Region 10 Collaborative Newsletter

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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).

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.

October 20, 2026 | 4:00-6:00PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies

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.

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!

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!

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.

October 22, 2026, November 5, 2026, and December 3, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Virtual

APLDS Approved

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.

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.

3-Part Series

October 27, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Chickasaw High School

January 12, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Chickasaw High School

February 2, 2026 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Chickasaw High School

The Classroom Organization and Management Program (COMP) is a research-based, research-proven professional development program that can help educators learn to create and manage an effective learning environment in the classroom. Workshops focus on establishing conditions for learning. Participating teachers in the workshops find their classrooms foster student academic achievement and have reduced discipline problems.

Topics and outcomes include:

* learning about research on successful classroom management,
* analyzing actual classrooms in light of best practices,
* reflecting on classrooms, and
* planning specific strategies for enhancing classroom learning environments.

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.

October 29, 2026 | 3:30PM-6:30PM | USA College of Education and Professional Studies

The purpose of this professional learning session is to discuss a classroom-management framework designed to strengthen classroom structure, routines, expectations, and student leadership. Participants will engage in a simulated learning environment that models how to create organized classroom procedures that support positive classroom culture through clearly defined expectations and leadership roles.

Participants will examine the foundational components of the Ship System and explore how structured classroom-management practices can reduce teacher stress and strengthen classroom-management self-efficacy. Through collaborative activities, guided reflection, modeling, and scenario-based application, participants will analyze strategies for implementing routines, procedures, transitions, and student-accountability systems within their own classroom settings.

In the session, participants will:

Identify the core components of the Ship System classroom-management model.
Examine how classroom structure, routines, and expectations contribute to effective classroom management and teacher confidence.
Explore strategies for implementing student leadership and peer-accountability roles within the classroom environment.
Apply Ship System strategies through interactive modeling and classroom-management scenarios.
Reflect on potential challenges and supports needed for successful implementation within their own teaching context.
Develop an initial implementation plan for integrating Ship System routines and procedures into their classrooms.
The professional study is grounded in experiential-learning practices and is designed to provide novice teachers with practical classroom-management tools that can be implemented immediately within the learning environment.

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.

Join us for the following FREE APLDS Clock Hour-Approved Sessions! Register soon to secure your spot!

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.

For more information, contact Sonya Scott, sonya.scott@alsde.edu.

October 13, 2026, October 14, 2026, & January 20, 2027

Take your professional learning to the next level by choosing the topics that matter most to you. Select from three engaging virtual skill sessions, each focused on a key area of school leadership. Sessions are delivered in two 1.5-hour parts, Part 1 in October and Part 2 in January, making it easy to participate during or after the school day.

Choose from these timely topics:

• A Proactive and Holistic Approach to School Security

• Leading Through Conflict

• Creating Vibrant Learning Communities

Whether you want to deepen your expertise in one area or participate in all three, the choice is yours. Build the skills that best support your leadership journey!

For more information, contact Sonya Scott, sonya.scott@alsde.edu.

AL-MTSS Website

Visit the new OSL website by clicking here!

Ongoing updates are continuously added on the OSL Running Updates page

AMSTI-USA is pleased to share upcoming professional learning opportunities. These sessions will continue to support educators 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.

Please visit the OMI Website for more information regarding their upcoming sessions.

Attention K-5 Administrators and Assistant Principals!

The Everyone Counts professional learning series is designed to support school leaders in building systems for shared leadership, accountability, and continuous instructional improvement. Participants will learn how Curriculum-Based Professional Learning (CBPL), unit planning, lesson planning, PLCs, and coaching work together to improve student outcomes.

Save the Dates

• Session 2 (Virtual) | December 8-10, 2026
• Session 3 (In-Person) | January 21 or January 28, 2027

• Session 4 (Virtual) | February 23-25, 2027

We encourage all principals and assistant principals to register early and mark their calendars for this valuable learning opportunity.

For additional information, visit the Office of Mathematics Improvement website.

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

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

Quick Links

ALSDE EL Google Site

2026-2027 ALSDE EL PD Catalog

ALSDE EL Family Engagement Padlet

Alabama Seal of Biliteracy

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)

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.

The ALSDE contract with Language Link provides districts and schools across the state with access to on-demand Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), over-the-phone, and translation support services.

• Interpretation services can be accessed from a computer, phone, or through the Language Link app.
• Users must complete a 30–40 minute virtual training before receiving platform credentials.

Available through August 31, 2026

Access high-quality, on-demand professional learning designed to strengthen language development and instructional practices for multilingual learners.

