Thankful for Great Course Offerings and YOU!
The holidays are fast approaching, and the new school year is already flying by. All of us at the Hub are certainly thankful for all of Montana’s great educators, and we are also grateful that we can bring these terrific, facilitated courses to you! (And, as with all Hub courses, totally free for you!) Number of hours/renewal units and course run dates are below each listed course.
Note: No facilitated courses will run in December as it is a busy time for all Hub participants, but enrollment opens December 12th, 2021, for the courses above that will begin in January. Mark your calendars!
Veteran Teacher? First-Year Teacher?
Whether you are a seasoned teacher who has seen many classes pass through your doors, or a relative newcomer who is just starting to make your impression on the world of education, we have some great self-paced offerings for your ongoing professional development!
Also, check out our Course List for a 'cornucopia' of other great courses you may be interested in!
'Tis the Season for Gratitude and Great Information!
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~ Albert Schweitzer.
So often those who have lit the flame for others are EDUCATORS! Be that educator!
“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” ~John F. Kennedy.
That note of gratitude from a thankful parent or student continues to keep our professional flame lit! Be that educator who inspires others in such a way that they are grateful and thankful they had you in their school and in their lives!
“Great teachers empathize with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built upon.” ~ Ann Lieberman.
Be that teacher who integrates Social-Emotional Learning strategies throughout your classroom every day! Please check out the link to view the new OPI Social Emotional Learning website!
Helpful Hub Tip of the Month: When you create an account on the Hub, you agree to the Terms of Use. Please take a moment to read through the terms. They are the guidelines for participation on the Teacher Learning Hub. There are some things that are never allowed on the Hub, and it is good practice to be aware of the guidelines. We want everyone to always have a positive experience and to be able to participate fully in this invaluable free resource!
Happy Thanksgiving to our Montana Educators!
Visit us at the link above to set up an account and sign up for courses.
Course List | Catalog | Calendar
Questions? Contact Allyson Briese or Marti Paugh
opilearninghub@mt.gov | 406.444.3557
Mathematics Instruction: Priority Math Standards
As districts, schools and teachers make decisions about what to focus on in mathematics instruction this year, consider using this resource linked on our OPI Mathematics 2021-2022 Planning Resources page. This resource from Student Achievement Partners provides guidance for the field about mathematics content priorities by leveraging the structure and emphasis of college-and-career-ready mathematics standards. Each grade-level-specific document shows where students and teachers should spend the majority of their time in order to meet the expectations of the Standards. Suggestions for supporting work and additional work are also provided.
Free Resources from "Computer Science (CS) is Elementary"
The mission of “CS is Elementary” is universal K-5 computer science education. One way that they are supporting their mission is by providing this Every School Can Starter Pack. This starter pack includes free resources from the top national computer science organizations.
The Power of Positive Math Identities
How often do you hear people say, “I never was very good at math”? Or we hear some of our students groan when it is time for math or are quick to give up and say, “I can’t do math.” Many people even get a feeling of anxiety when faced with doing math. In this short article, Guiding Students to a Healthy Math Identity, Deborah Peart underscores the importance of developing positive math identities in our students. She suggests several ways to do this, including using the real-world contexts around us to explore mathematical ideas. Creating positive classrooms where students have many opportunities to engage in mathematical discourse can help students develop deep understandings, while also developing confidence in their own abilities. The author notes that a teacher’s attitudes about learning mathematics are contagious within the classroom, and she provides suggestions for creating our own positive attitudes towards mathematics. Supporting our students’ positive math identities is powerful and sets them up for continued success in their learning.
Questions for our Mathematics Instructional Coordinator?
Contact Sonja Whitford | sonja.whitford@mt.gov or 406.444.0706
Professional Learning FAQ: What are PIR days?
PIR days, or pupil instruction related days, are part of Administrative Rule of Montana 10.55.714 Professional Development. Schools dedicate a minimum of three PIR days exclusively for professional development. PIR professional development is part of the school's professional development plan and is developed through an advisory board and approved by the local board of trustees. The PIR professional development plan outlines how, when, and from whom educators and specialists shall meet their PIR professional development expectations. Educators may also receive renewal units for PIR professional development.
Looking for Professional Learning? Check the Learning Opportunities Portal!
Have you checked out the OPI Learning Opportunities Portal lately? The Learning Opportunities Portal is a website dedicated to sharing information about workshops, trainings, and conferences happening across the state in one central location! Customize your search using the filter bars and find professional learning that matters most to you and your students!
How Descriptive Inquiry Can Support Educators
Mentorship and colleague relationships are important for educator growth. Descriptive inquiry is a process that can be used by formal and informal mentors and colleagues to help empower educators to work through the challenging aspects of day-to-day teaching. Take a few moments to read about descriptive inquiry and see how you can integrate it into the professional learning you provide.
Questions for our Professional Learning Coordinator?
Contact Carli Cockrell | carli.cockrell@mt.gov or 406.444.0769
NEW Announcements and Opportunities, along with the Calendar!
Please take a minute to review the expansion of the Montana Office of Public Instruction's Science Page. There is now more available for you in a timely manner, such as:
- Professional Learning Opportunities,
- Grant Opportunities,
- Curricular Activities,
- and Conferences!
The opportunities include outreach programs from universities and from Environmental Education Programs, just to name a few. There may be something there that you have been hoping for!
Questions for our Science Instructional Coordinator?
Contact Michelle McCarthy | mmccarthy5@mt.gov or 406.444.3537
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, Relay Service: 711.
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