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April 28 PD
Monday, April 28
 

2:20am CDT

(CHOICE) Using KSDE Four Fundamentals In The Fine Arts Classroom
Monday April 28, 2025 2:20am - 3:45pm CDT
This session will provide an introdctuion the the KSDE Four Fundamentals for the Fine Arts Classroom. As a transition to an new accreditation system in Kansas occurs, teachers will learn how to effectively implement Structured Literacy, Balanced Assessment, Standards-Alignment, and High-Quality Instruction no matter the content area.
Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 2:20am - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West A113 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Bring Words to Life
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will assist teachers in providing strong tiered vocabulary instruction. The tiers of vocabulary will be reviewed and participants will receive a copy of Isabel Beck’s book, Bringing Words to Life. Opportunities for continued learning will be provided through Zoom book study.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Dyslexia Overview
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Dyslexia:
This professional development session provides an in-depth understanding of dyslexia, including its definition, characteristics, and impact on learning. Participants will explore the neurological basis of dyslexia, common misconceptions and early identification.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) LETRS Work Session (SELECT PARTICIPANTS)
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Participants may complete online LETRS modules during this session to meet LETRS training requirements. Participants must bring their laptops and earbuds or headphones to individually complete online modules in a study hall format.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) LETRS Work Session (SELECT PARTICIPANTS)
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Participants may complete online LETRS modules during this session to meet LETRS training requirements. Participants must bring their laptops and earbuds or headphones to individually complete online modules in a study hall format.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Structured Literacy Overview
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will review the six elements of structured literacy and offer suggestions for implementing it in the classroom.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Talk Moves & Collaboration Strategies in the Intermediate Classroom
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will go over different talk move and collaboration strategies that can be used in the classroom. These strategies can be implemented in the classroom to hold academic discussions.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Teaching the Sacred Red Rock: Kanza History and Kansas
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will build knowledge of the Indigenous people of Kansas to align with the new KSDE Indigenous studies components of the new KSDE social studies standards. Participants will learn how to incorporate Indigenous concepts into quality social studies instruction at the intermediate level. Content will focus on teaching In‘zhúje‘waxóbe, the Red Rocks, and Indegenous people of North America.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Tier 2 & 3 Diagnostic Assessment
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Assessment
In this session, we will explore the QPA, math screeners, and comprehension passages, examining their roles in diagnosing student
learning needs. We’ll discuss how these tools provide valuable insights to guide targeted interventions and improve student outcomes.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Elevating Library Practice: Quality Instruction, SEL, and Lessons from KASL
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This professional development session empowers school librarians to boost student engagement by integrating social emotional learning (SEL) into library instruction and programming. Participants will explore strategies that align SEL competencies with inquiry-based learning, fostering inclusive, student-centered environments. The session will also include an overview of a recent KASL workshop, connecting current statewide professional learning to practical applications that support quality instruction and the whole child.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TWHS Library Media Center 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Using myIGDIs Data to Guide Quality Instruction
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Balanced Assessment and Quality Instruction
Pre-K teachers will learn ways to analyze myIGDIs data and to use the data to guide instructional decisions when planning.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Dyslexia Overview
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Dyslexia:
This professional development session provides an in-depth understanding of dyslexia, including its definition, characteristics, and impact on learning. Participants will explore the neurological basis of dyslexia, common misconceptions and early identification.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Enhancing Math Instruction with Academic Discussion & Higher-Level Questioning
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Quality Instruction
Consistent instructional routines foster a structured yet flexible environment where students can engage deeply with content, think critically, and participate in meaningful discussions. In this session, we will explore high-impact routines and strategies that promote curiosity, student voice, and deeper learning across all content areas. You will leave with ready-to-use routines that enhance engagement and make learning more interactive and thought-provoking.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Making Data Driven Decisions Using FastBridge Data for Reading K-2
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will discuss how to analyze how best to use FastBridge Fall and Winter data to make data-driven decisions concerning reading instruction.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Science of Reading Rubric Feedback Session K-2
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
The district will implement a Science of Reading rubric for the 2025-2026 school year, and we would like to gather feedback from educators. The rubric will be utilized as a walk-through tool and a self-reflection rubric.PARTICIPANTS WILL BE LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Structured Literacy Overview
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will review the six elements of structured literacy and offer suggestions for implementing it in the classroom.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Tier 2 & 3 Diagnostic Assessment
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Assessment
In this session, we will explore the PAST assessment, QPA, math screeners, and comprehension passages, examining their roles in diagnosing student
learning needs. We’ll discuss how these tools provide valuable insights to guide targeted interventions and improve student outcomes.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Beyond Compliance: Leading School Improvement for Lasting Impact
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
School improvement is not a one-time initiative—it’s a continuous process that requires strong leadership, strategic vision, and collaborative effort. This session will equip educational leaders with the tools and strategies needed to drive meaningful and sustainable school improvement.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TCALC - Presentation Room 500 SW Tuffy Kellogg Dr, Topeka, KS 66606

