Happy New Year Newsletter
January-March 2026
A note from the Director
Happy New Year, Regional Educators!
As we step into a brand-new year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the passion, resilience, and dedication you bring to your students and schools each day. The work you do shapes futures, strengthens communities, and inspires hope across our region.
This mid-year milestone is a powerful reminder of how far you’ve already come—and how much opportunity lies ahead. As you return to your classrooms and leadership roles, may you feel energized, supported, and confident in the impact you are making. Your commitment to learning and growth is evident, and the second half of the school year is full of promise because of you.
Let’s finish this year strong—together. May the months ahead bring renewed joy in your work, meaningful connections with students and colleagues, and continued success in all the important things you do.
Wishing you a bright, fulfilling, and joyful New Year!
Thanks,
Brooke Hughston, Ed.S.
UM-RIEC Director
UM Regional Inservice Education Center
Wills Hall, Station 6450
Montevallo, AL 35115
205-358-8543
Office of Student Learning
Please view the new site for OSL. Dr. Melissa Shields updates this site regularly. You can also find information for each section under OSL. OSL SITE
Dr. Melissa Shields, NBCT
Assistant State Superintendent
Alabama Department of Education
Facebook: AlabamaDepartmentofEducation
Alabama Technology in Motion
Check out the Spring 2026 list of ATIM Regional offerings including TEAMS credit sessions!
Contact:
Angela Clark, Ed.S., NBCT
Instructional Technology Specialist
University of Montevallo
aclark@atim.us
Alabama Principal Leadership Development System
Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program:
The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) and the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) have partnered to provide all new principals in the state with one-on-one mentoring support from a trained mentor. The Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program provides a long-term relationship between a new principal mentee and a trained principal mentor who fosters their professional, academic, and personal development. Because the challenges of stepping into the principal role are unique, this program is designed specifically to support new principals in their leadership journey, rather than assistant principals.
Contact:
Anna Shepherd-Jones, Ph.D.
Professional Learning Section
Alabama State Department of Education
Email: anna.jones@alsde.edu
Phone: (334) 694-0785
The Learning Exchange
We have two more sessions in the Secondary Learning Exchange Series. There's still time for secondary leaders to join our cohort.
Region 7-UM - Session #3 Master Scheduling/ Data Analysis February 6, 2026
Region 7-UM - Session #4 Authentic Assessment March 19, 2026
Office of Mathematics Improvement
There's still time to join OMI if you are a District Leader or School Administrator! Check out the sessions below and be sure to register in PSPL Course #334170
Office of School Improvement
Contact:
Angelin Ponraj
Education Specialist
Office of School Improvement
Alabama State Department of Education
angelin.ponraj@alsde.edu
678.836.5031
OSI Support Request
This can be support in regard to PST, PLCs, incorporating ACAP resources in Tier I instruction, incorporating ACT strategies/resources in Tier I instruction, and modeling strategies for teachers (to just name a few)
We provide a Principal's Checklist for elementary, middle, and highschool
OSI and some of our other state partners are offering Virtual Literacy Labs. Here is a brief description along with a link to register for them:
Join us for an engaging professional development series focused on enhancing literacy instruction across all grade levels. This virtual professional learning series is designed for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of literacy strategies, improve student engagement, and foster a love of reading and writing in the classroom. Throughout the series, participants will explore evidence-based practices, innovative teaching techniques, and effective assessment strategies that promote literacy development. REGISTER HERE
Office of Extended Learning
Contact:
Jeff Norris
Office of Extended Learning
Alabama State Department of Education
jeff.norris@alsde.edu
Contact Jeff Norris if you are interested in any of the stand alone PD opportunities
University of Montevallo Homecoming Schedule
Join us for this year's homecoming festivities.
Are you a UM Alum? Check out all of the many ways to stay connected to UM.