Regional Inservice Education Center

Dear Region 7 educators and administrators,

Thank you—for your tireless efforts in the classroom and for the unwavering dedication you show to our children each and every day. Your persistence in guiding, encouraging, and believing in students—especially when the work is demanding—does not go unnoticed.

We know this work is hard. It asks for patience, creativity, and resilience. Yet the impact of what you do reaches far beyond today’s lesson plans. The care you invest now will benefit our children tenfold, shaping not only their academic growth but their confidence, character, and hope for the future.

As you continue forward, I encourage you to hold fast to persistence and to the belief that the next generation is worthy of every ounce of effort you give. Your work matters. You matter.

I also invite you to enjoy this newsletter, which is filled with a wealth of summer learning opportunities designed to support, inspire, and recharge you. May this season offer moments of growth, reflection, and well-earned renewal.

With deep appreciation and optimism for the future,

Brooke Hughston, Ed.S.
Director

Regional Inservice Education Center

University of Montevallo

Wills Hall Office 119

205-358-8543

Office of Student Learning Lead Contacts

Dr. Melissa Shields

Assistant State Superintendent

mshields@alsde.edu

OSL Website and OSL Running Updates

• Alabama Reading Initiative - Mrs. Bonnie Short

• AMSTI - Mrs. Cathy Jones

• Educational Technology - Mrs. Sue Ellen Gilliland

• Instructional Services - Mr. Sean Stevens

• Office of School Improvement - Dr. Joseph Garner

• Professional Learning - Mrs. Telena Madison

Updates from the following sections can be found at the OSL Running Updates page.

By clicking on the blue hyper-link, you will be redirected to PowerSchool Professional Learning. If you have any issue registering, please reach out to UM- RIEC Director, Brooke Hughston.

brooke.hughston@montevallo.edu

Pictured left to right, Jodie Lawley, McKayla Hester, Michelle Brakefield, Nancy English, Louise Carey, and Stacie Gulley.

6/3/26 Time Matters: Leadership Strategies for Master Scheduling (virtual)

Time: 9am-10am

Facilitator: Jodie Lawley and Michelle Brakefield

Target Audience: Elementary Central Office Leaders, School Principals, Assistant Principals

CEU:556279

APLDS:556283

Description: An effective master schedule is a powerful tool school leaders have to support teaching and learning. Participants will explore leadership strategies for building schedules that reflect clear instructional priorities and honor the non-negotiables necessary for student success. Leaders will learn to protect the “big rocks” that anchor high-impact schedules, from recommended instructional minutes to collaborative structures. The session will feature sample schedules and practical models that illustrate how schools of various sizes bring these priorities to life. Participants will leave with a vision for creating a master schedule that maximizes time, supports equitable access, and aligns with their school’s mission.

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7/13/26 Run the Play, Not the Report: Moving from Scoreboard to Scorebook

Time: 8:30am-9:30am

Facilitator: Jodie Lawley and Michelle Brakefield

Target Audience: Central Office Leaders, K-12 Principals, K-12 Assistant Principals

CEU:556303

APLDS:556305

Description: Tired of data meetings feeling like one more draining task in an already impossible day? This high-energy session reimagines data conversations by moving beyond the traditional “scoreboard” mindset—where we rank winners and losers—and shifting toward a coaching-inspired approach that drives growth. Participants will explore why surface-level results fall short, uncover the deeper insights hidden beneath the data, and learn practical strategies for leading focused, engaging data meetings that spark clarity, ownership, and action. Get ready to transform data from charts and spreadsheets into a powerful tool for understanding processes, guiding growth, and driving real instructional impact that moves schools forward.

~Paired with the following~

7/13/26The Principal and Local Reading Specialist Partnership: A Key Driver of Student Literacy Success (Face-to-Face)

Time: 10am-11:30am

Facilitator: Jodie Lawley and Michelle Brakefield

Target Audience: Ideally (though not a requirement), this would be most beneficial for Principals and Local Reading Specialists to attend as a school team.

