Region 10 Collaborative Newsletter
August 2026
June 2, 2026
June 3, 2026
June 9, 2026
June 10, 2026
June 15-17, 2026
June 24, 2026
June 25, 2026
July 9, 2026
July 16-17, 2026
The South Alabama Research and Inservice Center supports National Board Certified Teacher candidates through their NBCT professional learning journey. This academic year all educators seeking National Board certification in Region 10 are welcome to attend the monthly support sessions. However, we will need you to pre-register using the PowerSchool number listed on each section. This will help us provide the needed materials and support providers at each session. The monthly cohort meetings will meet in Loxley (South), Jackson (Northwest), Monroeville (Northeast), and at USA (Central).
USA RIC National Board Certification: Is the Journey Right for You? PS#255271
August 20, 2026 | 4:00-6:00PM | Virtual
Based on research, the National Board developed five core components and professional teaching standards that describe the knowledge and practices that accomplished teachers use to positively impact student learning. The National Board certification journey for an educator is dynamic, flexible, and personal. This course offers detailed instructions on application procedures, an overview of the process, helpful resources, grant information, and tips for preparing for the National Board certification. In addition, candidate support providers will be assigned to small groups of educators per component to assist with the certification process.
In this session, a National Board certified teacher will share an overview of the National Board process, the components, the core propositions, and the standards. There will be a time for sharing helpful resources, discussing the support offered to National Board certification candidates, and general questions and answers. The goal after the session will be for educators to read the standards for his or her certification area before the September session. There will be a time for component questions and answers with an NBCT coach.
USA RIC Launch Your National Board Journey! Find Your Stride! The First 90 Days; Boost Your Momentum and Stamina; Conquer Your Video Anxiety PS#347248
September 3, 2026 | 4:00-6:00PM | Virtual
In this session, Bobbie Faulkner, NBCT, will guide candidates through planning their first 90 days, boosting their momentum and stamina, and conquering video anxiety. Designed to empower educators as they navigate the National Board journey, this session will equip candidates with the tools to start strong, maintain forward progress, and confidently overcome hurdles related to video recording their practice.
USA RIC Choose a Destination: National Board Certification PS#270004
In this session, National Board Certified Teachers will share an overview of the National Board process, the components, the 5 Core Propositions, and the standards. There will be a time for sharing helpful resources, discussing the support offered to National Board Certification candidates, and general questions and answers. The goal after the session will be for educators to read the standards for his or her certification area before the October session, as well as assigned parts of Bobbie Faulkner’s books provided by SARIC. There will be a time for component questions and answers with an NBCT coach.
USA RIC National Board Certification: Maintenance of Certification PS#258268
October 20, 2026 | 4:00-6:00PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
Have you heard the news? There is a new process for National Board Certification renewal called Maintenance of Certification (MOC). Attend this session to learn about the steps to take for continuing your prestigious distinction of being a National Board Certified Teacher. MOC must be started in your fourth or fifth year of certification. Even if you attain initial certification this year, attend this session to learn about the ongoing collection of evidence for your Professional Growth Experience.
USA RIC Design Your Route: Component Overview, Certificate Options, Supporting Resources; Organizing for Component 4 PS#283996
In this session, all candidates will focus on understanding Component 4 during the first 30 minute activity. Then, returning National Board candidates will work in small groups to investigate the components using the book, Successful Strategies for Pursuing National Board Certification: Version 3.0 by Bobbie Faulkner. New National Board candidates will review the component guidelines in small groups. NBCT resources such as ATLAS and social networks (Facebook, Twitter) will be shared. There will be a time for component questions and answers with an NBCT coach.
USA RIC Plan Your Trip: Choosing Component(s), Planning for Component 2 PS#283999
In this session, all candidates will focus on understanding Component 2 during the first 30 minute activity. Then, returning National Board candidates will work in small groups to investigate the components using the book, Successful Strategies for Pursuing National Board Certification: Version 3.0 by Bobbie Faulkner. New National Board candidates will focus on writing and editing including writing guidelines. Collaboratively, educators will review the rubrics and how to be a reflective writer. There will be a time for component questions and answers with an NBCT coach.