12:30pm CDT

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) FBI- Looking for the Signs: Human Trafficking LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
In this training, FBI experts will equip educators with the knowledge to recognize the signs of human trafficking in students and understand how traffickers target vulnerable youth. Participants will learn strategies for prevention, intervention, and how to respond appropriately to protect and support at-risk students
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Got Data? Now What! From Information to Instructional Impact LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
PLCS: You've collected the data—now what? This interactive session will empower educators to move beyond data collection and dive into meaningful analysis that drives action. Participants will explore practical strategies for using student data to guide collaborative conversations within the PLC process, identify root causes of learning gaps, and plan targeted instruction that meets diverse student needs. Whether you're new to PLCs or looking to deepen your team's impact, you'll leave with tools, protocols, and a clear roadmap for turning data into results.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
BISHOP 3601 SW 31st St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Guiding the Future: Big Brother & Big Sister Mentoring LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will explore the impact of mentoring programs like Big Brother & Big Sister, focusing on building positive relationships, fostering resilience, and supporting student growth. Participants will learn effective mentoring strategies, how to create meaningful connections, and ways to empower young minds through guidance and encouragement.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Level Up Your Questions: Using Diffit.me to Boost Rigor, Engagement, and Student Thinking! LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Quality Instruciton

🤔 Ever feel stuck asking the same old questions in class? Shake things up and elevate your students’ thinking with Diffit.me, your new AI-powered questioning assistant! In this dynamic 90-minute session, you'll explore how to craft questions that spark deeper thinking, promote rigorous student discussions, and empower your learners to generate their own challenging questions. Using the High-Level Questioning Rubric as your roadmap, you'll learn practical strategies to move from basic recall to rich analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—all with just a few clicks! 💻✨

Get hands-on practice, collaborate with colleagues, and walk away confident to immediately enhance student engagement and classroom dialogue. Ready to transform your classroom questions from good to GREAT? 🚀
Moderators
avatar for Travis True