CEU:556307

APLDS:556310

Description: This session will help participants deepen their understanding of collaborative partnerships by exploring what makes an effective principal–LRS relationship. Attendees will develop clarity around the unique roles each partner plays within Student-Centered Coaching and how intentional collaboration can strengthen coaching practices. Ultimately, the session will highlight how a strong principal/LRS partnership can maximize instructional impact and positively influence student achievement.

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7/15/26 Powerful Paragraphs

Time: 8am-9:30

Facilitators: Nancy English and Stacie Gulley

Target Audience: K-5 teachers, Local Reading Specialists, SPED teachers, Interventionists, EL teachers

CEU:556311

APLDS:556312

Description: Powerful Paragraphs is a focused professional learning session grounded in research and practical application. Participants will explore what the research says about writing, why writing is essential to student learning across content areas, and when students should be explicitly taught and expected to use writing skills. The session also provides clear, actionable guidance on how to effectively teach students to craft strong, well-developed paragraphs that demonstrate clarity, coherence, and evidence-based thinking.

~Paired with the following~

7/15/26 Write On! Empowering Young Writers through SRSD Strategies

Time: 10am-11:30am

Facilitators: Nancy English and Stacie Gulley

Target Audience: K-5 teachers, Local Reading Specialists, SPED teachers, Interventionists, EL teachers

CEU:556316

APLDS:556319

Description: Join us for an engaging professional learning session, “Write On! Empowering Young Writers through SRSD Strategies.” In this session, K–3 teachers will explore evidence‑based techniques for strengthening early writing instruction using the Self‑Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model. Educators will learn how the POWeR and TIDE strategies help young students organize ideas and structure their writing with confidence. Through collaborative discussions, hands‑on activities, and real classroom examples, participants will see how explicit instruction and positive self‑talk support developing writers. Get ready to inspire your students and elevate their writing skills!

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7/16/26 Dyslexia Awareness Training-Dyslexia: An Overview

Time: 8:30am-11:30am

Facilitators: McKayla Hester, Louise Carey and Stacie Gulley

Target Audience: K-12 General Ed. Teachers, SPED Teachers, EL Teachers, Administrators, Interventionists

CEU:556323

APLDS:556327

Description: This session is designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia, as well as those with the characteristics of dyslexia, encounter daily. We hope this experience will provide insight into working more effectively with these students and lead to greater empathy and understanding.

~Paired with the following~

7/16/26 Seeds of Speech, Roots of Reading: The Power of Language in Reading and Writing

Time: 11:30am-1:30pm

Facilitators: McKayla Hester and Louise Carey

Target Audience: K-5 teachers, EL Teachers, Interventionists, SPED Teachers

CEU:556328

APLDS: Not available for APLDS credit

Description: Before the first page is turned, or the first word is written, literacy begins with a single, powerful element: language. This session brings the connection between language, reading, and writing to life. We will explore how intentional talk and structured discourse plant the seeds for reading and writing success. Discover practical, engaging strategies rooted in language development that can be immediately applied in the classroom to strengthen comprehension, expression, and overall literacy growth. Walk away with fresh insights and tools to elevate student learning through purposeful language experiences. Join us to plant the seeds of lifelong literacy!

~ Also paired with the following~

7/16/26 Unlocking Meaning: From the Word Level and Beyond

Time: 2pm-3:30pm

Facilitators: McKayla Hester and Louise Carey

Target Audience: K-5 teachers, Local Reading Specialists, SPED teachers, Interventionists, EL teachers

CEU:556333

APLDS: 556334

Description: This professional learning session is designed to support educators in understanding how meaning is constructed across multiple levels of reading – from the word and beyond. This session highlights the role of oral language, vocabulary, and background knowledge in supporting students’ ability to make meaning at the word, phrase, sentence, and paragraph levels. Educators will engage in practical strategies that demonstrate how these components work together to strengthen reading comprehension. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to intentionally connect instruction at all levels, ensuring that literacy practices support all learners in becoming meaning-focused readers.

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7/29/26 An Overview of the ELA COS Standards 2021 (virtual)

Time: 8:30am-3:30pm

Facilitators: Ginger Henderson and Vironica Simmons

Target Audience: K-5 General Ed. Teachers, SPED Teachers, EL Teachers, Administrators, Interventionists, Newly Hired Local Reading Specialists

CEU:556335

APLDS: 556324

Description: This professional learning will provide K-5 educators the opportunity to delve into the 2021 Alabama Course of Study: English Language Arts (ELA COS). Participants will have an opportunity to explore the content and grade-level standards. Participants will be able to interact with, not only teachers who teach the same grade, but other grade-levels to explore the similarities and differences as students move through the progression of English Language Arts standards across grade levels.

