Due to COVID-19, professional learning opportunities may be cancelled. OPI staff will make every attempt to keep the OPI Learning Opportunities current and accurate. Please see https://covid19.mt.gov/ for additional details impacting events.
April 2021
Montana Comprehensive Assessment System (MontCAS) Webinar: Trends Happening in Assessment
The Assessment Unit Team will hold a 1-hour session on April 14 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM to provide just in time information on state assessments, local monitoring strategies, and to give attendees an opportunity to ask questions. We look forward to seeing you and answering questions – How to Register: Visit the registration site
Find out more »Bring Computer Science to Your K-5 Classroom
Get trained in Code.org’s Computer Science Fundamentals (CSF) CSF blends online and “unplugged” activities, especially designed for teaching in the K-5 classroom. Using methods like puzzles, classroom games, and storytelling, students are taught basic computer science concepts through fun and engaging lessons that fit flexibility into any classroom schedule. How to Register: Visit the AVID/Code.org website
Find out more »Virtual training series on Private School Participation in Federal Programs
This spring, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) will be hosting a series of virtual trainings on Private School Participation in Federal Programs. These professional development opportunities are meant to assist public and private/non-public schools in navigating the confusing rules and regulations that were developed to ensure equitable services in Title programs. Public and private/non-public schools will learn about the different programs: Titles I, II, III, and IV, and the rules that govern each grant. The presentations will cover…
Find out more »School Garden Tours – Farm to School Virtual Tours
This virtual tour of school gardens from around the state will demonstrate successful models for gardening with kids ranging from indoor grow towers that easily fit in a classroom to a commercial-sized aquaponics and greenhouse. Beyond seeing the variety of school gardens throughout Montana, participants will learn about strategies for sustaining school garden efforts. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas in this engaging virtual event. How to Register: Visit the Montana Farm to School Training and…
Find out more »Social Thinking Trainings
The following trainings are available through the Montana Autism Project: Me in the Social World – It All Starts with Social Self-Awareness Using Social Competencies to Navigate in the Social World The Social World: Practical Vocabulary and Concepts for Teaching How It Works Strategies and Concepts for How to Navigate to Regulate in the Social World Assessing Social Competencies with Practical Assessment Tools and Tasks Exploring Social Based Executive Functions & Tips for Assessing Different Developmental Ages To read the…
Find out more »Social Thinking Trainings
The following trainings are available through the Montana Autism Project: Me in the Social World – It All Starts with Social Self-Awareness Using Social Competencies to Navigate in the Social World The Social World: Practical Vocabulary and Concepts for Teaching How It Works Strategies and Concepts for How to Navigate to Regulate in the Social World Assessing Social Competencies with Practical Assessment Tools and Tasks Exploring Social Based Executive Functions & Tips for Assessing Different Developmental Ages To read the…
Find out more »PECS Level 2 Training
You must have attended PECS Level 1 training in order to request a scholarship for this training session. How to Request a Scholarship: Fill out the PECS Level 2 Scholarship Request Form
Find out more »Montana PBS Media Lab
Join the MT PBS Media Lab starting March 15 to learn how to use tools for creating media projects in the classroom! In March, MT PBS will host in-depth workshops about Stop Motion Studio, iMove and Do Ink Green Screen. Learn from Montana teachers who are media-making experts how to use the tools that will help you feel confident teaching students how to use them. Media Lab workshops are FREE, will be held every Monday this spring and are open…
Find out more »Computer Science Foundations Deep Dive for K-5 Educators
Go beyond CSF with this new training course from Code.org! The CSF Deep Dive workshop is designed for K-5 educators who have started teaching CSF, but want to “dive deeper” into the curriculum and solidify their own implementation strategies. Note: The CSF workshop is not a prerequisite for Deep Dive, but participants should have started teaching CSF before attending. If you’d like to take both workshops, we recommend scheduling them at least a month apart so you have time to…
Find out more »2021 Virtual High-Tiered Community of Practice Spring Conference
This is a 2 day conference for our 24/7 lockdown facilities and group homes. This year our keynote speaker is Mr. Robert Jackson and we also have a workshop session with Jessica Cabeen!! Our conference is filled with best practices and self help tips as well as amazing resources. How to Register: Visit the Neglected, Delinquent or At-Risk Youth Professional Development website
Find out more »Applied Behavior Analysis for Speech Language Pathologists: Functional Strategies (from PES)