Travis True

Curriculum Technology Specialist, Topeka Public Schools
Travis True is an accomplished professional with a strong foundation in instructional design and development, e-learning, and curriculum development. With a career that spans over 20 years and various roles, including Technology Integration Specialist/Instructional Designer at Topeka... Read More →
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TWHS 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) Gallery and Dislpay Opportunites for the Visual Arts Classroom LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Gallery walks can be effectively integrated into an art curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning in several ways. Students can display their work while learning how to provide peer crtitque, new concepts, and how to have content discussions about their work. Final plans for District Art Show will also be discussed. (VA:Pr5.1.6a - Individually or collaboratively, develop a visual plan for displaying works of art, analyzing exhibit space, the needs of the viewer, and the layout of the exhibit.)
Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West A108 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) Quality Literature Choices For The Choir Classroom LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Teachers will explore best practices with choosing high quality choir literature in the music classroom. Literature selection will be addressed by looking at appropriate ranges and voicing selection for different grade levels, addressing diction concerns and covering factors for consideration when programming literature.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West A112 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) Vertical Aligment Through Instrumental Recruiting LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Vertical alignment in the instrumental classroom begins with recruting. Teachers at different grade levels work together to ensure alignment and share effective teaching strategies. Spring recruting plans will be discussed to add more exploration and stucent choice in the process.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West A113 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Active Minds, Engaged Learners: Building Thinking Classrooms Across Disciplines LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Quality Instruction:
Are your students truly thinking, or just going through the motions? In this interactive session, we will explore the core principles of Building Thinking Classrooms and how they apply across all content areas. Learn practical strategies to foster engagement, collaboration, and deep thinking while shifting students from passive learners to active problem solvers. Walk away with actionable techniques to implement in your classroom immediately—no matter your subject area!
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TWHS, Room 201 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) CER as a Formative Assessment LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Balanced Assessment
The Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework is a powerful way to help students think critically, write clearly, and support their ideas with evidence. This interactive session will explore how CER can be used across all subjects as a meaningful formative assessment tool. Through hands-on activities and collaboration, participants will gain practical strategies to scaffold CER for diverse learners and apply it to their own classrooms. Expect to leave with fresh ideas and ready-to-use techniques to strengthen student reasoning and communication in any content area.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West - C306 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Digging Deeper with Building Thinking Classrooms Across Disciplines LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Quality Instruction:
Dr. Liljedahl's research shows that when students work on thinking tasks in random groups on a vertical whiteboard, they are capable of co-creating incredible amounts of mathematical meaning and collective knowing-and-doing. In this session, participants will look at the Thinking Classroom practices that help students move this collective knowing-and-doing into individual knowing-and-doing while, at the same time, beginning to take responsibility for their own learning. The practices discussed will intertwine with, and make extensive references to, the recently published book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning.

Click HERE for the Frontline Link.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TWHS, Room 203 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Disciplinary Literacy: Tips and Tricks for Developing Students' Vocabularies LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Disciplinary Literacy: This session equips secondary educators with practical strategies for fostering robust vocabulary acquisition across all subject areas. Participants will explore discipline-specific lexical demands and learn to implement engaging, research-based techniques for vocabulary instruction. We will focus on integrating vocabulary development into existing curricula, ultimately enhancing student comprehension and academic success.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West D405 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Growing Literacy Skills in All Classrooms LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Participants will unlock the power of literacy in a variety of contexts. We will explore the morphology of vocabulary, consider the types of skills students need to be literate in different subject areas, and choose texts with purpose for the content areas.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West High School 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Instructional Routines that Spark Thinking: Engaging Strategies for Every Classroom LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Quality Instruction
Consistent instructional routines foster a structured yet flexible environment where students can engage deeply with content, think critically, and participate in meaningful discussions. In this session, we will explore high-impact routines and strategies that promote curiosity, student voice, and deeper learning across all content areas. You will leave with ready-to-use routines that enhance engagement and make learning more interactive and thought-provoking.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TWHS, Room 202 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Secondary ELA Reading Strategies LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Quality Instruction: In this session, we’ll dive into practical, easy-to-use reading strategies that help secondary students become stronger, more confident readers. We’ll walk through before, during, and after reading techniques that can be used with any text. You’ll get a chance to see the strategies in action, collaborate with fellow teachers, and walk away with a set of ready-to-use tools and ideas you can bring straight into your classroom.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West - B206 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Using Costa's Levels of Thinking to Increase Cognitive Rigor: AVID LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
Quality Instruction: This session will explore Costa’s Levels of Thinking as a framework for increasing cognitive rigor in the classroom. Participants will learn how to guide students in asking higher-order questions, deepening their understanding, and engaging in meaningful academic discussions. Practical strategies will be shared to help teachers integrate Costa’s questioning techniques into lessons to enhance critical thinking and student inquiry.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) District Theater Alignment and Quality Instruction LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will review curricular alignement and quailty instrruction in the theater classroom wtih suggestions for implementation. The group will also work on development planning for the 2025-2026 calendar year and beyond.
Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Topeka West A110 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) Middle School PLTW Collaboration LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Participants will work on resources and lesson plans to supplement PLTW classes.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Bishop - Lincoln 3601 SW 31st St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