6/11/26 ACAP Text-Dependent Writing (Virtual)

Time: 8:30am-11:30am

Facilitator: Misty Wilson

Target Audience: 4-8 Instructional Coaches, Administrators, and Teachers

CEU:556438

Description: The Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) features a text-dependent writing (TDW) portion for second through eighth grade students. This professional learning session will guide participants to a new deeper understanding of the TDW portion of the assessment. Participants will analyze the cognitive complexity of TDW and explore instructional strategies for student success. Participants will develop next steps for classroom instruction and take away information to guide long term planning.

6/25/26 The Lexicon Lab: Advanced Word Study (Virtual)

Time: 9am-11am

Facilitator: Misty Wilson

Target Audience: Grades 4-8

CEU:556292

APLDS:556297

6/25/26 The Fluency Factor: Reframing Fluency in 4th-8th Grade Classrooms (Virtual)

Time: 1pm-3pm

Facilitator: Misty Wilson

Target Audience: Grades 4-8

CEU:556298

APLDS:556300

Soundwall 101

“ Children learn to read from Speech to Print .” This statement is considered “settled science” among the most knowledgeable and trusted experts in the field of education. So, what is the implication for educators…? We must teach children to read “ from speech to print ”. In this professional learning session, educators will: Examine the research basis of the Sound Wall Study the structure of a Sound Wall Practice correct articulation of each of the 44 phonemes of the English language Practice using the Sound Wall as the anchor for building phonemic proficiency and making the speech- to-pr int connection. This session is based upon the research of V. Fromkin, R.Rodman, and N. Hyams, along with Louisa Moats, Hollis Scarborough, Mary Dahlgren, and Antonio Fierro

Grounded in Science; Soaring in Practice

The single most impactful resource in the classroom is the teacher! There is no program, no curriculum, no theory, no app that can give a child the gift of literacy better than a passionate and effective teacher! The research of Joyce and Showers (2011) gives us a roadmap for strengthening teacher knowledge and practice—an approach proven to make an immediate and measurable positive impact on student learning. The “Roots and Wings” literacy project follows the research with an intentional multi-step approach to giving educators roots and wings.

Full 6-hour day of face-to-face training: during this session, educators engage in in-depth learning about the science of reading, implementation science, and data-driven decision making. Participants explore the research behind key practices and instructional strategies, observe demonstrations of these practices, and have opportunities to practice and refine the strategies themselves.

Ellevation Exploration: Student Profiles, Data-Driven Instruction for ELs using Strategies and Documenting Student Progress (Beginner Course)

PSPL: 559776

September 11, 2026

8:30 am-3:30 pm

Session Description:

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 throughout your district

• Understand how to use Forms to gather educator input and document decisions

Audience: K-12 Content teachers, EL teachers, EL specialists, EL district coordinators, administrators, instructional coaches, local reading specialists

Click here for the current EL Education Newsletter

UM RIEC PSPL: 559376

Presented by: Dr. Melissa Shields

3 hours

June 2

9:00-12:00

We know too well that many of our students have experienced trauma, deeply affecting their foundational wellness, as well as their academic performance. Dr. Shields will share information, resources, and instructional tools to arm educators with a better knowledge to address these critical needs. She will also review ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) research and how ACEs impact resiliency, stress, and learning.

7/9/2026 From Distraction to Action: Evidence-Based Strategies for ADHD (Virtual)

Time: 9am-11:30am

Facilitator: Elizabeth Green

Target Audience: K-12

PSPL: 559587

Description: Managing a classroom where one or more students have ADHD requires more than just patience—it requires a specialized toolkit. In this interactive 2.5-hour session, we will demystify the ADHD brain and explore why traditional discipline often falls short. We’ll shift the focus from "fixing" behavior to "priming" the environment for success.

