Catalog: DESE

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1. Leadership Academy 40 (2025-2026)

Program: DESE - Leadership Academy

Location: Varies (Varies, MO)

Audience: Principals or those in a leadership role in year 3 or more in administration

Dates: 6/9/2025 to 6/10/2026

As a member of this year-long academy, your learning will be focused on Missouri Leadership Development System competencies for the developing leader. Leadership Academy is part of the MLDS as an intensive year of leadership development for building level administrators. It is recommended that leaders complete two years of engagement at the Emerging Level prior to participation. The Leadership Academy emphasizes the importance of building capacity of instructional practices correlated to high academic achievement for students. Total Registration cost will be made payable to your local RPDC. $300 will be made payable to YMCA of the Ozarks Outdoor Learning Experience and is located in Potosi MO at the YMCA. The dates kickoff are June 9-10, 2025, in Columbia. All times and locations are subject to change. Please contact your MLDS Specialist to confirm times and locations prior to any statewide event. *** You must also register regionally with your local RPDC

2. CoVE

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Audience: Educators of students with visual impairments

Dates: 6/20/2025

This Community of Vision Educators (meeting) will be held to discuss the program at Missouri State University. They are looking to better serve Vision Educators.

3. LETRS Volume 2-Language Comprehension Gainesville Cohort #90 only

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: See Below (Kirksville, MO)

Dates: 7/24/2025 to 1/30/2026

LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units address each essential component of reading instruction and the foundational concepts that link each component.This Vol. 2 professional learning learning series focuses specifically on oral language and vocabulary, understanding reading comprehension, text-driven comprehension instruction, and the reading-writing connection. Completion of LETRS Vol. 1 (Units 1-4) is a prerequisite to Vol. 2. The 'blended learning' format of Vol. 2 series includes four face-to-face training dates and an online course license (through Lexia Learning) that includes tutorials/videos of effective classroom instruction. Recipients of the MO Read-Lead-Exceed Initiative should have received their V2 manuals from DESE at the start of V1 trainings. If you have questions, contact annettetankersley@missouristate.edu.

4. 25-26 LETRS V2: Language Comprehension Cohort #104 (Bolivar)-invitation only

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Bolivar, Missouri (Bolivar, MO) [map]

Dates: 8/13/2025 to 2/9/2026

LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units address each essential component of reading instruction and the foundational concepts that link each component. Skilled reading comprehension includes two domains, Word Recognition (Vol. 1 Units 1-4) and Language Comprehension (Vol.2 Units 5-8). This Vol. 2 professional learning series focuses specifically on oral language and vocabulary, understanding reading comprehension, text-driven comprehension instruction, and the reading-writing connection. Completion of LETRS Vol. 1 (Units 1-4) is a prerequisite to Vol. 2. The 'blended learning' format of Vol. 2 series includes four face-to-face training dates and an online course license (through Lexia Learning) that includes tutorials/videos of effective classroom instruction. Lunch is on your own. NOTE: Please select "Purchase Order" as method of payment even for Read-Lead-Exceed award (for our records only). If you have any questions, please contact janaloge@missouristate.edu

5. Aspire Cohort 4 - Limited to Grandview School District - By Invitation Only

Program: RPDC - Kansas City

Location: TBD (Springfield, MO)

Audience: By invitation Only: Grades 6-9 educators pre-registered through MO Read, Lead, Exceed

Dates: 8/13/2025 to 5/15/2026

Aspire® is a professional development opportunity designed for all educators who teach middle school (grades 6-9). This training equips ELA & content-area teachers in implementing adaptable, evidence-based strategies rooted in the Science of Reading to assist students with improving their reading and writing. Aspire® empowers educators with the knowledge and tools needed to support students struggling with literacy, fostering proficient readers and writers in the classroom.

What to expect when you enroll in Aspire®
This training offers educators essential background knowledge and practical strategies to build students' reading and writing proficiency.