USA RIC Boarding Pass to Board Certified: Mapping Out Your Components PS#347483
December 11, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Weeks Bay Reserve Tonsmeire Resource Center (Fairhope, AL)
In this session, NBCT candidates will unpack the components and build a highly realistic, step-by-step itinerary for exactly what they need to do when they return to school in January. This session is designed for candidates whose portfolio timeline got off track, who are staring at a blank page unsure of how to start, or who are returning to the drawing board to plan a resubmission. The session will begin with a keynote led by NBCT author, Bobbie Faulkner. Candidates will leave with a personalized, action plan, practical strategies to gather evidence in real-time, and the confidence to kick your certification journey into high gear. Your boarding pass is ready—it’s time to take flight!
USA RIC Engaging in the Artistic Process PS#346862
September 2, 2026 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
Join us for an engaging, hands-on professional learning experience designed for arts educators, lead administrators, and LEA Arts Coordinators.
With the rollout of the new Alabama Arts Course of Study, this session provides a focused, in-depth look at the standards to help you feel confident and prepared for implementation in the upcoming school year.
Participants will engage in an interactive arts-based learning experience alongside artist Kathleen Kirk Stoves, Mobile Site Director of Amp Up Arts, who will model the artistic process—creating, performing, responding, and connecting—bringing the standards to life in meaningful and practical ways. Attendees will also learn about grant opportunities available to support arts education in their schools.
USA RIC Engaging in the Artistic Process PS#346862
September 3, 2026 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | USA by the Bay (Fairhope, AL)
Join us for an engaging, hands-on professional learning experience designed for arts educators, lead administrators, and LEA Arts Coordinators.
With the rollout of the new Alabama Arts Course of Study, this session provides a focused, in-depth look at the standards to help you feel confident and prepared for implementation in the upcoming school year.
Participants will engage in an interactive arts-based learning experience alongside artist Kathleen Kirk Stoves, Mobile Site Director of Amp Up Arts, who will model the artistic process—creating, performing, responding, and connecting—bringing the standards to life in meaningful and practical ways. Attendees will also learn about grant opportunities available to support arts education in their schools.
USA RIC ACT Instructional Mastery Science PS#347150
September 2-3, 2026 | 8:00AM-2:30PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
The ACT Instructional Mastery Science course provides candidates with the information necessary to facilitate effective ACT Science test preparation, identify and recommend test-taking strategies, and understand test structure and content. This course is highly interactive and practical and provides an opportunity to share ideas and teaching techniques with colleagues.
USA RIC Fueling the Future: Integrating Workforce Data and Career Exploration in the K-12 Classroom PS#342502
September 9, 2026 | 8:00AM-11:00AM | Mobile Chamber of Commerce
TEAMS & APLDS Approved
The purpose of this professional study is to engage instructional leaders in aligning K-12 career awareness with regional economic development. Participants will examine local workforce data to identify high-demand career sectors and explore the Learning Blade platform as a tool for connecting classroom instruction to these specific industry focus areas.
Participants will apply these insights to develop an Action Plan for their school or district. Data used to create Action Plans will include, but is not limited to: (a) regional economic indicators, (b) industry-identified workforce needs, and (c) student needs.
USA RIC Library Leaders 2026-2027 PS#349004
September 9, 2026 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
Focus: Bringing Learning Outcomes to Life
K–12 library leaders are the cornerstone of dynamic, future-ready learning environments, shaping how students and teachers access and create meaning from information. This professional learning series empowers participants to elevate their library programs through hands-on Makerspace engineering, community-centered literacy advocacy, and sustainable grant-writing strategies. Throughout the year, we will also dive deep into AI integration, equipping librarians with practical tools to streamline administrative tasks and enhance instructional impact, all while fostering regional collaboration through targeted school visits and shared expertise.