Breaking the Lecture Cycle: Strategies to Boost Student Discussion and Collaboration LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
In this interactive professional development session, teachers will explore common barriers that prevent the use of academic discussion and cooperative learning strategies in the classroom. Participants will engage in strategies they can take back and implement in their own classrooms—while collaboratively identifying solutions to these barriers.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) Elem./MS PE: CPR training
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
This session will be for current Physical Education teachers PK-8 to get re-certified in CPR.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Topeka West High School 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Washburn University Literacy Blueprint Class (SELECT STAFF LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session is for current members of the Washburn Literacy Blueprint cohort. Participants will continue to work through course content focused on structured literacy and quality instruction.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
BISHOP 3601 SW 31st St, Topeka, KS 66614

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) "Working With The Most Complex Learners" (IIC Collaboration and Professional Development) LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction
This professional development provides Intensive Instructional Classroom (IIC) teachers Paraprofessionals throughout the district with an opportunity to collaborate on strategies and best practices in supporting their students with complex needs
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Avondale West Cafeteria 3229 SW Westview Ave Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Fueling Engagement through Expectations and High-Level Questioning
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction: This session explores the powerful connection between teacher expectations and student achievement. Participants will examine how their beliefs about students influence the depth and rigor of questions posed in the classroom. The session will highlight what makes a question high level, how questioning impacts student thinking and discussion, and practical strategies for designing and using questions that push learning forward. Participants will leave with a toolbox of strategies to enhance and refine their questioning practices to deepen learning in their classroom.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
TCALC - Auditorium 500 SW Tuffy Kellogg Dr, Topeka, KS 66606

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) At Risk Transitions LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Counselors will discuss the AT Risk students in transition grades (5th going to 6th and 8th going to 9th) in order to set them up for success in the fall.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
TWHS 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) Enhancing Quality Instruction: Addressing Post-COVID Learning, Physical and Social-Emotional Challenges LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session will focus on Fundamental 4-Quality Instruction- and will be a deep dive into the lingering effects of COVID-19 on student learning and well-being, social emotional development with a focus on how educators may support recovery through qualitySEL instruction. Participants will gain an understanding of updated/current data regarding the impacts on learning after COVID-19, including the impact on mental health, cognitive impairments associated with long-COVID, and related issues such as problems with attention, and sleep disorders. Additional concerns include declines in working memory, language expression, overall executive function, central nervous system problems, brain fog, medical fatigue, heart issues, and overall cognitive decline as indicated in IQ tests. Our teams will explore next steps for recovery.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quinton Heights Gym 2331 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

Supporting English Learner Student's Well-Being Utilizing Practical Strategies for Academic Success & Emotional Resillence LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT

​This session will focus on ways to help EL students cope with the current political climate​ and offer strategies for managing challenging behaviors while utilizing informal assessment methods to gauge students' ​learning​ and language needs on an ongoing basis.
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quinton Heights Meeting Room 2331 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66611

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) Avondale Academy LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Continued SEL work with Family Peace Iniatitive with Essdack facilitator: Rebecca Lewis-Pankranz
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Linn 200 SE 40th St, Topeka, KS 66609

12:30pm CDT

(REQUIRED) World Languages LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Working on a description... balanced assessment, standards alignment, and structured literacy (3, 60-minute sessions)
Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 12:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West D404 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

12:45pm CDT

(CHOICE) Section 504 Plans: Synergy, Accommodations, and Q & A LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm CDT
Join us for a flexible, come-and-go professional development opportunity focused on Section 504 plans. This informal session is designed as a Q&A forum where counselors can bring their questions, clarify procedures, and explore practical scenarios related to 504 accommodations. A variety of helpful resources will be available to support your work, including quick reference guides, templates, and documentation tools you can take with you. Whether you're new to 504s or looking for a refresher, this is a great chance to connect, learn, and leave with ready-to-use materials.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm CDT
TWHS 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604
  Pre-K, Counselors |   Elementary, Counselors