This training requires a one-year commitment consisting of:

•Attending a virtual Aspire® Kick-off in July or at the beginning of August

•Participating in three face-to-face training sessions

•Completing online training & Bridge to Application activities

•All work must be completed by May 15th

Training sessions begin at 8:30am and end at 3:30pm

Participants must attend all three of the face-to-face sessions and the virtual kick-off.

Cost: FREE

6. Volume 1 Cohort 16 High Point Elementary

Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

Location: High Point Elementary (California, MO)

Dates: 8/18/2025 to 5/8/2026

Closed

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED DUE TO THE DESE DEADLINE OF JULY 15, 2025 TO REGISTER FOR MATERIALS AND ONLINE ACCESS THRU MISSOURI READ, LEAD AND EXCEED.

Volume I includes 4 on-line units of study, complemented with a textbook manual for study. The online platform makes up the biggest portion of the work for course completion. Participants must complete a six-hour face-to-face training for each unit. All-day, in-person attendance is required, and missed sessions must be made up. Units include: The Challenge of Learning to Read; The Speech Sounds of English; Teaching Beginning Phonics, Word Recognition, and Spelling; and Advanced Decoding, Spelling and Word Recognition. LETRS gives teachers the skills they need to master how to teach the five essential components of literacy, plus writing, spelling, and oral language. Teachers also learn: How to implement instructional routines and activities, Approaches to differentiate instruction to meet the literacy needs of all students. Participants will complete a portfolio of Bridge to Practice activities that ensure they can transfer what they learn in LETRS to the classroom.

NOTE: Materials are provided to participants by the MO Department of Elementary and Secondary Education only if they have applied to MO Read, Lead, Exceed. Participants should also note that registration using the Frontline system only schedules the required face-to-face training sessions - it does NOT initiate a materials order by the Heart of MO-RPDC.

If a participant is not part of the MO Read, Lead, Exceed program, there will be charge of $1040.00 per participant. Contact instructor listed below for possible funding solutions.

All unit sessions will have a one-hour lunch break, on your own.

7. 25-26 LETRS V1: Word Recognition Cohort #14 (Blue Eye District-Invitation Only)

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: TBD (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 8/27/2025 to 3/26/2026

Limited to MO READ, LEAD, EXCEED Participants Only. LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the "science of reading” so they are able to apply research into classroom application to teach language and literacy skills to every student, no matter the curriculum or program used. LETRS is a blended model of professional development consisting of online course, textbook, and four face-to- face trainings. Kick off 8/11/25 Contact Annette Tankersley for more information: annettetankersley@missouristate.edu

8. LETRS Volume 2, Cohort 1 (Poplar Bluff Location)

Program: RPDC - Southeast

Location: 1 Poplar Bluff Administration Building (Poplar Bluff, MO) [map]

Dates: 9/4/2025 to 2/26/2026

Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the science of reading so they are able to extend research into classroom application no matter the curriculum or program used. Instruction is a mixture of face-to-face learning through structured modules and online videos of effective classroom instruction. The primary areas of focus for this volume are vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Participants in this group must acquire LETRS Volume 2 materials prior to the first session. For more information email kengelen@semo.edu or vallgier@semo.edu

Full-day trainings are 9/04/25, 10/21/25, 12/04/25, and 2/26/26. Each full day will address LETRS Units 5-8, respectively.

9. 25-26 LETRS V1: Word Recognition Cohort #11

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 9/8/2025 to 1/12/2026

Closed
Limited to MO READ, LEAD, EXCEED Participants Only. LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the "science of reading” so they are able to apply research into classroom application to teach language and literacy skills to every student, no matter the curriculum or program used. LETRS is a blended model of professional development consisting of online course, textbook, and four face-to- face trainings. Contact Annette Tankersley for more information: annettetankersley@missouristate.edu

10. 25-26 LETRS V2: Language Comprehension C#21

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Plaster Student Union, MSU Campus (Springfield, MO) [map]

