FCPS Induction and PL

FCPS educators are invited to engage in professional learning over the summer months through our Science of Learning / MBE coursework. Created for and by FCPS educators, these PL offerings dig into the Science of Learning to build capacity in understanding and utilizing equity-driven, evidence-informed strategies to support all learners. In the MSDE Summer 2025 Professional Learning – Course Offerings, look for MBE: The Learning Environment and Student Wellbeing and Mind, Brain, and Education QuickBites.

In addition, educators can dig into our Pathways to Personalized Learning, Domain 4 course that focuses the educator on the Framework for Teaching: Domain 4 - Professional Responsibilities. This self-guided course brings the focus of our equity-driven, evidence-informed work to the behind the scenes responsibilities we educators have to our students, colleagues, families, and community.

If you are new to the Science of Learning or need a refresher after taking the Induction and Professional Learning’s MBE coursework, consider taking the 1 credit (15 PDPs) Quick Bites for Mind, Brain and Education. This course introduces a variety of Mind, Brain and Education topics that can be used in multiple educational roles. Choose topics that fit your needs or interests and create an artifact that highlights your new learning. These quick, 1-hour professional learning sessions let you choose what interests you, allowing you to create a self-guided course that fits your needs!

May and June are often a time of reflection for educators who are in the process of examining the growth students have made over the course of the final quarter and the school year. Analyzing this growth, brings into focus some areas where adaptations can be made to strengthen routines, instructional delivery, and relationship building strategies. Teaching WalkThrus has 5-step practices available to strengthen all of these areas. The five steps allow you to focus on intentional “moves” with your students and your needs in mind.

As you continue to reflect over the summer, think about areas where you are open to making changes. Be specific about the challenges you currently see and the evidence that supports it. Prepare for conversations with those professionals that you rely on for objective feedback and quality suggestions by accumulating this evidence and opening your mind to new learning and ideas. Ask about a WalkThru or other resource that helps you enact the changes you want to see in your practice.

If you are a building level teacher leader, please consider joining the Induction and Professional Learning Team for our next Teaching WalkThrus training on June 18th from 9:00-11:00 AM at the LLC. Details and registration are linked here. This training is the introductory training, so if you have had training in the past, you do not need to take it again.

The Induction and Professional Learning Team is excited as we plan for our upcoming New Hire Symposium, which will be held August 4-7 at Tuscarora High School.This event highlights the incredible collaboration among departments and teams across FCPS, including the vital role of RISE Instructional Mentors, who introduce new hires to HQIM and foundational pedagogical strategies to support them through the first weeks of school.

The Symposium also marks the beginning of school-based support, as School-Based Instructional Mentors begin welcoming new hires and building relationships.

Our Instructional Mentors, both in schools and through RISE Induction Programming, are specially trained to support new hires in their learning journeys over multiple years in FCPS. Beginning August 4th, we’ll be preparing our new hires for another fantastic year in FCPS!

The Induction and Professional Learning Team proudly congratulates the 115 educators who successfully completed the RISE and Thrive Year 1 induction program. Throughout the year, with the support of Master Teachers, FCPS educators who led choice sessions, and the Induction and Professional Learning Team, these new hires engaged in a meaningful series of classes designed to foster growth, collaboration, and confidence in their new roles.

Participants had opportunities to share ideas, navigate challenges, and access valuable curricular resources—all while building a strong foundation as FCPS educators. The year concluded with a celebration at Linganore High School, featuring remarks from Superintendent Dr. Dyson, Chief of Equity and Organizational Development Dr. Harris, and Board President Rae Gallagher.

Registration is now open for our fall RISE and Apply Year 2 book study!

This course is designed specifically for second-year hires and centers around the powerful text Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond. Hammond blends cutting-edge neuroscience with practical strategies to help educators create brain-friendly, culturally responsive classrooms.

Throughout the course, you'll explore key concepts from the book, reflect on your current practices, and learn actionable strategies to engage all learners. Expect dynamic discussions with colleagues, hands-on instructional techniques, and meaningful reflection activities that will elevate your teaching.

Join us this fall to grow your practice and make a lasting impact—register today!

Please visit our advertisement for more information.

The Induction and Professional Learning Team is excited to celebrate 29 FCPS educators who successfully completed all three years of FCPS RISE Induction programming! This achievement was an investment in time and a dedication to professional growth that reflects a commitment to the success of every child, every day in FCPS.

We're excited to offer On the RISE Year 2, a summer learning opportunity created specifically for educators who have just completed their first year in FCPS!

This three-week course is designed to help participants build a strong foundation for a successful start to the 2025–2026 school year. Through engaging content and collaborative discussion, educators will explore practical examples and evidence-informed strategies that strengthen classroom management and instructional practices.

The course centers around a book study of The Running the Room Companion by Tom Bennett and includes chapter readings, interactive discussions, and coursework. Participants will also take part in one required virtual synchronous session.

Educators who complete the course will earn 1 CPD credit / 15 PDPs.

Rising 3rd-Year FCPS Educators—Keep Growing with On the RISE Year 3!
This summer, continue your professional learning journey through our On the RISE Year 3 book study! We’ll be diving into Powerful Teaching by Dr. Pooja K. Agarwal and Patrice M. Bain, a practical and research-informed guide to applying the Science of Learning in every classroom.

Throughout this 5-week structured book study, participants will explore proven strategies to boost student retention, engagement, and understanding—tools you can immediately bring into your teaching practice.

Earn 1 CPD credit/15 PDPs while connecting with fellow educators and deepening your instructional expertise!

The Induction and Professional Learning team was thrilled to host the Instructional Mentors Training on May 15. We welcomed both new and returning RISE Year 1 and 3 Instructional Mentors, School-based Instructional Mentors, and Special Education Instructional Mentors.

The evening began with an overview of COMAR, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and a foundation for establishing effective professional learning communities. Participants then moved into role-specific breakout sessions focused on instructional mentor practices and learning for the year ahead—each session tailored to their unique responsibilities and experience levels.

The Induction and Professional Learning team extends our heartfelt thanks to all of our school-based mentors and special education mentors for the time, support, and guidance you have provided to your new hires throughout this school year.

Your leadership, flexibility, patience, enthusiasm, and dedication are deeply appreciated and have made a lasting impact.

We wish you a restful and enjoyable summer!

Allison Hahn, Special Education Mentor, Deer Crossing Elementary School

Special Education Mentors offer in-person and synchronous support to first-year special education teachers across multiple locations. They provide in-person and synchronous support to further develop new hires’ instructional practices and professional responsibilities.

When asked to reflect on her “why” for serving as a mentor to first-year special education teachers, Allison shared, "I enjoy being a mentor for new special education teachers, especially those in specialized programs, because it gives me the chance to share my experience and help them navigate the unique challenges of teaching in a specialized program. It is incredibly rewarding to offer guidance, encourage the mentees, and watch them grow into confident special educators. It’s a meaningful way to give back and strengthen the future of special education."

Thank you, Allison, for all you do to support our new hires!