2026-27 Professional Development Overview
2026-27 Professional Development Overview
Registration is required at least two weeks prior to the event date. A minimum of 10 participants is required for the training to be held.
Instructional Leadership
Alternative Education Network: A New Networking Opportunity for Alternative Education Leaders
Leaders from alternative education academies across GVSU, FSU, and LSSU portfolios are invited to connect, exchange ideas, and build professional connections. The group provides a collaborative space to discuss shared challenges and promising practices.
SCECHs: 6
Facilitator: Dr. Heidi Cate, Superintendent of Lighthouse Academy
Sessions: 6
Dates: Sept 18th, Oct 16th, Jan 15th, Feb 19th, April 16th, May 21st
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Registration: Not required. Please contact Tammy Bell to be added to the email list.
Leading for Instructional Impact (formerly Marzano)
This series continues the 2025–26 learning sessions; prior attendance is not required. Dr. Jenn Shaver will share practical approaches to instructional leadership that strengthen teaching and learning and can be applied within any instructional or teacher evaluation framework. Sessions will be held in early Fall 2026 to equip leaders with strategies they can implement immediately to start the 2026–27 school year strong.
SCECHs: 4.5
Facilitator: Dr. Jenn Shaver (2025-26 presenter)
Sessions: 3
Dates: Oct 14th, Nov 4th, Dec 2nd
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Registration: Registration Form
Math Intervention Model
This three-part virtual series is designed to deepen understanding of the math intervention model and support effective implementation. Participants will build on key concepts from the initial training, explore what Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction look like in practice, and engage in collaborative discussions. The series will also focus on strategies for building staff buy-in, planning implementation, and identifying key first steps, including what to look for during classroom observations.
SCECHs: 4.5
Facilitator: Brianne Daye and Brooke Holt
Sessions: 3
Dates: Sept 30th, Oct 21st, Nov 18th Agenda Link
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Registration: Registration Form
NWEA Opportunities for Teachers
NWEA New Standards Report
NWEA’s updated standards reports for MAP Growth give educators detailed, visual insights into student performance by linking achievement and growth data directly to specific learning standards, helping guide targeted instruction. They include tools like standards mastery views, interactive dashboards, projected proficiency indicators, and trend tracking reports to support individualized teaching and system-wide decision-making.
SCECH: 1
Facilitator: NWEA Trainer
Sessions: 1
Dates: Oct 13th
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration: Registration Form
NWEA Instructional Responsive Planning
This professional learning session introduces the Responsive Planning process and supports educators in using MAP Growth data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes. Participants will explore how assessment data connects to instructional decisions, differentiation, and student goal setting.
SCECHs: 1
Facilitator: NWEA Trainer
Sessions: 1
Dates: Oct 20th
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration: Registration Form
NWEA: Responsive Planning Implementation Series: Planning Keys (5 sessions)
This five-session follow-up series supports educators as they apply the Responsive Planning process in their classrooms using the five planning keys:
SCECHs: 5
Facilitator: NWEA Trainer
Sessions: 5
Dates: Oct 27th, Nov 3rd, Nov 10th, Nov 17th, Nov 24th
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration: Registration Form
NWEA: Office Hours
NWEA Office Hours are drop-in virtual sessions open to participants in the Fall 2026 Responsive Planning training, providing real-time support for using MAP Suite data effectively. These sessions offer a space to ask questions, refine instructional decisions, and troubleshoot data or technical issues with guidance from specialists.
SCECHs: 2
Facilitator: NWEA Trainer
Sessions: 2
Dates: Jan 12th, Feb 16th
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Registration: Registration Form
Special Education Leadership
Special Education Monthly Updates
Sarah VanderBaan will join the second half of each monthly leadership meeting to share timely updates related to special education legislation and guidance. These brief updates highlight recent changes and key information school leaders should be aware of.
Facilitator: Sarah VanderBaan
Sessions: monthly
Dates: Part of every monthly leadership meeting
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 AM
Registration: Registration is not required; however, attendance is expected as part of the monthly leadership meeting.
Special Education Leadership Learning Sessions (formerly roundtable)
Sarah VanderBaan will facilitate sessions focused on key special education legislation and related implementation topics. These sessions provide an opportunity to examine essential issues more closely and discuss questions that arise in school settings. Special education administrators are encouraged to attend.
SCECHs: 6
Facilitator: Sarah VanderBaan
Sessions: 4
Dates: Sept 9th, Oct 28th, Jan 13th, March 10th
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Registration: Registration Form
Whole Child & School Climate
I Love U Guys: Standard Reunification Method (SRM) Training
Building on the Crisis Response Training offered during the 2025–26 this half-day training introduces the Standard Response Protocol, an all-hazards approach to school crisis response built around five actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Participants will learn how the protocol supports consistent emergency response and how it can be integrated into school safety planning and emergency operations procedures.
SCECHs: 4
Facilitator: I Love U Guys Trainer
Session: 4 hour virtual
Dates: Sept 30th
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Registration: Registration Form
Winter Book Study
Lynn Methner will lead a winter book study in January and February of 2027. Sessions will not be recorded, and attendance is required to receive SCECH credit; partial SCECHs are available for individuals who cannot attend all sessions due to scheduling conflicts. This opportunity is open to all staff affiliated with an LSSU authorized academy. LSSU CSO will provide the texts, and the text selection will be announced in late Fall 2026.
SCECHs: 6
Facilitator: Lynn Methner
Sessions: weekly on Tuesdays
Dates: 1/19,1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Registration: Registration Form