In this course, teachers will utilize the free digital learning portfolio tool Seesaw to research, analyze and create digital portfolios. Teachers will have the opportunity to collaborate, learn and share ideas in this hands-on learning environment. Walk away with the tools, excitement, and support to get started using portfolios in your classroom and for professional learning! […]
This six-week module is designed for grade 4-12 teachers. Focused on argumentative writing, participants in this module will examine the research and design behind the National Writing Project's C3WP program as well as the practical and strategic application of the program in the classroom. 15 Renewal Units Enrollment opens December 18, 2022 Course runs January […]
This course will dive deeply into Google Drive & Docs, Slides, Spreadsheets, and Forms and how they can be integrated into Google Classroom. Learn how to create a paperless classroom, teach beyond your classroom using Hangouts, create a shared calendar for parents and students, create a classroom website, and more! 24 Renewal Units Enrollment opens […]
Number Sense Routines are engaging, accessible, and purposeful routines to begin your math class. These routines promote positive math discussions, thinking, and reasoning. In this course, we will learn how to incorporate routines including: Would You Rather, Which One Doesn't Belong, True/False Equations and Tell Me All You Can. This three-week course will have you engage, […]
This course examines learning progressions related to fractions, with a focus on foundational ideas that promote fraction sense and understanding. The course aims to: Examine ways to develop “fraction sense." Discover how learning progressions for K-2 geometry support the development of fraction knowledge in 3-5. Explore fraction equivalence, comparing and ordering fractions using models and […]
This three-week module will expand your vision of what it takes to develop a conceptual understanding of linear measurement, perimeter, area, and volume. You will determine linear measurements of shapes, cover surfaces with square units to find area, and fill spaces to measure volume. You will delve into the relationships and structures of the area, perimeter, and […]
Join the writers of the Missoula Writing Collaborative for the Writers' Room. These creative writing workshops for adults span a variety of topics, from memoir to magical realism. Hone your skills in a genre you're familiar with or reach out and try a new one. All experience levels are welcome. Each Writers' Room series takes […]
The STC Open Forum Webinar Series is scheduled the first week of every month on Mondays. The purpose of the 30-minute webinar is to offer System Test Coordinators (STC) the opportunity to connect with peers, ask questions, share OPI updates and announcements, and provide an open forum. Please note, OPI Renewal Units will not be […]
The Assessment Unit offers a 1-hour webinar once a month from August 2021 to June 2022 for a total of 11 webinars during the 2022–2023 school year. These focused webinars are designed to support educational practitioners involved in managing district assessments, accountability, and reporting requirements under state and federal law. These professional learning sessions are […]
This course will dive deeply into Google Drive & Docs, Slides, Spreadsheets and Forms and how they can be integrated into Google Classroom. Learn how to create a paperless classroom, teach beyond your classroom using Hangouts, create a shared calendar for parents and students, create a classroom website, and more! Please note: If you have previously […]
This course will introduce the NGSS Framework which focuses on the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, core ideas and the journey of becoming a 3D Science Teacher. Teachers will find that many of the practices fit well with other content areas students are exposed to and what you are already doing in the classroom. […]
This 3-week course is designed to address K-5 algebraic thinking standards. Participants in this module will examine learning progressions in Algebraic Thinking with a focus on foundational ideas that promote algebraic understanding. Specific goals include the following: Recognize that addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operate under the same properties in algebra as they do in […]
This 3-week course is designed for middle grade teachers to draw out high level algebraic thinking from their students. The focus is on teacher practices utilizing 6th and 7th grade Expressions and Equations Standards as a vehicle to improve algebraic thinking of students and teacher pedagogy. Specific goals include the following: Define algebraic thinking and reasoning through the “Habits of Mind” […]
During this module, you will learn about facets of mathematical modeling instruction and assessment in high school. Specific goals and activities include the following: Recognize competing conceptions for the term “modeling”, understand the MCSM definition of modeling and the six components of the modeling cycle, and rate modeling prompts on a scale from weak to […]
This course focuses on the third piece of the 3 Dimensions of Science Learning, the Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs). The CCCs relate directly to deeper learning plus tie the practices & core ideas to the real world. In this course, you will become familiar with the CCCs and have an opportunity to apply them to the classroom. 20 […]
January 17: Using AT for Behavior/Sensory Support Part 2 This session will focus on gross motor sensory needs, ideas for supporting those with different sensory needs through AT, and discussion about sensory profiles and how they can help. OPI Renewal Unit Provider Registration will open for each training ~ 30 days prior.
Many technology tools are available for classroom use, but which are teachers’ favorites? This session will share and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors’ favorite resources. Help us decide which tool is this session’s winner of our Smackdown! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite […]
Understanding Brain Differences in Autism In this 90 minute virtual training, learn about the brain structure, the difference in autism, and how this portrays itself. Understanding brains with autism creates better interventions. OPI Renewal Unit Provider Registration for each training will open ~30 days prior.
This two-credit course prepares students to meet the MT OPI's licensure requirements to obtain a MT endorsement in Library Media K-12. Preparing to meet the requirements for an endorsement entails completing the assessment of skills required to obtain a MT K-12 Library Media Endorsement, learning to integrate "Indian Education for All" efforts into the practice […]
Do you want to engage your students while still being able to give extra support to those who need it? Then you need to use flipped and/or blended learning! In this session, we will simplify these instructional models and introduce tools that support them. Learn to use free teaching resources to deliver instruction digitally while […]
Individuals who are nonverbal or have limited speech need a communication system they can start using right now. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) provides an immediately useful method for requesting things, actions and people, in a way that requires and promotes social interaction. Using the principles of applied behavior analysis, PECS starts by teaching […]
Evidence-Based Practices for ASD This training will cover some of the most common used Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) and how to implement them with students. OPI Renewal Unit Provider Registration for each training will open ~30 days prior.
Building Your IEFA Mindset: Culturally Responsive and Informed Teaching for All is the second course in the Building Your IEFA Mindset facilitated series. Completion of the first course is not a prerequisite. The Culturally Responsive and Informed Teaching for All course infuses Indian Education for All cultural content and strategies for implementation in your K-12 […]
Gather your teachers and come join us to see and experience the latest textbook offerings & learning materials/programs available to your schools! Many statewide and national organizations, as well as textbook vendors, will be in attendance. 2022 Montana Teacher of the Year, Bill Stockton - Keynote Speaker During lunch, Bill will provide a keynote on […]
Looking to change things up in your classroom? Try using podcasts! Improve your students’ listening comprehension skills, build academic vocabulary, and strengthen literacy skills with this easy-to-use, research-based instructional strategy. Join us and learn to find appropriate podcasts and use them instructionally. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn ways to use […]
The Montana Science Teaching Institute, brought to you by Ecology Project International (EPI), aims to positively impact science education in Montana. In an effort to deliver increased online learning opportunities for Montana students and teachers, EPI has launched an initiative to provide free, online, classroom-ready resources and online-training. Teachers will find EPI resources are easy […]
Feb. 4, 2023 is the deadline for Montana elementary teachers to apply for a six-week summer program through the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Teachers program, or RET. The 2023 program will take place in-person in Bozeman from Monday, June 26 through Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Participants receive a $6,000 stipend and classroom resources. […]
