School and Community Winter 2024

Professional Learning

Dynamic Online Courses for Effective Teaching and Inclusive Learning

In the fast-paced world of education, staying up to date with effective teaching strategies and catering to diverse student needs is paramount. MSTA offers a range of online courses, hosted on Teachable, designed to enhance professional development at your own pace and on your own schedule. 1. Engagement Strategies This course is a treasure trove of instructional strategies aimed at invigorating classroom engagement. Explore techniques categorized into group, partner and individual participation. Most strategies presented can be used across a large span of grade levels and content areas; while some may require adapting. 2. Meeting the Diverse Needs of Learners Led by master teachers, this course comprises three recorded 30-minute webinars. It’s tailored to help educators better address the needs of students with special requirements, English language learners and those identified as gifted. Note: This course relies on video learning, so make sure it aligns with your preferred learning style before registering. 3. Establishing a Positive Learning Environment This course is a holistic approach to classroom dynamics, emphasizing proactive planning to prevent misbehaviors. While it touches on behavior management, the course primarily focuses on how to take proactive measures to avoid misbehaviors. Enroll to discover techniques that go beyond discipline, creating a space where learning flourishes. 4. Reading Strategies for All Content Areas Tailored for third-grade teachers and above, this course equips educators with reading strategies applicable across diverse content areas. These strategies enhance literacy skills and contribute to heightened student engagement. Register to

integrate these techniques seamlessly into your daily instruction. 5. Engagement through Universal Design for Learning Universal Design for Learning (UDL) acknowledges the unique needs of every learner. This course explores the basics of UDL and its role in designing engaging lessons. Discover how to address learner variability while maintaining a focused learning environment and amplifying student voices. Elevate your teaching by honoring the voices of students and building choice into their learning. 6. Promoting Multiple Literacies through Canva In this course, you will be introduced to the world of Canva, explore the basics of graphic design and discuss the different types of literacies you can address with this tool. Traditional literacy, which refers to the ability to read and write, has always been an essential skill. However, being literate today extends beyond just reading and writing. Learn about the following types of literacies: • Traditional literacy: The ability to read and write effectively • Information literacy: Conduct research using multiple sources as well as evaluate and cite sources • Digital literacy: The ability to effectively navigate and comprehend digital information. • Media literacy: Analyzing and critically evaluating media messages. • Visual literacy: Interpreting and creating visual content. • Cultural literacy: Gaining awareness of global communities to understand customs, culture, and traditions By promoting multiple literacies, schools are equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern world. Learn more on the professional learning page at msta.org.

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