CFISD PL Update Teacher Edition
MAY 2024
This Month's Top 3
Greetings,
We are pleased to provide you with the PL Monthly Update for May! As you scan the update, be sure to check out this month’s TOP 3:
#1: How to Access our PL Monthly Updates (present and past)
You are just a few clicks away from easy access to PL Monthly Updates – present and past. Rather than dig through old emails, consider adding the current PL Monthly Update to your favorites by bookmarking it. To do so, click the star icon to the right of the web address above. To access past PL Monthly Updates, scroll down to the bottom of this page and click the PL MONTHLY UPDATES button.
#2: Summer Reading: E-Book Library in CFPGS
Many of you have already discovered that you have 24/7 access to a collection of E-Books within CFPGS! What better time than now to embrace a new way of accessing professional literature? Accessing our e-book collection is a powerful way to meet your need to read. Our collection is always growing, so scroll down to learn how to access the collection, and start your summer reading!
#3: Summer Quantum Learning Sessions
We will kick off our summer line-up of Quantum Learning Excellence in Teaching course offerings on June 10th! Quantum Learning offers proven methods, grounded in research from the neuro- and cognitive sciences, which assist educators in orchestrating cognitive-rich environments and experiences that equip their students for academic and personal success. Session details are provided below.
As always, we welcome your continued feedback. If you have ideas that we might consider for further refinement of PL Updates, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Take care,
Glenda, Torine, Tonya, Belinda, and Pat
While many non-educators think that teachers spend their summers sitting poolside, eating bonbons, and sipping beverages, teachers know that the summer months are all about prepping for the upcoming academic year. And while all teachers deserve a big dose of rest come summertime, many spend their summer months focused on their teaching practice by taking advantage of summer professional development opportunities. Thankfully, many summer professional development opportunities for teachers are equal parts fun and educational. We’ve highlighted a few below.
SUMMER AEL & CF-TESS TRAINING FOR NEW & ASPIRING ADMINISTRATORS
We’ve released summer training dates for the 3-day Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL) and 2-day Cypress-Fairbanks Teacher Evaluation and Support System (CF-TESS). The target audience for these offerings includes new and aspiring administrators who have either earned their Principal Certification or are in the progress of doing so.
As you may know, in preparing new administrators for the appraisal process, they are required to receive training in our locally adopted appraisal system -- the Cypress-Fairbanks Teacher Evaluation and Support System (CF-TESS). Additionally, Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL), or its predecessor Instructional Leadership Development (ILD), serves as a prerequisite to our CF-TESS Appraiser Training.
As of August 2015, AEL replaces Instructional Leadership Development (ILD) as the new prerequisite for the teacher appraisal system. Those previously trained in ILD do not need to complete AEL training.
Session information and registration details are included in the flyer referenced below.
Check out this flyer if you need or desire to fulfill these requirements.
SUMMER LINE-UP OF QUANTUM LEARNING
We will kick off our summer line-up of Quantum Learning Excellence in Teaching sessions in June. Don't miss out sign up TODAY!
In Essentials, a two-day course, teachers discover what neuroscience reveals about the development of conceptual understanding and the impact of social-emotional factors on learning, gain a clear understanding of the Quantum Learning System, and practice applying new techniques in a supportive environment.
In Classroom Culture & Management, a two-day course, participants dive into the Quantum Learning System as they explore the prerequisites for an engaging, focused, and cognitive-rich classroom culture -- one built on a sense of safety, support, and belonging.
In Design & Delivery for Learning, a two-day course, participants use Quantum Learning’s Delivery Cycle and Design Guide to create the most effective lesson structure so standards become relevant to students.
Participants will earn 14 off-contract professional development hours for participation in each 2-day learning opportunity, as well as 2 hours of GT credit. Please note that you will need to attend both days of training in order to receive the 2 hours of GT credit. Consider joining us for these powerful days of learning.
POINTS ON PROFESSIONALISM
If you’ve ever had the experience of preparing for a party based on the number of guests who respond that they will attend, and then on the day of the party, only a fraction of the guest list attends, you know how frustrating (and expensive) that experience can be. It isn’t that different from a professional development session. Last-minute meetings, sick kids, your best friend calls with concert tickets - whatever the case, things come up. However, because instructors use the enrollee count to order materials and food, it is important to take a moment to cancel your registration in My Learning via the Cypress-Fairbanks Professional Growth System (CFPGS). This not only prevents the waste of unused materials and time -- it is also the professional thing to do.
E-BOOK LIBRARY IN CFPGS
You are just a couple of clicks away from 24/7 access to dozens of professional books in a digital format. Simply log into CFPGS and click on the E-Books tab from the top navigation bar.
Check out the newest E-Books available now!