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

• ACIP Support Site

• ACAP/ACT Resource Page

• 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

Library Media Newsletter

Physical Education Newsletter

Social Studies Newsletter

We are writing to invite you to participate in a research study we are conducting entitled,

Exploring Screen Uses in Schools. We are conducting this study through the University

of Alabama as faculty researchers.

The purpose of the study is to explore perceptions of screen uses in schools including

benefits and risks to inform the Alabama Governor’s Commission on Screen Uses in K-

12 Schools. Results may inform policy & professional development opportunities

provided at the local and state level.

You have been selected to participate in this study as a (parent, teacher, principal,

superintendent, IT staff) working in a public school/system in Alabama. This survey is

voluntary and anonymous. See full details in the participant consent form, linked below.

https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZaDSbxu1oOxWqq

Please contact us by email cjkerch@ua.edu if you have any questions.

October 28, 2026 | Talladega, Alabama

Registration fee: $35

Register NOW for the best rate!

Late Registration/Onsite $40
(after deadline date)

Deadline for Talladega Rally October 21, 2026

Professional Development Hours

3 Hours of Professional Development through PowerSchool (you must register through PowerSchool to receive professional development) and social work CEUs will be offered. Certificates of Attendance will also be available.

*Cost not provided by SARIC

November 5-6, 2026 | Birmingham, Alabama

Registration fee: $35

Register NOW for the best rate!

Late Registration/Onsite $40
(after deadline date)

Deadline for Talladega Rally October 21, 2026

Professional Development Hours

3 Hours of Professional Development through PowerSchool (you must register through PowerSchool to receive professional development) and social work CEUs will be offered. Certificates of Attendance will also be available.

November 2-4-2026 | Gulf Shores, Alabama

Join us for the XL Conference, an energizing experience designed to inspire, connect, and equip afterschool & summer education leaders from across Alabama. Through interactive sessions, engaging discussions, and collaboration with colleagues, attendees will discover practical strategies and fresh ideas they can apply in their afterschool and summer programs.

Come ready to learn, collaborate, and think bigger about what’s possible. Register today using the link below—we look forward to seeing you there!

Registration Link

*Cost not provided by SARIC

November 5-6, 2026 | Montgomery, Alabama

Keynote Speakers

Graham Fletcher and John SanGiovanni

Schedule

Thursday, November 5: Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue through 4:00 p.m.

Friday, November 6: Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. The closing session will end at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Each day will include a 90-minute lunch break. Lunch is on your own at a local restaurant.

Registration

Early-bird registration rates are available through October 18.

Please Note

ACTM Fall Forum registration is for the November 5 and 6 conference only. It does not include the Forefront Preconference on November 4. If you plan to attend both events, you must register for each event separately.

*Cost not provided by SARIC

November 15-17, 2026 | Hoover, Alabama

Our Fall Conference is our largest conference and is attended by more than 600 professionals. With vendors and social events, the ASAHPERD Fall Conference is one of the premier professional development opportunities for health educators, physical educators, recreation professionals, and researchers.

*Cost not provided by SARIC

January 30, 2027 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama

We’re excited to share an opportunity to present at our ALNBCT Network 2027 Conference . Teachers who are making an impact through innovative and engaging classroom practices are encouraged to apply. Click the link below to apply !

You do not have to be an NBCT to present!

Deadline to apply : October 30, 2026

*Cost not provided by SARIC

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 Checklist & Presentation

• OSI has developed an ACAP checklist and presentation to assist educators with various tools and resources developed by ALSDE & DRC.

ALSDE has developed proficiency scales that can be used by teachers and students. The link below shares how to access those proficiency scales.

Earn your Doctor of Education in Teacher Education at the University of South Alabama
Advance teacher workforce development with a Doctor of Education in Teacher Education in the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama. Designed for current and aspiring instructional coaches and educators across the state and Gulf Coast region, this 60-credit-hour doctoral program blends applied leadership, research and practice through video, online and limited face-to-face instruction—without stepping away from full-time professional responsibilities.

Choose Your Path.

• Elementary Literacy – Lead literacy coaching and diagnostic decision making
• Elementary Numeracy – Strengthen mathematics coaching and instructional supervision
• Secondary Teacher Education – Support the development of middle and high school educators, including special education

Designed for Professionals.

• K–12 teachers, instructional coaches and district leaders
• Educators ready to lead teacher development

Launching Fall 2026
Scan QR Code to Learn More or visit SouthAlabama.edu/EdD-Teacher-Ed

Email: saric@southalabama.edu
Website: https://www.southalabama.edu/centers/saric/
Location: 75 South University Boulevard, Mobile, AL, USA
Phone: (251) 380-2741
Facebook:@SARICUSA
Twitter: @USASARIC

Instagram: @SouthAlabamaRIC