This trainng is FREE from the OPI Montana Autism Education Project. Given the significant increase in the incidence of learners with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) over the past decade, most if not all school-based Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) will have students with ASD diagnoses on their caseload. Further, it has become increasingly common for behavior analysts to be members of the educational team. As such, it is not only important that SLPs be able to collaborate effectively with all team…
Find out more »The Innovation Playlist
Join us for a viewing of The Innovation Playlist, describing how to transform education. The compelling documentary guides schools and communities through the steps of transforming education, inspired by Ted Dintersmith’s global work. Film director and producer, Josh Reppun, will personally be joining us from Hawaii. A question and answer session will follow the viewing. What to expect? Showing of “The Innovation Playlist” at 6:30 p.m. Q/A with Josh Reppun at 7:20 p.m. Wrap up at 7:45 p.m. Join the…
Find out more »Grant Writing for Farm to School
Grant funding can help you get the equipment, staffing, or supplies you need to meet your goals for farm to school, scratch cooked school meals, and more! This engaging virtual workshop will cover the basics of finding and applying for grants, provide examples of successfully funded Montana projects, and get participants ready to secure the funding they need! How to Register: Visit the Montana Farm to School Training and Events website
Find out more »Managing Mental Health in the New Normal: Teachers and Parents
Montana State University Continuing, Professional and Lifelong Learning will partner with local mental health professionals to offer two virtual panel discussions addressing pandemic-related stress and uncertainty. The panels will take place in April and are free and open to the public. The panels will address some of the common difficulties affecting individuals during the coronavirus pandemic. They will offer tips and techniques for managing stress and mental health challenges, as well as provide advice for managing anxiety and adjusting to a…
Find out more »Transformational Learning and MT Advanced Opportunities Spring Webinar Series
Part 1: Previously recorded Plevna Superintendent Nick Shumacher and Assistant Superintendent Don Christman of Lockwood, and Alberston's Principal Mica Clarkston shared their districts' journeys through planning and implementation of Transformational Learning strategies. This webinar provides valuable guidance and insight for districts wishing to apply for the Transformational Learning Grant. Watch the webinar Part 2: Monday, March 29th at 9 am Is personalized learning a buzz phrase or is it here to stay? This session provides specific examples of how schools…
Find out more »Montana PBS Media Lab
Join the MT PBS Media Lab starting March 15 to learn how to use tools for creating media projects in the classroom! In March, MT PBS will host in-depth workshops about Stop Motion Studio, iMove and Do Ink Green Screen. Learn from Montana teachers who are media-making experts how to use the tools that will help you feel confident teaching students how to use them. Media Lab workshops are FREE, will be held every Monday this spring and are open…
Find out more »Virtual training series on Private School Participation in Federal Programs
This spring, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) will be hosting a series of virtual trainings on Private School Participation in Federal Programs. These professional development opportunities are meant to assist public and private/non-public schools in navigating the confusing rules and regulations that were developed to ensure equitable services in Title programs. Public and private/non-public schools will learn about the different programs: Titles I, II, III, and IV, and the rules that govern each grant. The presentations will cover…
Find out more »PECS Training – Transitioning from PECS to Speech-Generating Devices
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS®) is an evidence-based protocol that teaches vital communication skills such as initiation, persistence in relaying messages, picture discrimination and basic sentence structure. After mastery of these skills, the learner likely has a large repertoire of pictures in the communication book. If the learner is not speaking, the team may need to explore a transition to a dedicated Speech Generating Device (SGD) or tablet with communication app that will accommodate larger vocabularies and allow for continued…
Find out more »AIM: Behavior Validation and Certification Webinar
The reporting window for behavior events will open on Wednesday, 5/12/21 and will close on Wednesday 6/30/21. During this time please validate and certify all behavior events for the 2020-21 school year within the Infinite Campus /AIM system. The OPI AIM Unit will host a training on Behavior Validation and Certification on Thursday, April 29th from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Save the Date and add to Outlook Calendar For additional information on the upcoming training visit the AIM webpage.
Find out more »Student Vaping: Is it impacting your teaching?