7/9/26 Moving Beyond the Basics: Effective Tier 2 & 3 Behavioral Interventions

Time: 12:30pm-3pm

Facilitator: Elizabeth Green

Target Audience: K-12

PSPL: 559589

Description: When standard classroom management isn't enough, how do we support our most vulnerable students? This session dives deep into the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, specifically focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 strategies. We will explore how to identify students in need of targeted intervention, implement data-driven strategies, and develop intensive, individualized plans for students with significant behavioral challenges. Participants will leave with a toolkit of evidence-based practices designed to improve student outcomes and reclaim instructional time.

Time: 8:30am-10:00am

Facilitator: Kristie Shankles

Target Audience: K-5 Educators and administrators

CEU:555938

Description: Grounded in Alabama Administrative Code and ALSDE guidance, this session clarifies the teacher’s role in documenting interventions, analyzing student response to instruction, and collaborating effectively during PST meetings. Participants will review required components of high-quality intervention planning, progress monitoring expectations, and the connection between Tier I instruction, targeted supports, and individualized interventions.

6/23/26 Strengthening Tiered Instruction with AL-MTSS

Time: 10:30am-12pm

Facilitator: Kristie Shankles

Target Audience: K-5 Educators and administrators

CEU:555950

Description: This interactive virtual session is designed to deepen teachers’ understanding of tiered instruction within Alabama’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (AL-MTSS). Grounded in state guidance, participants will explore how strong Tier I core instruction serves as the foundation for student success, while Tier II and Tier III supports provide increasingly targeted and responsive intervention based on student need.

By the end of this session, teachers will leave with actionable strategies, planning tools, and increased confidence in delivering rigorous, responsive instruction that ensures access and opportunity for every learner.

6/23/26 Igniting Curiosity: Brain Based Engagement Strategies for the Classroom

Time: 1pm-2:30pm

Facilitator: Kristie Shankles

Target Audience: K-5 Educators and administrators

CEU:555974

Description:Teachers will explore practical, research-informed strategies that spark curiosity, increase cognitive engagement, and create meaningful access points for all learners within Tier I instruction. The session highlights how novelty, relevance, productive struggle, student voice, and structured collaboration increase dopamine release and deepen retention. Participants will also examine how engagement practices support not only academic growth but also behavioral and foundational wellness outcomes.

The University of Montevallo Regional NBCT Support Program is here to help support you in completing what we believe has the potential to be the most meaningful PD you've ever completed. But we also know the process can be stressful, so let us help. For years, we have worked with teachers from across the area to aid them in understanding the type of reflection and writing needed to make the most of the certification process.

Anthony Hamley will provide a session designed to introduce the process in detail and to begin to help you map out a plan of approach to become certified. We will also discuss specific logistical requirements from the National Board as well as the opportunity to join the University of Montevallo Regional NBCT Support Program and be assigned a Candidate Support Provider (CSP) to help guide you through the entire process from the beginning to end.

We are so excited to offer the 4rd Annual Deaf Ed and ASL Forum sponsored by the University of Montevallo Department of Deaf Ed and Hard of Hearing AND the University of Montevallo Regional Inservice Center. Please click the link below to review all sessions offered. Registration is for one session at a time. Once the forum concludes, all Alabama educators will receive CEUs in PowerSchool Professional Learning in accordance with sessions attended.

UM-RIEC extends gratitude to Dr. Frances Courson who worked tirelessly to bring this forum to all educators in Alabama who are interested.

Click here for AMSTI Math Training & Professional Development

Click here for AMSTI Science Training & Professional Development

CERTIFICATION

To assist local education agencies in seeking Driver and Traffic Safety Education (DTSE) teachers, ALSDE offers the Additional Certification in Driver and Traffic Safety Education. The Additional Certification in Driver and Traffic Safety Education approach is for an applicant who already holds a valid Alabama Professional Educator Certificate or Professional Leadership Certificate. The individual will need to successfully complete and earn credit for the required ALSDE basic and advanced Driver Education courses. Application forms and information pertaining to this approach can be found at https://alabamaachieves.org/teacher-center/teacher-certification/ (Additional Certification in Driver and Traffic Safety Education).