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Section 504 Plans: Synergy, Accommodations, and Q & A LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
Join us for a flexible, come-and-go professional development opportunity focused on Section 504 plans. This informal session is designed as a Q&A forum where counselors can bring their questions, clarify procedures, and explore practical scenarios related to 504 accommodations. A variety of helpful resources will be available to support your work, including quick reference guides, templates, and documentation tools you can take with you. Whether you're new to 504s or looking for a refresher, this is a great chance to connect, learn, and leave with ready-to-use materials.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
TWHS 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604
  Secondary, Counselors

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Dyslexia-Strategies and Resources LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Dyslexia:
This professional development session will equip educators with practical strategies and accessible resources to effectively support students with dyslexia in the classroom. Participants will deepen their understanding of how dyslexia impacts learning and explore evidence-based approaches to enhance reading, writing, and overall academic achievement.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Enhancing Math Instruction with Academic Discussion & Higher-Level Questioning LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction
Consistent instructional routines foster a structured yet flexible environment where students can engage deeply with content, think critically, and participate in meaningful discussions. In this session, we will explore high-impact routines and strategies that promote curiosity, student voice, and deeper learning across all content areas. You will leave with ready-to-use routines that enhance engagement and make learning more interactive and thought-provoking.
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Higher-Order Questioning Make-it Take-it LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
In this Make It, Take It session, you'll create Higher-Order Questioning Pull Sticks—a simple, interactive tool to encourage critical thinking and deeper
discussions in the classroom. Using these thought-provoking question stems, you can easily prompt students to engage in meaningful
conversations and analytical reasoning across subjects
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) LETRS Work Session (SELECT PARTICIPANTS) LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Participants may complete online LETRS modules during this session to meet LETRS training requirements. Participants must bring their laptops and earbuds or headphones to individually complete online modules in a study hall format.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) LETRS Work Session (SELECT PARTICIPANTS) LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Participants may complete online LETRS modules during this session to meet LETRS training requirements. Participants must bring their laptops and earbuds or headphones to individually complete online modules in a study hall format.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Making Data Driven Decisions Using FastBridge Data for Reading 3-5 LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session will discuss how to analyze how best to use FastBridge Fall and Winter data to make data -riven decisions concerning reading instruction.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614
  Elementary, Classroom Teachers

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Science of Reading Rubric Feedback Session 3-5 LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
The district will implement a Science of Reading rubric for the 2025-2026 school year, and we would like to gather feedback from educators. The rubric will be utilized as a walk-through tool and a self-reflection rubric. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Structured Literacy Overview LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session will review the six elements of structured literacy and offer suggestions for implementing it in the classroom.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Talk Moves & Collaboration Strategies in the Intermediate Classroom LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session will go over different talk move and collaboration strategies that can be used in the classroom. These strategies can be implemented in the classroom to hold academic discussions.
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Elevating Library Practice: Quality Instruction, SEL, and Lessons from KASL LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
This professional development session empowers school librarians to boost student engagement by integrating social emotional learning (SEL) into library instruction and programming. Participants will explore strategies that align SEL competencies with inquiry-based learning, fostering inclusive, student-centered environments. The session will also include an overview of a recent KASL workshop, connecting current statewide professional learning to practical applications that support quality instruction and the whole child.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TWHS Library Media Center 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Dyslexia-Strategies and Resources LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Dyslexia:
This professional development session will equip educators with practical strategies and accessible resources to effectively support students with dyslexia in the classroom. Participants will deepen their understanding of how dyslexia impacts learning and explore evidence-based approaches to enhance reading, writing, and overall academic achievement.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Higher-Order Questioning Make-it Take-it LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction:
In this Make It, Take It session, you'll create Higher-Order Questioning Pull Sticks—a simple, interactive tool to encourage critical thinking and deeper
discussions in the classroom. Using these thought-provoking question stems, you can easily prompt students to engage in meaningful
conversations and analytical reasoning across subjects.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Teacher Clarity for Primary Teachers LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction
Primary teachers will learn the importance of teacher clarity and tips for making this a part of daily instruction.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