USA RIC Ellevation Exploration: Student Profiles, Data-Driven Instruction for ELs using Strategies and Documenting Student Progress PS#332898
September 10, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
Participants will:
Leverage key information in the Student Profiles
Identify opportunities to support students in their language growth
Utilize Ellevation Strategies, modules and/or activities to enhance instruction and provide unparalleled support for ELs/MLs throughout your district
Understand how to use Forms to gather educator input and document decisions
USA RIC Alabama's Teacher Observation Tool: An Overview for Administrators PS#269813
September 17, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
APLDS Approved
Alabama Achieves, the strategic plan of the Alabama State Department of Education, specifically focuses on providing students with highly effective teachers. The ALSDE has partnered with Cognia in creating a teacher observation tool that provides educators with specific areas of strengths/growth and aligns with the Alabama Core Teaching Standards. The instrument also assists educators in developing professional development plans and choosing informed professional learning experiences. In this session administrators will be able to
- Understand the Teacher Observation Tool
- Utilize the Teacher Observation Tool for classroom observation
- Calibrate scores on the Teacher Observation Tool
USA RIC Writing Revolution 2.0 Book Study (4th-12th Grade) PS#342162
October 22, 2026, November 5, 2026, and December 3, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Virtual
This 3-part series offers K-12 educators a research-based roadmap for transforming writing instruction using The Writing Revolution 2.0 (Hochman & Wexler, 2025). Participants will learn more about how to teach writing through a set of discrete, manageable skills that are embedded into explicit writing instruction. This interactive book study will provide opportunities for participants to discuss key components and implementation, analyze current curriculum/instruction, and explore/integrate The Writing Revolution 2.0 into writing lesson planning.
A complimentary copy of The Writing Revolution 2.0 (Hochman & Wexler, 2025) will be provided to the first 30 Region 10 educators to register for the session. To receive the the book, you must be actively teaching or working for a school district in Region 10.
USA RIC Summer Learning By Design PS#346814
October 19, 2026 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | Virtual
Target Audience: This session is designed for district leaders and individuals that are responsible for planning summer learning experiences.
Join the ALSDE Office of Extended Learning to create successful summer programming for K-12 students, reflect on summer 2026, and begin initial planning for summer 2027. Topics of focus include creating an implementation timeline, seeking additional funding sources and partnerships, and crafting a unified and empowering vision for summer success. Participants will walk away with immediate ideas to integrate and targeted areas of growth to explore further. Let's design a quality program together!
Teacher Leader Academy: A Journey of Influence PS#348631
Session 1: October 20, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | USA College of Education & Professional Studies
Session 2: December 7, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | USA College of Education & Professional Studies
Session 3: February 23, 2027 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | USA College of Education & Professional Studies
John Maxwell says, “A leader is one who knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way.” Teacher leadership is no longer optional. Its importance in student learning, teacher retention, school culture, and innovation is demonstrated by research and practice. Great things happen when teachers lead from both inside and outside their classrooms. This transforms the education profession and creates an environment in which students and adults flourish. Join Jeff Norris, 2024 Alabama Teacher of the Year, in a cohort designed for: teachers who want to grow their leadership capacity in a non-administrative setting.
USA RIC Clotilda: The Exhibition, A Teacher's Workshop on Deliberation in the Classroom PS#347976
October 27, 2026 | 8:30AM-11:30AM | Africatown Heritage House
Bring local history to life in your classroom! This professional learning experience will focus on supporting teachers with the historical knowledge and instructional tools needed to teach the 4th grade ALCOS 15c, “Explain how Africatown was established, describing the challenges its founders overcame and the ways they built community.” Participants will explore primary sources, museum resources, and community narratives, translating complex historical events into age-appropriate, standards-aligned lessons.
The Transfer Effect-Leading Adult Learning That Lasts PS#346258
Part 1: October 29, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
Part 2: February 3, 2025 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
It is well-established that adults learn differently than students. However, many district and state education leaders are not fully equipped with an adequate understanding of how adults learn best, how to structure adult learning, and the qualities of an effective facilitator of adult learning. This PLU will guide participants through a process of building an adequate knowledge base, self-assessing areas of strength and growth opportunities, and creating an implementation plan that adjusts their practice based on new learning.
USA RIC Library Leaders 2026-2027 PS#349004
November 19, 2026 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
Topic: Literacy Advocacy from the Library to the Community
K–12 library leaders are the cornerstone of dynamic, future-ready learning environments, shaping how students and teachers access and create meaning from information. This professional learning series empowers participants to elevate their library programs through hands-on Makerspace engineering, community-centered literacy advocacy, and sustainable grant-writing strategies. Throughout the year, we will also dive deep into AI integration, equipping librarians with practical tools to streamline administrative tasks and enhance instructional impact, all while fostering regional collaboration through targeted school visits and shared expertise.