The basic and advanced courses will be offered in Wetumpka. The spring session will be taught May 18-22 and May 26-29, 2026, and the summer session will be taught July 6-10, and July 13-17, 2026, at the site indicated below.

Class Location:

Elmore County Professional Development Center

399 W. Osceola Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092

Registration and payment can be made in advance or on site the first day of class. Course credit must appear in the Professional Learning Portal.

Please complete and submit the registration form that can be found by clicking here. If additional information is needed, you may contact Mr. Jeremy Seamon or Mr. Brian Carter at 334-694-4545 or by email at jseamon@alsde.edu or bcarter@alsde.edu.

CONFERENCE

The 2026 Driver Education Summer Conference is June 16-18, 2026, at Gulf Shores Middle School in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Also, a Bus Driver Recertification Class will be offered Monday, June 15th from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. for any teachers wishing to maintain their bus certification.

The conference is open to all driver education teachers, principals, supervisors, and superintendents. The registration deadline is June 5, 2026. Please complete the registration form that can be found here. There will not be a designated host hotel since all meetings will be held at Gulf Shores Middle School.

If you have any questions concerning the conference, please contact Mr. Jeremy Seamon or Mr. Brian Carter at 334-694-4845 or by email at jseamon@alsde.edu or bcarter@alsde.edu. Additional information on session offerings is available on our website at www.alabamaachieves.org under Teachers & Administrators, Driver & Traffic Safety Education, Summer Conference.

We look forward to seeing you at this conference.

June 17, 2026: hosted by Dr. Blake Busbin

Exploring the Upper Elementary Social Studies Standards

Grades 3-5 COS

9am-11am

Description: Alabama history is expanding and is being integrated with U.S. history. Are you ready? Learn more about the new Grades 3 -5 sequence by exploring the standards, themes, and approaches. Discover curated resources, new activities, and field trip possibilities that can help you teach the new standards successfully.

Register: PSPL 559499

Making the Most Out of “Making a New Nation”

Grade 6

1pm-3pm

Description: Grade 6 social studies is changing, and how can we make the most of the new content? Explore the new standards, themes, and approaches to engaging Grade 6 students in the “Making a New Nation” course. Discover curated resources, new activities, and field trip possibilities that can elevate your approach to this grade level.

Register: PSPL 559506

June 24, 2026: hosted by Dr. Courtney Halloran

A Deep Dive into the New World History Standards

Grades 7-9

9am-11am

Description: Explore the new 2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies with a focused look at the redesigned world history band for grades 7-9. This session highlights how the C3 Framework, inquiry design, and guiding principles shape clearer expectations for student learning. Embark on a standards safari to investigate what the standards require students to know and be able to do.

Register: PSPL 559510

Surveying the High School Social Studies Standards

Grades 9-12

1pm-3pm

Description: Take a guided tour through the new 2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies as we unpack what is changing for grades 9-12. This session highlights the updated standards and what they mean for instruction and student inquiry. Teachers will explore their courses and effective social studies instruction that will bring the new framework to life.

Register: PSPL 559512

AMSTI Math 6-12 Sessions

AMSTI Science 6-8 Sessions

ASIM Science 9-12 Sessions

Science Menu Registration

BBSEI - Lichens and Bryophytes

July 8-10, 2026

Legacy: Watershed Ecology

June 17, 2026

Science

Participants MUST pre-register with Legacy: https://legacyenved.org/educator-expeditions/ in addition to the PS Registration Link

BBSEI - Bryophytes

June 8-10, 2026

Science

PS Registration link

Cyber Security Immersion Day

June 1-2, 2026

STEM

PS Registration link

No specific sessions are being hosted this summer. If you have a need to contact someone from the Office of Mathematics Improvement, please email brooke.hughston@montevallo.edu

Applications Due May 1, 2026 — Alabama STEM Teacher Externship Program (STEP)

The Alabama STEM Council’s STEM Teacher Externship Program (STEP)) is now accepting applications for Summer 2026! STEP places K–12 teachers inside local business and industry settings for firsthand exposure to real-world STEM applications. Choose from a 3-day Immersive or 1-day Exploratory format, with sessions available June 8 through July 17. Participating teachers receive a daily stipend and professional development credits. Don't miss this opportunity to bring your classroom to life with industry connections that inspire your students.