Cultivating a Classroom of Calm: How to Promote Student Engagement and Self-Regulation
Meredith McNerney
Transform your chaotic classroom environment into a classroom of calm by fostering community, trust, and self-reflection.
Calm is a choice. The key to a calm classroom isn't students who are obedient or quiet but students who feel empowered and safe. It starts with you as the teacher and your ability to foster an environment that supports emotional awareness, psychological safety and belonging, and connected relationships.
In Cultivating a Classroom of Calm, mindfulness coach and former principal Meredith McNerney will help you promote student engagement and self-regulation using strategies grounded in neuroscience research.
Classroom Assessment Essentials
Susan M. Brookhart
Classroom assessment is a vital part of teaching. It helps make student learning—or a lack thereof—visible so that teachers can adjust teaching practices and better support learners. But designing and implementing reliable assessments is a complex process. In this comprehensive book by assessment expert Susan M. Brookhart, you will learn the foundational concepts and practical skills necessary to be successful with classroom assessment. Organized into 21 essentials, the book addresses everything from using pre-assessment before starting new lessons to communicating with parents about their child’s academic growth.
SUPPORTING NEW TEACHERS
Lead Mentors at every campus are equipped with proven strategies for mentoring novice teachers and preparing campus mentors to meet the needs of novice teachers during the Phases of First-Year Teaching. Each new teacher is paired with a mentor and meets regularly while developing relationships that involve trust, open communication, and collaboration.
Mentoring is a partnership created to help support new teachers by providing an experienced teacher to discuss topics confidentially and provide guidance.
In preparation for the 2024-25 school year, start considering who will be your Lead Mentor for the next year. We are gearing up for our Lead Mentor Summer Seminar! Please share the following information with your new or returning Lead Mentor. They should register for the appropriate session.
Lead Mentor Summer Seminar
Lead Mentor share sessions are scheduled throughout the year to provide them with crucial information for their role. The following share sessions will be held on July 17, 2024:
- New Lead Mentor Summer Seminar from 9:00-11:00 am at the MHAB (Section # 56494)
- Lead Mentor Summer Seminar For All Lead Mentors from 1:00-3:00 pm via Zoom (Section # 56495)
Lead Mentors should register in My Learning.
Check Out Our New Teacher Induction Webpage
You are just a click away from additional resources to support Lead Mentors, Mentors, and New Teachers. Simply click HERE.
Feel free to reach out to tonya.dixon@cfisd.net with questions or concerns.
SUPPORTING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AT THE CAMPUS-LEVEL
Professional Learning Liaisons are specifically chosen at each campus to serve in the role based on their knowledge and willingness to help others grow. As the school year begins, PLLs help monitor staff’s progress in completing the beginning of the year Compliance Courses. In addition, PLLs assist staff with accessing professional development transcripts and records and share information about professional development opportunities.
Professional Learning Liaisons Summer Kick-Off
The next Professional Learning Liaison Share Sessions will be held on July 16th:
- New Professional Learning Liaisons Summer Kick-Off from 9:00-11:00 am at the MHAB (Section # 56421)
- New and Experienced Professional Learning Liaisons Summer Kick-Off from 1:00-3:00 pm via Zoom (Section # 56423)
PLLs are reminded to register in CFPGS.
Feel free to reach out to torine.champion@cfisd.net with questions or concerns.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Because we know that you continuously seek opportunities to grow, we encourage you to explore two available resources that are just a couple of clicks away.
- Leadership Development Resources – visit here to find information regarding the district’s Leadership Institute Series
- Graduate Resources – this one-stop-shop provides various graduate programs for those seeking principal certification and/or a M.Ed., Ed.D., or Ph.D.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The professional learning department is committed to providing support, building capacity, and cultivating talent by partnering with departments across the district to provide research-based professional development that can translate into improved student achievement and overall school effectiveness.
The team offers educators a continuum of support services through multiple professional learning opportunities. From new teacher induction and mentoring to the teacher appraisal process, leadership development, and Quantum Learning, the Professional Learning staff strives to provide high-quality, job-embedded professional learning for all stages of professional growth. The essential functions of the department are as follows:
- Cypress-Fairbanks Professional Growth System (CFPGS)
- New Teacher Induction and Mentoring
- Teacher Appraisal Process
- Graduate Cohorts and Resources
- Districtwide Professional Development
STAFF DIRECTORY
Director for Professional Learning
281-517-6008
Torine Champion, Ed. D.
Coordinator for Professional Learning
281-897-4032
Tonya Dixon, Ed.D.
Professional Learning Specialist
281-517-6589
Belinda Sepulveda
Secretary to Director for Professional Learning
281-897-4069
Pat Bice
Secretary for Professional Learning
281-517-2118