Dates: 9/8/2025 to 1/12/2026

Closed
DESE MO Read, Lead, Exceed participants only. LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units address each essential component of reading instruction and the foundational concepts that link each component. Skilled reading comprehension includes two domains, Word Recognition (Vol. 1 Units 1-4) and Language Comprehension (Vol.2 Units 5-8). Vol. 2 professional learning focuses specifically on oral language and vocabulary, understanding reading comprehension, text-driven comprehension instruction, and the reading-writing connection. Completion of LETRS Vol. 1 (Units 1-4) is a prerequisite to Vol. 2. For more information, contact Annette Tankersley at annettetankersley@missouristate.edu

11. Heart of Missouri region MTDS Teacher Academy

Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

Location: Assessment Resource Center-Meeting Center, Rm B116, 2800 Maguire Blvd (Columbia, MO)

Dates: 9/8/2025 to 4/9/2026

This program offers support for mid-career teachers.

MTDS Teacher Academy is part of the Missouri Teacher Development System and is open to any teacher who has:

*completed a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program

*completed at least 3 years of successful teaching

*a strong desire for professional improvement

This opportunity provides:

*two statewide events with national expert, John Antonetti

*a copy of John's book: 17,000 Classroom Visits Can't Be Wrong

*access to on-demand learning modules to enrich teacher learning anywhere and anytime

*consultant support

*networking with other teachers

*competency-based programming

There will be a January State meeting with John Antonetti and a May meeting and those dates are to be announced at a later time.

Fee schedule to be determined.

12. Multilingual Teachers Networking

Program: RPDC - Kansas City

Location: Virtual Training (-, -)

Audience: teacher to collaborate with other teachers and talk about what is working for them what is not, what would they need help with and get resources from other teachers.

Dates: 9/8/2025 to 5/11/2026

These meetings are for Multilingual Teachers who would like t network with other among other teachers within the KC area. We will be meeting bimonthly via zoom. This will be a space for teacher to collaborate with other teachers and talk about what is working for them what is not, what would they need help with and get resources from other teachers.

This is the same as the "ELD Networking”.

Cost: FREE

13. 25-26 LETRS V2: Language Comprehension Cohort #23

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 9/9/2025 to 2/9/2026

DESE MO Read, Lead, Exceed participants only. LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units address each essential component of reading instruction and the foundational concepts that link each component. Skilled reading comprehension includes two domains, Word Recognition (Vol. 1 Units 1-4) and Language Comprehension (Vol.2 Units 5-8). Vol. 2 professional learning focuses specifically on oral language and vocabulary, understanding reading comprehension, text-driven comprehension instruction, and the reading-writing connection. Completion of LETRS Vol. 1 (Units 1-4) is a prerequisite to Vol. 2. For more information, contant Annette Tankersley at annettetankersley@missouristate.edu

14. 25-26 LETRS V2: Language Comprehension C#110 - Republic-invitation only

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Republic R-III Central Office (Republic, MO)

Dates: 9/10/2025 to 4/8/2026

DESE MO Read, Lead, Exceed participants only. LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units address each essential component of reading instruction and the foundational concepts that link each component. Skilled reading comprehension includes two domains, Word Recognition (Vol. 1 Units 1-4) and Language Comprehension (Vol.2 Units 5-8). Vol. 2 professional learning focuses specifically on oral language and vocabulary, understanding reading comprehension, text-driven comprehension instruction, and the reading-writing connection. Completion of LETRS Vol. 1 (Units 1-4) is a prerequisite to Vol. 2. For more information, contact Amber Perryman at amberperryman@missouristate.edu

15. Designing Your Comprehensive Literacy Plan: A Framework and Self-Assessment for LEAs - Training Series

Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

Location: University of MO Center for Family Policy & Research Rock Quarry Road Build (Columbia, MO)

Dates: 9/12/2025 to 5/8/2026

Closed

This learning opportunity is designed for LEAs starting or developing a comprehensive literacy plan (CLP). The training helps districts understand literacy improvement purposes and effectively use Steps to Success Guidance materials to create K-12 literacy plans based on Comprehensive Literacy Needs Assessment results. This framework provides administrators and teachers with guidance on integrating literacy instruction with state standards and evidence-based practices for long-term student success. Enrollment requires commitment to four trainings: two in-person and two virtual sessions over the school year. We request district leadership and literacy leaders attend (minimum two per district).

