Instructional Practices Courses
Teachers play a vital role in student achievement and have a direct impact on student outcomes. Our Instructional Practices courses support teachers in improving overall effectiveness and delivery of high quality instruction for the students they serve. These courses reflect high priority needs areas related to instructional practices.
The First Years: Classroom Setting
This course provides teachers with practical tools to develop a classroom management plan, improve communication, and foster a positive classroom culture. Teachers will learn...
AI in Education
Join Joel Medley as he hosts various education stakeholders for a discussion of AI in schools. You will hear the perspectives of an administrator,...
Science of Reading 5: Vocabulary
In this course, learners are introduced to best practices for vocabulary acquisition by honing in on actual classroom scenarios to assess reading levels, deepen...
The First Years: Relationships First
This course helps teachers develop essential skills and strategies to create a supportive and effective learning environment. Participants will learn how to build strong...
Science of Reading 6: Comprehension
In this course, learners are introduced to best practices in reading instruction with a focus on comprehension, aligned to the science of reading as...
The First Years: Classroom Assessments
This course provides a top-down view of strategically integrating assessments throughout the year by exploring five key types, common implementation challenges, and highlighting effective...
The First Years: Growth Mindset
Teachers will learn practical strategies for cultivating and maintaining a growth mindset throughout the school year. They will also discover how adopting a growth...
Science of Reading 4: Fluency
In this course, learners are introduced to best practices in reading instruction with a focus on fluency, aligned to the science of reading as...
Game-Based Learning
This session offers the transformative power of game-based learning. You will learn about various game-based learning elements and be guided through a plan to...
How to Interpret Student Data
In this course for teachers, learners will explore the FRAME data cycle for interpreting a collection of quantitative and qualitative data. They will learn...
How to Nurture Student Reflection in Class
Discover techniques to integrate authentic reflection into teaching practices for enhanced student learning. This course emphasizes cultivating analytical skills, integrating new knowledge with prior...
Science of Reading 3: Phonics
In this course, learners are introduced to best practices in reading instruction with a focus on phonics, aligned to the science of reading as...
Webinar: Effective Research-Based Strategies
Educators always want to adopt research-informed practices, but when do you have time to do the research and find strategies that you know will...
Grading Calibration Bundle: Rubric Use & ELA Applications
This five-hour course bundle is specifically focused on middle school and high school ELA teachers as it works to develop a deep understanding of...
Science of Reading 2: Phonological Awareness
In the second course of the Science of Reading series, learners will focus on effective approaches to teaching phonological awareness as outlined by The...
AI for Educators: Practice
After having spent time in the AI Theory course learning about the implications of this technology in the classroom, this course will bring you...
How to Facilitate Student Feedback
Peer feedback is a valuable tool that students can use to improve their work and gain a life-long skill of listening with others. This...
Science of Reading 1: Foundations
Reading is foundational for all content within schools, so this first course in a larger series introduces learners to the best practices of reading...
AI for Educators: Theory
This course builds upon the foundation created by the first course in the series – “AI for Educators: Introduction.” Specifically, this course moves the...
AI for Educators: Introduction
This course offers an overview of AI in life and then turns to considerations of the classroom. First, the learner will see a brief...
Differentiation Basics for Every Classroom
Have you wondered why differentiation in the classroom is so important? In this session, you will dive into the basics of differentiation and explore...
Using Nearpod to Spark Student Learning with Quick Inquiry
This session will demonstrate how to customize Nearpod ready-made lessons to help offer students choice during your small group times. With a focus on...
Empowering Students through Collaborative Problem Solving
This session focuses on students working collaboratively in classrooms so that they own their learning. Using a problem-solving method makes the content come alive. ...
Virtual Teaching Observation: Secondary [Private]
Recognizing that our ever-changing world needs resilient educators who exhibit passion and bring learning to life daily, this course aids in the preparation of...
Virtual Teaching Observation: Elementary [Private]
Recognizing that our ever-changing world needs resilient educators who exhibit passion and bring learning to life daily, this course aids in the preparation of...
Targeted Instruction 102
Teachers who use targeted instruction promote deeper learning through activities and assessments. This intentional sequencing of rigor results in differentiated instruction. This course examines...
Targeted Instruction 101
Targeted Instruction provides teachers an opportunity to scaffold instructional activities to encourage deeper learning. It is about intentionally sequencing rigor levels in a variety...
Your Reading Teacher Philosophy
The idea that reading is fundamental cannot be debated. It is a bedrock concept of education. This course aims to inspire educators on their...
Stride Tutoring Training Guide
This course provides an overview of the dashboard, tutoring expectations, the online session tool, templates for use, and final thoughts on becoming a Stride...
Grading Calibration 5: Conclusion
This final course in the Grading Calibration series culminates the learning through a final exercise, comparison with expert opinions, and concluding thoughts. This course...
Grading Calibration 4: Middle School
This fourth of five courses in the Grading Calibration series continues the application of your learning about grading calibration as you score actual papers....
Grading Calibration 3: Research Papers
This third of five courses in the Grading Calibration series continues the application of your learning about grading calibration as you score actual papers....
Grading Calibration 2: Literary Analysis
This second of five courses in the Grading Calibration series will provide you with an understanding of what calibration is as you practice scoring...
Grading Calibration 1: Introduction
This first of five courses in the Grading Calibration series will provide you with foundational knowledge about what calibration is, why it is important,...
How to Scaffold
Appropriate use of scaffolding to support student learning is a vital strategy in the classroom as it promotes a student’s individual, academic growth. This...
Classroom Edutainment
Do the facial expressions of your students indicate a disconnect with the lesson? Have they said they are bored in class? Well, one possible...
Instructional Practices Courses Coming Soon!
The Science of Reading Series
Clock Hours: 1.0
This series will discuss the science of reading and offer real-world opportunities for application of reading principles.
New Teacher series
Clock Hours: 1.0
This 6 part series is designed to prepare new teachers over the summer for that 1st day of school.
Instructional Practices Free Resources
Positive Note
from course: The First Years: Relationships First
What gets appreciated gets replicated! Teachers can reinforce positive behavior through simple note to students and parents. Check out this template.
AI Ideas for Schools & Classrooms
A 9 page document with ideas around AI for teachers and leaders to consider for implementation. This includes videos and exercises for you to experiment with the tools for personal practice.
Teacher & Leader Responses to Student Trauma
A list of supportive responses for students facing trauma – from the whole-school (leader) and individual class (teacher) level.
Game-based Learning Resources
Ideas and links to help you seamlessly infuse game-based learning into your classrooms.
Teaching with imPACT Resource
Use this guide to see what Passion, Accountability, Courage, and Trust look like in schools.
Holistic Rubric Best Practices
Far too often, we struggle with rubric implementation. Here is a detailed two-page document that helps by explaining holistic rubrics, offering an exemplar, and taking your thinking deeper than before.
50 Easy Student Rewards
Teachers use rewards regularly as part of a classroom management plan, so here is a template that you can use for your elementary students.
Simple Math Lesson Plan Template
If you are looking for a lesson plan template to teach math content, here is a sample for you. Download, complete, and use!
Backward Lesson Design Template
This template coincides with our blog focusing on Backward Lesson Design.
New Teacher Tips
Ten simple tips to get you off to a GREAT start in your 1st classroom
AI Examples for the Classroom
Five ways to change a traditional task to use AI within the assignment.
Professional Development Planning Frame
This simple tool guides you in creating a plan for your own personal or professional learning.
AI Resources for Educators
From Promising Practices 24, this resource shares prompting tips for generative AI, ideas on how to implement the tools, and a few “do” and “don’t” tips.