PLP Insider for September 2020

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Office of Public Instruction

PLP Insider for September 2020

Big Idea #1 - FAQ of the Month: Renewal Unit Requirements

Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, we will highlight a frequently asked question (FAQ) related to professional learning in each edition of the PLP Insider.

The Administrative Rule of Montana (ARM) 10.57.215 Renewal Requirements clarifies what professional learning opportunities may be eligible for OPI Renewal Units. The professional learning opportunity must be:

  • a planned and structured experience,
  • of benefit to the educator's professional development as defined in ARM 10.55.714,
  • an exposure to a new idea or skill or an extension of an existing idea or skill,
  • consistent with PK-12 public school curriculum.

Professional learning staff is available to help providers determine if a professional learning opportunity meets the ARM. You can contact us at OPIRUPS@mt.gov with questions.

More FAQs are Available on our Professional Learning Website


Big Idea #2 - Supporting Educators in Their Own Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

TransformEd understands that educators (adults in school settings) need to focus on their own well-being and emotions. The SEL for Educators Toolkit is designed to help guide professional learning providers through the process of facilitating SEL professional learning for educators.

Check Out the SEL for Educators Toolkit by TransformEd


Big Idea #3 - Open Office Hour with OPI Professional Learning Staff

We know that professional learning providers have questions and may want to discuss specific situations with OPI Professional Learning staff. We will start hosting an Open Office Hour at the conclusion of the monthly Professional Learning Provider (PLP) Network Collaborative. The first Open Office Hour is Tuesday, September 15, at 4:30 p.m. Join the PLP Network Collaborative at 3:30 p.m. and stay on the call for Open Office if you have questions!

Learn More About the PLP Network Collaborative


PLP Network Collaborative Information

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Reminder: The next Professional Learning Provider Network Collaborative is on September 15th at 3:30 p.m. The calendar information is on the Providers Professional Learning website. By request, we will be discussing the challenges of providing professional learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Administrators, educational leaders, and educator professional learning providers are all welcome! Let's learn from one another.


For more information, please contact:

  • Carli Cockrell, Professional Learning Coordinator, (406) 444-0769 or carli.cockrell@mt.gov
  • Providers may direct questions to professional learning staff by emailing OPIRUPS@mt.gov

This message is sent to all County Superintendents, Curriculum Directors, District Superintendents, the Professional Development Network, and approved Renewal Unit Providers. More information about Professional Learning can be found on the Professional Learning webpage.  


The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, TTY 406-444-0235.