There will be 2 face-to-face trainings and 2 virtual trainings (with two different meeting times offered each session).

16. 25/26 LETRS Volume 1 Word Recognition Seymour Cohort 25 onsite -invitation only

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: TBD (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 9/15/2025 to 4/6/2026

Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) provides educators with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the "science of reading" so they are able to apply research into classroom application no matter the curriculum or program used. The 'blended learning' format of this series includes face-to-face learning through structured models and online tutorials/videos of effective classroom instruction.SPECIAL NOTES: Participants must attend a 90-minute virtual launch in August (dates/times will be sent via email).(1) There are four 'face-to-face' dates for this workshop series. We will focus on each of the four LETRS units respectively: Day 1 and Unit 1, The Challenge of Learning to Read; Day 2/Unit 2: The Speech Sounds of English; Day 3/Unit 3: Teaching Beginning Phonics, Word Recognition, and Spelling Day 4/Unit 4: Advanced Decoding, Spelling, and Word Recognition. Contact Amber Perryman for more information amberperryman@missouristate.edu

17. 25-26 LETRS V2: Language Comprehension Cohort #24

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 9/16/2025 to 1/20/2026

DESE MO Read, Lead, Exceed participants only. LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units address each essential component of reading instruction and the foundational concepts that link each component. Skilled reading comprehension includes two domains, Word Recognition (Vol. 1 Units 1-4) and Language Comprehension (Vol.2 Units 5-8). Vol. 2 professional learning focuses specifically on oral language and vocabulary, understanding reading comprehension, text-driven comprehension instruction, and the reading-writing connection. Completion of LETRS Vol. 1 (Units 1-4) is a prerequisite to Vol. 2. For more information, contant Annette Tankersley at annettetankersley@missouristate.edu

18. Reading Success Plans Training-Elementary

Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

Location: University of MO Center for Family Policy & Research Rock Quarry Road Build (Columbia, MO)

Dates: 9/16/2025 to 5/11/2026

Workshop sessions focusing on current literacy needs for students with Reading Success Plans. Topics could include: data analysis and goal writing; progress monitoring and intervention structures; qualification or dismissal requirements; reporting and maintaining documentation. Participants will be encouraged to bring relevant data based on their district data cycle and the DESE assessment windows.

Each session will have a learning progression which will build off of the previous learning session, so we encourage participants to sign up for the complete cohort. However, if participants cannot attend all sessions, attendance will not preclude from attending individual sessions.

19. 25-26 LETRS V1: Word Recognition Cohort #12

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Plaster Student Union, MSU Campus (Springfield, MO) [map]

Dates: 9/22/2025 to 3/30/2026

Limited to MO READ, LEAD, EXCEED Participants Only. LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the "science of reading” so they are able to apply research into classroom application to teach language and literacy skills to every student, no matter the curriculum or program used. LETRS is a blended model of professional development consisting of online course, textbook, and four face-to- face trainings. Contact Annette Tankersley for more information: annettetankersley@missouristate.edu

20. 25-26 LETRS V2: Language Comprehension Cohort #22

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Plaster Student Union, MSU Campus (Springfield, MO) [map]

Dates: 9/22/2025 to 2/24/2026

DESE MO Read, Lead, Exceed participants only. LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units address each essential component of reading instruction and the foundational concepts that link each component. Skilled reading comprehension includes two domains, Word Recognition (Vol. 1 Units 1-4) and Language Comprehension (Vol.2 Units 5-8). Vol. 2 professional learning focuses specifically on oral language and vocabulary, understanding reading comprehension, text-driven comprehension instruction, and the reading-writing connection. Completion of LETRS Vol. 1 (Units 1-4) is a prerequisite to Vol. 2. For more information, contact Annette Tankersley at annettetankersley@missouristate.edu

21. 25-26 MLDS: Transformational Leadership V & CSI

Program: RPDC - Kansas City

Location: 3 KCRPDC-Union Station (Kansas City, MO) [map]

Audience: School Leaders of with six plus years of school leadership experience.