One hour training for teachers about youth vaping trends, prevention resources and an opportunity to discuss tobacco use trends and their impact on Montana schools. How to Register: Fill out the registration form
Find out more »May 2021
Bring Computer Science to Your K-5 Classroom
Get trained in Code.org’s Computer Science Fundamentals (CSF) CSF blends online and “unplugged” activities, especially designed for teaching in the K-5 classroom. Using methods like puzzles, classroom games, and storytelling, students are taught basic computer science concepts through fun and engaging lessons that fit flexibility into any classroom schedule. How to Register: Visit the AVID/Code.org website
Find out more »Social Thinking Trainings
The following trainings are available through the Montana Autism Project: Me in the Social World – It All Starts with Social Self-Awareness Using Social Competencies to Navigate in the Social World The Social World: Practical Vocabulary and Concepts for Teaching How It Works Strategies and Concepts for How to Navigate to Regulate in the Social World Assessing Social Competencies with Practical Assessment Tools and Tasks Exploring Social Based Executive Functions & Tips for Assessing Different Developmental Ages To read the…
Find out more »Montana PBS Media Lab
Join the MT PBS Media Lab starting March 15 to learn how to use tools for creating media projects in the classroom! In March, MT PBS will host in-depth workshops about Stop Motion Studio, iMove and Do Ink Green Screen. Learn from Montana teachers who are media-making experts how to use the tools that will help you feel confident teaching students how to use them. Media Lab workshops are FREE, will be held every Monday this spring and are open…
Find out more »Social Thinking Trainings
The following trainings are available through the Montana Autism Project: Me in the Social World – It All Starts with Social Self-Awareness Using Social Competencies to Navigate in the Social World The Social World: Practical Vocabulary and Concepts for Teaching How It Works Strategies and Concepts for How to Navigate to Regulate in the Social World Assessing Social Competencies with Practical Assessment Tools and Tasks Exploring Social Based Executive Functions & Tips for Assessing Different Developmental Ages To read the…
Find out more »Montana Elementary Math Community (MEMC)
Join our Montana Elementary Math Community! This community holds ongoing asynchronous conversations using Slack and takes a deep dive into teaching in remote, blended, and face-to-face settings every month. How to Register: Fill out the registration form
Find out more »Montana PBS Media Lab
Join the MT PBS Media Lab starting March 15 to learn how to use tools for creating media projects in the classroom! In March, MT PBS will host in-depth workshops about Stop Motion Studio, iMove and Do Ink Green Screen. Learn from Montana teachers who are media-making experts how to use the tools that will help you feel confident teaching students how to use them. Media Lab workshops are FREE, will be held every Monday this spring and are open…
Find out more »Classroom Management Train The Trainer for Center for Teaching Effectiveness
The Center for Teaching Effectiveness is offering a virtual Train the Trainer to learn the Time to Teach training curriculum. College credit is available through Brandman University. For more information, see the Time to Teach website.
Find out more »Computer Science Foundations Deep Dive for K-5 Educators
Go beyond CSF with this new training course from Code.org! The CSF Deep Dive workshop is designed for K-5 educators who have started teaching CSF, but want to “dive deeper” into the curriculum and solidify their own implementation strategies. Note: The CSF workshop is not a prerequisite for Deep Dive, but participants should have started teaching CSF before attending. If you’d like to take both workshops, we recommend scheduling them at least a month apart so you have time to…
Find out more »Transformational Learning and MT Advanced Opportunities Spring Webinar Series
Part 1: Previously recorded Plevna Superintendent Nick Shumacher and Assistant Superintendent Don Christman of Lockwood, and Alberston's Principal Mica Clarkston shared their districts' journeys through planning and implementation of Transformational Learning strategies. This webinar provides valuable guidance and insight for districts wishing to apply for the Transformational Learning Grant. Watch the webinar Part 2: Monday, March 29th at 9 am Is personalized learning a buzz phrase or is it here to stay? This session provides specific examples of how schools…
Find out more »Montana PBS Media Lab
Join the MT PBS Media Lab starting March 15 to learn how to use tools for creating media projects in the classroom! In March, MT PBS will host in-depth workshops about Stop Motion Studio, iMove and Do Ink Green Screen. Learn from Montana teachers who are media-making experts how to use the tools that will help you feel confident teaching students how to use them. Media Lab workshops are FREE, will be held every Monday this spring and are open…
Find out more »June 2021
Teaching Engineering Applications in Math and Science
TEAMS (Teaching Engineering Applications in Math and Science) is a program run by the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering at Montana State University that helps Montana teachers enhance their math and science instruction by incorporating engineering into their curricula. TEAMS connects engaged MSU engineering and education faculty members with teachers from across Montana in a two-day workshop. During the workshop, engineering faculty teach sample lessons and geared toward specific learning outcomes. They describe the relevant math and science subjects and the materials…
Find out more »6-10 Grade Educators Computer Science Discoveries (AVID/CODE.org)
Mapped to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. How to Apply: Visit the CODE.org Application website *Note: Location in Helena is TBD. See the Computer Science Professional Development Workshops flyer for more details.
Find out more »August 2021
ISTE Summer Learning Academy
Over the past year, you’ve stretched your abilities and increased your confidence as you’ve tried new tools, new models and new ways of teaching in your classrooms and districts. Now, it’s time to leverage these new skills to help get students on track to succeed in the upcoming school year. Designed for teachers, tech coaches and directors, and librarians and media specialists, ISTE U’s Summer Learning Academy 2021 will ensure that you and your team are taking the best of…
Find out more »6-10 Grade Educators Computer Science Discoveries with AVID/CODE.org
Mapped to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. How to Apply: Visit the CODE.org Application website See the Computer Science Professional Development Workshops flyer for more details.
Find out more »