APLDS
Join us for the following FREE APLDS Clock Hour-Approved Sessions! Register soon to secure your spot!
2026-27 APLDS Aligned Impact Series: Self to System Network Sessions PS#347844
Session 1: September 25, 2026
Session 2: November 5, 2026
Session 3: February 4, 2027
USA College of Education & Professional Studies | 8:30AM-3:30PM
Connect, Collaborate, and Grow with Regional Network Sessions!
Invest in your leadership through a new professional learning opportunity designed specifically for Alabama principals and assistant principals. The APLDS Aligned Impact Series: Self to System Network Sessions bring together regional school leaders to learn alongside researchers and national experts.
The series includes three 6-hour, in-person sessions offered in September, November, and February at locations across Alabama. Each session is also available virtually, delivered as three 2-hour online sessions to provide greater flexibility.
Strengthen your leadership, build meaningful professional connections, and collaborate with regional colleagues to create lasting impact in your schools and districts.
Office of Student Learning
Visit the new OSL website by clicking here!
Ongoing updates are continuously added on the OSL Running Updates page
AMSTI & Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM)
AMSTI–USA is pleased to share an important update regarding upcoming professional learning opportunities. AMSTI is in the planning phase for Summer Professional Learning offerings. These upcoming sessions will continue to support teachers and administrators across Region 10 in strengthening instructional practices, deepening content knowledge, and implementing high-impact strategies that directly benefit student learning. A complete listing of professional learning opportunities can be reviewed at www.amstiusa.org regularly for updates and newly released events.
Click here to view the AMSTI Monthly Newsletter!
AMSTI ASIM Congratulates Mary G. Montgomery High School! Earth and Space Science teacher,Ms. Virginia Hall, has been named Alabama’s Rural Science Teacher of the Year and is now a national finalist for the same honor.
We invite you to come learn, collaborate, and grow with us as we continue building excellence in mathematics and science education across Region 10!
Office of Mathematics Improvement
Please visit the OMI Website for more information regarding their upcoming sessions.
Alabama Technology in Motion
Please contact USA-ATIM specialists, Timothy Johnson, to support your school or district's technology professional learning needs.
Educators can join ATIM specialists once a month as they discuss tech in education on the podcast TIM TALKS
Alabama Reading Initiative
ARI Quick Links to Support the ALA Implementation
Use the following link for a current list of links: Quick Links to Support the Alabama Literacy Act Implementation
English Learner
Quick Links
ALSDE EL Family Engagement Padlet
Alabama Achieves - English Learners
Important Dates At-A-Glance:
September 3: EL Office Hours
September 8-11: Ellevation for Beginners In-Person Training Window
**See schedule for training dates and locations near you
September 23-25: ALL Fall PD Window
**See schedule for training dates and locations near you
October 6: Ellevation Virtual PD for EL Coordinators & Specialists
October 22: EL Quarterly Administrator Meeting
(In-Person Location TBD)
The Academic Language Learning (ALL) Training Series is coming across Alabama! This exciting statewide professional learning opportunity is designed to support all learners through academic language.
Join educators from across the state for practical, evidence-based strategies that strengthen Tier I instruction, support English learners, and benefit every student in the classroom. Participants can also earn APLDS credit and clock hours while learning, connecting, and collaborating with colleagues.
Registration is now available. Choose the location and date that work best for you and join us for this one-day training experience! Click the link below for more details.
WIDA Virtual training topics and dates have been calendared for the 2026-2027 school year. We are also excited to announce that we will have representatives from WIDA present in-person at both the AMTESOL and MEGA Conferences. Make plans now to attend! For session details and dates, visit the EL PD Hub or use the link below.
WIDA Self-Paced Workshops
Available through August 31, 2026
Access high-quality, on-demand professional learning designed to strengthen language development and instructional practices for multilingual learners.
ALDSE Office of Student Information Systems
As we kick off the new school year, the Alabama PowerSchool Coaches have a full schedule of professional development opportunities designed to help your staff prepare for a successful start of school.
Attached are the August 2026 PowerSchool SIS and PowerSchool Special Programs training calendars. These sessions are offered virtually and many are available multiple times, making it easy for staff to attend the session that best fits their schedule.