Apply for the Alabama STEM Teacher Externship Program.

For questions, contact Rene McNeal at rene.mcneal@workforce.alabama.gov or (205) 420-2168.

UM-RIEC Session: PSPL: 559369

July 7th, 9-10:30 AM CST

Take an hour to become familiar with the Encyclopedia of Alabama (EOA), a free online resource covering the state’s history, culture, and natural resources. Attendees will learn multiple ways to navigate EOA to locate content that supports course of study standards across the curriculum (including career/tech, science, social studies, language arts, and more). The session will also examine teacher-created classroom activities that enhance local connections to lessons by using Alabama-related materials. Participants will leave with strategies for adopting this valuable free resource—previous participants have said they wish they had known about EOA earlier. A stipend is available to the first 25 teachers who register and attend the full session. Twelve-month contracted employees are not eligible for the stipend.

Time: 9am-11am

Facilitator: Haley Ridgeway and Hannah Bradley

Target Audience: K-12 Educators and administrators

CEU:556435

Description: Join us for a practical, teacher-friendly introduction to Alabama’s newly approved 2025 DLCS Course of Study. Designed for K–12 educators across all subject areas, this session will help you understand what the new standards mean for your classroom. We’ll cover key updates, state requirements, and crosswalks to previous standards. You’ll also learn how the DLCS Unpacked Content breaks each standard into key vocabulary, knowledge, skills, and understandings, making planning clear and manageable. See what DLCS looks like in real classrooms and explore ready-to-use lessons and resources available through ALEX. The 2025 DLCS COS will be required for implementation in the 2027-2028 school year.

7/8/26 Getting to Know the 2025 DLCS COS

Time: 9am-11am

Facilitator: Haley Ridgeway and Hannah Bradley

Target Audience: K-12 Educators and administrators

CEU:556436

Description: Join us for a practical, teacher-friendly introduction to Alabama’s newly approved 2025 DLCS Course of Study. Designed for K–12 educators across all subject areas, this session will help you understand what the new standards mean for your classroom. We’ll cover key updates, state requirements, and crosswalks to previous standards. You’ll also learn how the DLCS Unpacked Content breaks each standard into key vocabulary, knowledge, skills, and understandings, making planning clear and manageable. See what DLCS looks like in real classrooms and explore ready-to-use lessons and resources available through ALEX. The 2025 DLCS COS will be required for implementation in the 2027-2028 school year.

Join Angie Clark for a summer of learning.

Click here for all ATIM summer learning sessions.

Contact:aclark@atim.us

eLearning Alabama uses a Web-based model to provide effective professional development that leads to gains in teacher's content knowledge, improvements in their teaching practices and increases in the achievement of their students.

https://educational-technology.alsde.edu/home-edtech-programs/elearning

Alabama Achieves: A New Plan for a New Decade addresses five overarching Strategic Priorities, or areas in which the Alabama State Department of Education will work to support local schools and school systems in the new decade and beyond. Our Strategic Priorities are designed to be broad and encompassing which include:

• Alabama Growth and Achievement

• College, Career, and Workforce Ready

• Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

• Highly Effective Educators

• Customer-Friendly Services

The Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) is a comprehensive system of learning and support for school administrators’ leadership development while aligning with our state's strategic plan.

Alabama History Hub

Traveling Resources

Digital Learning

Field Trips

Alabama History Institutes

Modern Classrooms Project - Fully Funded Professional Learning Opportunity

Make teaching more sustainable and student-centered with Modern Classrooms Project’s Virtual Mentorship Program. This self-paced, virtual program supports you with implementing blended, self-paced, mastery-based practices — all with the guidance of an experienced mentor.

By the end of the program, you will have:

• Classroom-ready materials aligned to your content and grade level

• Structures to design class time around one-on-one and small group instruction

• Clear systems to foster student agency and ownership of learning

This is a fully funded professional development opportunity for Alabama educators and includes a $500 completion stipend!

Session Dates: May 18 - June 21 or June 22 - July 26

Session Times: All learning is asynchronous

Location: Virtual

Requirements: Complete five submissions applying what you learn. Total time commitment is ~25-30 hours.