2:15pm CDT

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Adult Resilience in Education LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TBA
Ci3T & Quality Instruction: In the ever-evolving landscape of education, resilience isn't just a nice-to-have — it's essential. This professional development session is designed for anyone seeking to strengthen their personal and professional resilience in the face of daily challenges. Through interactive discussions, reflective exercises, and evidence-based tools, participants will explore the impact of stress and trauma on adults, understand the science of regulation and co-regulation, and learn practical strategies to foster a culture of wellness, connection, and resilience.
Participants will:
-Gain a deeper understanding of the science behind adult resilience and emotional regulation
-Explore tools for maintaining personal well-being and work-life balance
-Learn techniques to build a resilient school culture and support colleagues
-Engage in reflective practices to identify personal strengths and areas for growth
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TBA

2:15pm CDT

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) FBI- Looking for the Signs: Human Trafficking LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
In this training, FBI experts will equip educators with the knowledge to recognize the signs of human trafficking in students and understand how traffickers target vulnerable youth. Participants will learn strategies for prevention, intervention, and how to respond appropriately to protect and support at-risk students
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) From Foggy to Focused: Power Up Your Teacher Clarity Using SchoolAI! LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction

Ever feel like your students are lost in the fog when it comes to understanding lesson goals and expectations? Let's clear things up! Inspired by John Hattie's groundbreaking research, this hands-on session will show you how to transform confusing lessons into crystal-clear learning adventures using SchoolAI.com. You'll learn simple yet powerful strategies to craft precise learning intentions, develop student-friendly success criteria, and build interactive AI-powered resources that keep your students confidently on track. Leave the fog behind—it's time to get focused with SchoolAI!
Moderators
avatar for Travis True

Travis True

Curriculum Technology Specialist, Topeka Public Schools
Travis True is an accomplished professional with a strong foundation in instructional design and development, e-learning, and curriculum development. With a career that spans over 20 years and various roles, including Technology Integration Specialist/Instructional Designer at Topeka... Read More →
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TWHS 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Got Data? Now What! From Information to Instructional Impact LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
PLCS: You've collected the data—now what? This interactive session will empower educators to move beyond data collection and dive into meaningful analysis that drives action. Participants will explore practical strategies for using student data to guide collaborative conversations within the PLC process, identify root causes of learning gaps, and plan targeted instruction that meets diverse student needs. Whether you're new to PLCs or looking to deepen your team's impact, you'll leave with tools, protocols, and a clear roadmap for turning data into results.
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
BISHOP 3601 SW 31st St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Guiding the Future: Big Brother & Big Sister Mentoring LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session will explore the impact of mentoring programs like Big Brother & Big Sister, focusing on building positive relationships, fostering resilience, and supporting student growth. Participants will learn effective mentoring strategies, how to create meaningful connections, and ways to empower young minds through guidance and encouragement.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Hands-on Phonics for Pre-K - 2 Teachers LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session will provide ways to incorporate multisensory instruction with phonics instruction. Participants will need to bring a CR Success board and magnetic tiles.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Jardine Elementary 2600 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66611

