will promote a culture of ongoing, collaborative professional learning that builds collective efficacy and leads to student learning (adapted from the Alabama Standards for School Leaders: Instructional Leadership - 2b, 2f).

In this informative session, classroom observers gain invaluable insights into effectively applying the Cognia Scoring Rubric to accurately and consistently rate the instructional practices of classroom teachers. Participants will leave the session with increased skill, confidence, and readiness to conduct post-observation conferences. The professional learning experience will focus on - Viewing teacher practices through the lenses of implementation, authenticity, and effect on learners - Assigning rating values to observed teacher practice by correlating ATOT items with Alabama Core Teaching Standards - Providing a common language and understanding of effective teaching - Conducting post-observation conferences using a six-step protocol

The Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC) is our premier educational technology conference designed to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to leverage technology effectively in the classroom. Held annually, this conference offers a comprehensive program featuring concurrent sessions, hands-on workshops, inspiring keynote presentations, and valuable networking opportunities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world as we know it, leading to countless innovations and advancements across various fields. This technology has immense potential, and when used effectively, it can change the way we work, learn, and live. Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science that involves the development of intelligent machines that can work and learn like human beings. AI utilizes advanced algorithms and technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to simulate human-like behavior. In this PLU we will explore and discover the positive and negative impacts of AI and how we can use it to transform education.  

Common-Sense Best Practices for Digital Citizenship is a comprehensive professional learning unit offering a blend of in-person and online resources. It empowers educational leaders to equip teachers, students, and stakeholders with the skills for responsible, safe, ethical, and lawful technology use. Digital Citizenship evolves alongside the emergence of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, applications, and websites, shaping the digital landscape for both educators and learners. The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) mandates vigilance regarding children's exposure to inappropriate online content. CIPA establishes obligations for schools and libraries, particularly those benefiting from the E-rate program, to develop and enforce Internet safety policies. These policies must address various aspects, including preventing minors' access to harmful content, ensuring their safety during online interactions, curbing unauthorized activities like hacking, safeguarding personal information, and implementing measures to shield minors from potentially harmful materials. 

This hybrid professional learning experience provides both face-to-face and online content to support educational leadership and productivity in a technological world focusing on communication, collaboration and creativity. For this professional learning unit, school administrators will work with the Technology in Motion specialists to learn and improve productivity using Google tools and develop skills using effective strategies to better support their teachers and improve student learning, motivation, and achievement.

This professional study equips school leaders to effectively use Google tools to share their visionary leadership with all stakeholders. Delivered entirely online, the course consists of an introductory module, five learning modules, and a final project. The final project allows participants to apply their learning by integrating Google tools into their leadership practices.