Dates: 9/25/2025 to 5/21/2026

The Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) is a continuum of learning and supports provided to school leaders from aspiring to retiring. In addition to content available for aspiring school leaders, five levels of support comprise MLDS: New Leaders Year I, New Leaders Year II, Sustaining Leadership Year III, Sustaining Leadership IV and Transformational Leadership V & VI.

Transformational Leadership Cohort:
The Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) is a series of professional learning experiences specifically tailored to develop leadership capacity across multiple domains of leadership. Research and practical experience confirm the impact of leadership on multiple aspects of school life, personal satisfaction, recruitment and retention of faculty and staff, and student achievement, to name a few. Essential activities will include, but are not limited to comprehensive and progressive learning treatments designed to meet principals' needs at their current level of experience (Emerging, Sustaining or Transformational), opportunities to develop formal and informal professional networks, relevant leadership learning facilitated by MLDS specialists, delivered in a format that honors a principal's time, experience and areas of expertise in the education field. This cohort is well suited for school leaders with 6+ years of administrator experience. Completion of Sustaining Leadership content is recommended. If you have 6+ years of leadership experience but did not participate in Sustaining Leadership content, please contact the RPDC Leadership Development Specialist, Tamara Moore-Callahan at tymtc7@umkc.edu to discuss your best cohort placement.

22. LETRS Volume 1: Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling - Cohort 1 - UCM

Program: RPDC - Central

Location: 9 UCM University Union (Warrensburg, MO) [map]

Audience: All K-5 educators.

Dates: 9/29/2025 to 3/16/2026

LETRS provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. LETRS is NOT a program. Teachers learn the "science of reading” to apply research to classroom applications no matter the curriculum or program used. Aligning instruction with the "science of reading” gives students the best chance of becoming successful readers. Regardless of any textbooks or instructional materials used, if the teacher does not have the knowledge of evidence-based practices and standards, students will not acquire what is needed to learn.

Instruction is a mixture of face-to-face learning sessions through structured modules PLUS four units of online videos including examples of effective classroom instruction. Teachers are expected to apply the information, reflect, and record outcomes.

Participants are expected to attend all the dates of this workshop.

For DESE to purchase materials in time for this training, participants will need to be registered with DESE prior to July 15, 2025 using this link:LETRS® Training for K-5 Educators (2025-26) Participants will receive their manuals and online course access prior to the first session.

Registration will be from 8:30-9:00 am each session, with content beginning at 9:00 am sharp. Lunch will be provided.

23. Southwest Region Teacher Leader Cohort

Program: MTDS

Dates: 9/29/2025 to 4/6/2026

Closed
This is a "by invitation only" program. The SW Regional Teacher Leader Cohort is a multi-district PLC made up of teacher leaders in our region. The group meets once a quarter at the SW RPDC (Agency for Teaching, Leading, and Learning). Each year participants work on an action research project that often spans over several years and has some aspect that reaches beyond their own classroom/district.

24. Designing Your Comprehensive Literacy Plan: A Framework and Self-Assessment for LEAs - Training Series

Program: RPDC - South Central

Location: 6 S&T Phelps Health Annex E113 Conference Room (Rolla, Mo) [map]

Audience: District leadership and literacy leaders (minimum two per district)

Dates: 9/30/2025 to 5/6/2026

Session #1: (in person) 9/30/25 8:00-11:00 (SCRPDC-E209)
Session #2 (virtual) 12/9/25 9:00-10:00
Session #3: (in person) 3/2/26 8:00-11:00 (SCRPDC-E113)
Session #4 (virtual) 5/6/26 9:00-10:00

This learning opportunity is designed for LEAs starting or developing a comprehensive literacy plan (CLP). The training helps districts understand literacy improvement purposes and effectively use Steps to Success Guidance materials to create K-12 literacy plans based on Comprehensive Literacy Needs Assessment results. This framework provides administrators and teachers with guidance on integrating literacy instruction with state standards and evidence-based practices for long-term student success. Enrollment requires commitment to four trainings: two in-person and two virtual sessions over the school year. We request district leadership and literacy leaders attend (minimum two per district).