How to Sign Up: Apply by May 15 at modernclassrooms.org/vmp/alabama

This professional development program uses the format of astronaut training to convey new ways of teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts to the world’s future workforce. The hands-on learning activities are designed to be easily replicated in the classroom and aim to excite students about STEM education. Activities will be geared to span grade levels 4 -9.

SWAY NEWSLETTER-APRIL 2026 EDITION

Questions? Concerns? Professional Development Requests? Please do not hesitate to contact us using the information below.

Mr. Jonathan Thompson

Health, Physical Education, and Adapted Physical Education Specialist

334-694-4775

jonathan.thompson@alsde.edu

X: @jt1603

Virtual professional learning sessions related to summer camps are being offered to Alabama Summer and Afterschool Program (ASAP) Grant awardees; however, these are also available for all LEAs. Topics in April include Creating Transformational Partnerships (9:00-10:00 or 1:00-2:00 on Thursday, April 9), Increasing Engagement and Enrichment Opportunities (11:00-12:00 or 3:00-4:00 on Monday, April 27), and Preparing Learners for the Future (9:00-10:00 or 1:00-2:00 on Wednesday, May 13). For registration information, contact Jeff Norris.

• If you have any last minute questions or would like to schedule a member of the OXL team to visit your summer program, please contact Jeff Norris: jeff.norris@alsde.edu.

• MEGA 2026 sessions have been posted at Office of Extended Learning - PD

• Teacher Leadership: A Journey of Influence

• Summer Learning Rocks: Moving Beyond the Mandate

• The Power of Possibility

• The Transfer Effect: Leading Adult Learning That Lasts

• Thinking Inside the Box: Redefining “Summer School” for Secondary Student Success

Please be sure you have read the most recent memo on K-12 Summer Program Registration, Planning, Reporting, and Data Collection. This memo includes information on how to register your summer programs, requirements for K-12 data collection, tutorials for Analytics & Insights…and more!

The 2026 Sport Leadership Summit is a one-day professional development experience designed to support and strengthen leadership capacity in athletic programs. The summit will feature engaging breakout sessions, practical strategies, and opportunities for collaboration focused on enhancing coaching practices, program development, and student-athlete outcomes. Participants will also have the option to earn continuing education units (CEUs), with additional extended learning opportunities available for those pursuing PLU credit.

We’re currently accepting applications for our Summer Civics Symposium taking place July 14-16 on the campus of Jacksonville State University. This is a three-day professional development experience designed to support middle and high school teachers in strengthening their civics instruction.

Participants will receive:

• an honorarium

• travel reimbursement

• meals

• a reader

• professional learning credits

Application Deadline: Friday, May 22

More information can be found at https://www.jsu.edu/clap/inservice.html

Share Your Voice

The study aims to better understand the needs of K–12 teachers in effectively teaching Alabama’s social studies standards, from both pre-service and in-service perspectives. Please provide your valuable insight through the link below.

Social Studies Needs Assessment

• University of South Alabama faculty, staff, students: Free to attend. Free to present.
• Partner Schools (Bishop State, Spring Hill, University of Mobile, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Coastal Alabama, and Columbia Southern): $75 to attend and/or present (both days).
• All other participants and attendees from non-partner institutions: $125 to attend and/or present (both days).
• Online only: $50 for online access, which includes virtual presentations and both keynotes.

The Alabama Legislature matters in the world of education. It is imperative to stay informed of the legislation that drives education in our state. Below are quick links to the Alabama Legislature website and methods of staying informed.

The Alabama Legislature

✅ How to Find Education Bills in the Alabama Legislature:

1. Visit the official site: https://www.legislature.state.al.us/
2. Click “Legislation” in the top navigation.
3. Use the “Bill Search” tool:
   • Under Subjects, select Education.
   • You can also filter by chamber (House/Senate), status (e.g., introduced, passed), and session year.

Alternatively, for a quick snapshot, Ballotpedia or LegiScan are good for tracking bills by topic and state.

Alabama Legislature 2026-2027 Session: Education Bill Tracking Sheet

🗂 Additional Resources

• LegiScan – Alabama Education Bills
• Alabama Legislature – Bill Tracking Portal