PowerSchool SIS Training Topics
Some of this month's featured sessions include:
- Ensuring Accurate Data for Start of Year
- Attendance Refresher
- Enrollment, Withdrawals & Transfers
- Walk-In Scheduling & Schedule Changes
- PowerTeacher Pro
- Schoology Start of Year & Passback
- Course Templates in Schoology
- Lesson Planner
- PowerBuddy for Schoology & Lesson Planner
- Analytics & Insights (Dashboard Basics, Student Plans, and Interventions)
- Campus PD+
- New Discipline Workflow
- No Show Process
PowerSchool Special Programs Training
Our Special Programs team also has a great lineup of sessions covering topics such as:
- New Students & Transfer Envelopes
- Student Transfer Review & Data Flow
- Amending Documents (Including In-State Transfers)
- English Learners
- Standard Reports Overview
- Summer Updates
- Gifted Updates
- New Special Education Teacher Bootcamp
- Monthly PSSP Office Hours with Jill and Sam (No registration required)
These sessions are especially beneficial for Special Education teachers, coordinators, and district administrators working within PowerSchool Special Programs.
To register for any session, search PSPL Course #348072. Sessions are offered multiple times throughout the month, and repeated offerings contain the same content.
SDE PowerSchool Coach Monthly Training SY 2026-2027 - Section Details - Professional Learning
Please share these training opportunities with administrators, counselors, registrars, attendance staff, teachers, Special Programs staff, and anyone else in your district who would benefit from attending.
We look forward to seeing you throughout August as we continue supporting districts for a successful 2026–2027 school year!
ALSDE Office of School Improvement
OSI Docs and Tools
- Alabama Coaching Framework - Coaching Framework Presentations and Documents
- Principal Calendar - Presented at Mega
- OSI Mega Sessions - Presentation Links
- Secondary ELA COS Resources
- OSI Website
Youtube (Recorded PL)
OSI also has a new Facebook page. Please consider following us on social media!
Virtual Literacy Labs are back! The next lab will be Wednesday, October 8 at 3:30. They are ONLY thirty minutes, but full of strategies, information, and fun! Don't miss out on these Literacy Labs brought to you by our Literacy Specialists, ALSDE Instructional Services' Natalie Hubbard, and ARI / The Alabama Reading Initiative's Misty Wilson.
Sign up in Powerschool by clicking here: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/pdAdmin/courseSearch/viewPdCourseDetails?courseId=335924&type=CourseCatalog
Instructional Services
Alabama Literacy Association (ALA) Fall Conference 2026
November 5-6, 2026 | Birmingham, Alabama
*Cost not provided by SARIC
Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ACTM) Fall Forum 2026
November 5-6, 2026 | Montgomery, Alabama
*Cost not provided by SARIC
ASAHPERD Fall Conference 2026
November 15-17, 2026 | Orange Beach, Alabama
*Cost not provided by SARIC
ATLAS Resources
ATLAS is normally a resource for National Board Certification, but it can also be used by teachers for personal growth or incorporated into district teacher induction programs.This resource is open to our full-time, public school educators in Alabama. Please feel free to reach out to saric@southalabama.edu for an account.
ACAP Resources
ACAP Checklist & Presentation
- OSI has developed an ACAP checklist and presentation to assist educators with various tools and resources developed by ALSDE & DRC.
Accessing Proficiency Scales
ALSDE has developed proficiency scales that can be used by teachers and students. The link below shares how to access those proficiency scales.
South Alabama Transition Summit for Caregivers: Moving From High School to Adulthood
Join us for a day of information, resources, and connections to help families prepare for the transition to adulthood. Learn about transition planning, special education rights, post-secondary education and training, independent living, employment, and community resources. Connect with local agencies, enjoy lunch and networking, and participate in an interactive panel Q&A.
*For parents, caregivers, and adults supporting youth in transition. Due to venue requirements, minors may not attend. Thank you for your understanding.
*This event will be held in the Second Floor Collaboratory Room
SARIC Fall Governing Board Meeting
September 17, 2026 | USA College of Education and Professional Studies
Please join us for the Fall Governing Board Meeting on September 17, 2026. All teachers, administrators, counselors, and librarians are invited to attend. A list of current board members can be found below. Please email saric@southalabama.edu for more information.