Zoom Links:
12/09/25 -- https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/91393187127?pwd=bP8x16hUk0uy07et6dyr1Snb22kZnb.1 Meeting ID: 913 9318 7127
05/06/26 -- https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/96746076104?pwd=In2uqrKcnfxza7uYV2MBI7p4QEG4tb.1 Meeting ID: 967 4607 6104

If you are attending a workshop for which you have not registered, a late fee will be applied.

25. Special Education Teacher Network

Program: RPDC - Northwest

Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

Audience: K-12 Special Education Teachers

Dates: 10/2/2025 to 3/25/2026

New to Special Education or need a more thorough understanding of the Golden Thread? Teachers will have a clearer understanding of the Standards and Indicators, Specially Designed Instruction, Goal Writing, Progress Monitoring, and Developing a Quality IEP. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow Special Educators.

Lunch provided. Graduate credit available

26. Community of Vision Educators (CoVE)

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Audience: All educators who serve students who are blind/visually impaired. Teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and administrators.

Dates: 10/3/2025 to 4/3/2026

Blind Skills Specialists presents Community of Vision Educators (CoVE). The CoVE Group is a professional group that meets to discuss best practices in the field of education for students with visual impairments. ACVREP RPPL credit of up to 2 hours may apply to attendees. There will be six meetings that will focus on various topics. Friday, Oct 3: O&M Unique Intersections Friday, Nov 7: APH Products Friday, Dec 5: Data Collection Friday, Jan 2: Accessibility Friday, Feb 6: Students with Additional Disabilities Friday, April 3: Using and Teaching AI

27. 25-26 LETRS V2: Language Comprehension Cohort #87 (SPS Only)

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: SPS Professional & Virtual Learning Center (Springfield, MO) [map]

Dates: 10/6/2025 to 2/18/2026

DESE MO Read, Lead, Exceed participants only. LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units address each essential component of reading instruction and the foundational concepts that link each component. Skilled reading comprehension includes two domains, Word Recognition (Vol. 1 Units 1-4) and Language Comprehension (Vol.2 Units 5-8). Vol. 2 professional learning focuses specifically on oral language and vocabulary, understanding reading comprehension, text-driven comprehension instruction, and the reading-writing connection. Completion of LETRS Vol. 1 (Units 1-4) is a prerequisite to Vol. 2. For more information, contact Jenny Dunagan at jennydunagan@missouristate.edu

28. LETRS for Early Childhood Educators Cohort 3 (SJSD only)

Program: RPDC - Northwest

Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

Audience: PreK - K Teachers, Title, Special Education or Interventionists, Administrators

Dates: 10/10/2025 to 4/10/2026

Closed
This four-day series is designed to deepen your understanding of the what, why, and how of early literacy and language development, including assessment and instruction strategies. LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) provides the "science of reading” application of research into the classroom no matter the curriculum or program used. The blended learning format of this series includes four days of face-to-face training and self-paced online tutorials/videos of effective early childhood classroom instruction.

29. SW*MELL Meet Up October 2025 - Reading instruction for Multilingual learners

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Audience: ELD teachers, all teachers, administrators

Dates: 10/10/2025

FOCUS on reading strategies for MLs. Bring your lunch and connect with educators of English language learners. We will have a focus each meeting as well as time set aside to collaborate and talk with others who are doing what you do! Location of the meeting will be announced before the date.