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Active Minds, Engaged Learners: Building Thinking Classrooms Across Disciplines LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction:
Are your students truly thinking, or just going through the motions? In this interactive session, we will explore the core principles of Building Thinking Classrooms and how they apply across all content areas. Learn practical strategies to foster engagement, collaboration, and deep thinking while shifting students from passive learners to active problem solvers. Walk away with actionable techniques to implement in your classroom immediately—no matter your subject area!
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TWHS, Room 201 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) CER as a Formative Assessment LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Balanced Assessment
The Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework is a powerful way to help students think critically, write clearly, and support their ideas with evidence. This interactive session will explore how CER can be used across all subjects as a meaningful formative assessment tool. Through hands-on activities and collaboration, participants will gain practical strategies to scaffold CER for diverse learners and apply it to their own classrooms. Expect to leave with fresh ideas and ready-to-use techniques to strengthen student reasoning and communication in any content area.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West - C306 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Digging Deeper with Building Thinking Classrooms Across Disciplines LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction:
Dr. Liljedahl's research shows that when students work on thinking tasks in random groups on a vertical whiteboard, they are capable of co-creating incredible amounts of mathematical meaning and collective knowing-and-doing. In this session, participants will look at the Thinking Classroom practices that help students move this collective knowing-and-doing into individual knowing-and-doing while, at the same time, beginning to take responsibility for their own learning. The practices discussed will intertwine with, and make extensive references to, the recently published book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TWHS, Room 203 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Disciplinary Literacy: Tips and Tricks for Developing Students' Vocabularies LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Disciplinary Literacy: This session equips secondary educators with practical strategies for fostering robust vocabulary acquisition across all subject areas. Participants will explore discipline-specific lexical demands and learn to implement engaging, research-based techniques for vocabulary instruction. We will focus on integrating vocabulary development into existing curricula, ultimately enhancing student comprehension and academic success.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West D405 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Growing Literacy Skills in All Classrooms LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Participants will unlock the power of literacy in a variety of contexts. We will explore the morphology of vocabulary, consider the types of skills students need to be literate in different subject areas, and choose texts with purpose for the content areas.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West High School 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Instructional Routines that Spark Thinking: Engaging Strategies for Every Classroom LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction
Consistent instructional routines foster a structured yet flexible environment where students can engage deeply with content, think critically, and participate in meaningful discussions. In this session, we will explore high-impact routines and strategies that promote curiosity, student voice, and deeper learning across all content areas. You will leave with ready-to-use routines that enhance engagement and make learning more interactive and thought-provoking.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TWHS, Room 202 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Middle School PLTW Machine Learning Tools in Scratch LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Participants will learn to setup AI Machine Learning models and then import them into Scratch for students to code.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Bishop - Lincoln 3601 SW 31st St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) Secondary ELA Reading Strategies LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Quality Instruction: In this session, we’ll dive into practical, easy-to-use reading strategies that help secondary students become stronger, more confident readers. We’ll walk through before, during, and after reading techniques that can be used with any text. You’ll get a chance to see the strategies in action, collaborate with fellow teachers, and walk away with a set of ready-to-use tools and ideas you can bring straight into your classroom.
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West - B206 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

2:15pm CDT

(CHOICE) The Basics of Implementing Collaborative Study Groups: AVID LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TBA
Quality Instruction: This session will introduce secondary teachers to the foundational principles of AVID’s Collaborative Study Groups (CSGs). Participants will learn how to structure and facilitate student-led study groups that promote inquiry, critical thinking, and academic engagement. The session will cover key roles, procedures, and strategies to ensure CSGs are effective in supporting student learning across content areas.
Moderators Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TBA

2:15pm CDT

Breaking the Lecture Cycle: Strategies to Boost Student Discussion and Collaboration LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TBA
In this interactive professional development session, teachers will explore common barriers that prevent the use of academic discussion and cooperative learning strategies in the classroom. Participants will engage in strategies they can take back and implement in their own classrooms—while collaboratively identifying solutions to these barriers.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
TBA

2:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) Teaching the Sacred Red Rock: Kanza History and Kansas
Monday April 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session will build knowledge of the Indigenous people of Kansas to align with the new KSDE Indigenous studies components of the new KSDE social studies standards. Participants will learn how to incorporate Indigenous concepts into quality social studies instruction at the intermediate level. Content will focus on teaching In‘zhúje‘waxóbe, the Red Rocks, and Indegenous people of North America.
Moderators
Monday April 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
French Middle School 5257 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS 66614

2:30pm CDT

(CHOICE) 9-Square in the Air LIMITED
Monday April 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session will be for current Physical Education teachers PK-8 to get a chance to learn a new activity that combines 4 square and volley into one exciting activity!
Speakers
Monday April 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm CDT
Topeka West High School 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604
 

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