30. LETRS Volume 2 Cohort 11

Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

Location: University of MO Center for Family Policy & Research Rock Quarry Road Build (Columbia, MO)

Dates: 10/20/2025 to 5/11/2026

Closed

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED DUE TO THE DESE DEADLINE OF JULY 15, 2025 TO REGISTER FOR MATERIALS AND ONLINE ACCESS THRU MISSOURI READ, LEAD AND EXCEED.

Volume 2 includes 4 on-line units with a face-to-face training for each unit. All components are required and participants must attend all four face-to-face trainings. Units include: The Mighty Word: Oral Language and Vocabulary; Digging for Meaning: Understanding Reading Comprehension; Text-Driven Comprehension Instruction; and The Reading-Writing Connection. LETRS gives teachers the skills they need to master how to teach the five essential components of literacy, plus writing, spelling, and oral language. Teachers also learn: How to implement instructional routines and activities, Approaches to differentiate instruction to meet the literacy needs of all students, Bridge to Practice activities that ensure they can transfer what they learn in LETRS to the classroom.

NOTE: Teachers must have successfully completed all components of LETRS Volume 1 in order to register for LETRS Volume 2.

31. KC-RPDC Post-Secondary Transition Academy - Fall (Two-Days)

Program: RPDC - Kansas City

Location: 3 KCRPDC-Union Station (Kansas City, MO) [map]

Audience: Special Education Directors, Process Coordinators, Case Managers and Special Education Teachers

Dates: 10/20/2025 to 10/21/2026

The Transition Academy session covers developing a worthy transition plan for student post-secondary life. This session will be especially useful in planning for the shift to the upcoming requirement for transition plans to be in place for students by the end of 8th grade.

Learning Outcomes are:

• Meeting compliance requirements

• "Field Trips” to understand expectations for college entry, preparation for work and personal life after high school, voices of experience from students that had IEPs, and service providers to tap into for support before and after graduation, and others. These were a huge hit last year.

• Using "Charting Life Course” tools to fully engage and bring the students voice forward to process and can be used as a template and model for student directed IEPs. Can be used for student of any age and grade level, with techniques for adapting for students with significant needs.

Cost: $60 for KCRPDC Members OR $70 for Non-Members
NOTE:48-hour cancellation policy from first session.

32. MTDS Alt-Cert Professional Learning Network-Virtual Meetings

Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

Location: Virtual Meeting (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 10/21/2025 to 5/19/2026

Are you a teacher who has alternative certification or working toward it? Join our PLN once a month to collaborate with other teachers! We will cover a variety of topics, including certification, parent/teacher conferences, classroom management, grading practices, lesson planning, and much more! Sign up even if you can only make it a few times!

All meetings will be held virtually. The link will be emailed prior to the meeting.

33. Resources for Students with Visual Impairments

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Audience: All educators who serve students who are blind/visually impaired. Teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and administrators.

Dates: 11/4/2025

Blind Skills Specialists presents Resources for Students with Visual Impairments. In this workshop we will list the many resources available to educators, students and parents of students with visual impairments. The resources will cover assistive technology, literacy, and much more. ACVREP RPPL credit of up to 3 hours may apply to attendees. Please note: If you register after Thursday, October 30th please contact RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu to have the parking email sent to you.

34. SW*MELL Meet Up November 2025 - Path to graduation for multilingual learners

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Audience: ELD teachers, all teachers, school counselors, administrators

Dates: 11/7/2025

Wait List
FOCUS on helping secondary MLs persist to graduation, with information to share with school counselors. Bring your lunch and connect with educators of English language learners. We will have a focus each meeting as well as time set aside to collaborate and talk with others who are doing what you do! Location of the meeting will be announced before the date. Please note: If you register after Thursday, October 30th please contact RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu to have parking information sent to you.

35. SW*MELL Meet Up Nov 2025 (Neosho) - Small Group Reading for multilingual learners

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Park Central Office Building (Springfield, MO)

Audience: educators of English learners

Dates: 11/10/2025

FOCUS on reading strategies for MLs. Bring your lunch and connect with educators of English language learners. We will have a focus each meeting as well as time set aside to collaborate and talk with others who are doing what you do! The meeting will be held in Neosho school district. Address of meeting space is NSD Learning Center at Neosho Middle School: 1400 Hale McGinty Dr., Neosho, MO

36. You are Not Alone: RYA Central/Northeast Roundtable

Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

Location: Virtual Meeting (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 11/14/2025 to 5/8/2026

RYA Coordinators in the Central and Northeast regions are invited to join quarterly virtual roundtable meetings designed to foster collaboration, resource sharing, and mutual support. Facilitated by RYA Consultant, Angie Fadness, these sessions provide targeted professional development through engaging, peer-to-peer discussions focused on expanding and enhancing work-based learning opportunities for students.

37. 26-27 LETRS for Early Childhood Education -Cohort 1 - Invitation Only

Program: RPDC - Kansas City

Location: 3 KCRPDC-Union Station (Kansas City, MO) [map]

Audience: Limited to MO Read, Lead Exceed Participants Only

Dates: 12/2/2025 to 5/6/2026

LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators equips teachers with research-based strategies to support young children's early literacy and language development. This three-day series explores the foundational skills needed for reading and writing success, including oral language, phonological awareness, alphabet learning, and early writing. Participants will engage in hands-on practice and learn assessment and instructional techniques applicable to any curriculum. The blended format includes face-to-face training, self-paced online learning, and bridge to practice application in the classroom.

Participation is limited to MO Read, Lead, Exceed. Please visit https://modese.wufoo.com/forms/r19jbyhn1uoukni/ to complete the DESE pre-registration process.

38. LETRS for Early Childhood Education -Cohort 3 - Invitation Only

Program: RPDC - Kansas City

Location: 3 KCRPDC-Union Station (Kansas City, MO) [map]

Audience: Limited to MO Read, Lead Exceed Participants Only

Dates: 12/3/2025 to 5/7/2026

LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators equips teachers with research-based strategies to support young children's early literacy and language development. This three-day series explores the foundational skills needed for reading and writing success, including oral language, phonological awareness, alphabet learning, and early writing. Participants will engage in hands-on practice and learn assessment and instructional techniques applicable to any curriculum. The blended format includes face-to-face training, self-paced online learning, and bridge to practice application in the classroom.

Participation is limited to MO Read, Lead, Exceed. Please visit https://modese.wufoo.com/forms/r19jbyhn1uoukni/ to complete the DESE pre-registration process.

39. SW*MELL Meet Up December 2025 - All things WIDA and ACCESS

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Plaster Student Union, MSU Campus (Springfield, MO) [map]

Audience: ELD teachers, all teachers, administrators

Dates: 12/5/2025

FOCUS on resources available through WIDA and discussion about how to prepare for, facilitate, and benefit from the ACCESS assessment. Bring your lunch and connect with educators of English language learners. We will have a focus each meeting as well as time set aside to collaborate and talk with others who are doing what you do! Location of the meeting will be announced before the date. Please note: If you register after 12/1/2025 - Contact RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu to receive parking pass information as it has already been sent. Thank you

40. Big Behavior Basics - Lamar (Invite Only)

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Lamar Jr. High School (Lamar, MO) [map]

Audience: any teacher supporting students with big behaviors

Dates: 1/5/2026

Closed
This full day workshop is designed to help teachers support students with big behaviors. Teachers will gain strategies in the following areas: proactive classroom management, function based thinking, responding to students during and after behaviors, communicating with parents, regulation, and addressing missing behavioral skills. This workshop is designed for any teacher supporting students with big behaviors.

41. 25-26 Early Childhood LETRS C#2 Spring Session

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 2/2/2026 to 4/27/2026

LETRS for Early Childhood Educators is a professional learning experience for pre-K and Kindergarten teachers that provides deep knowledge of early literacy instruction. Teachers gain new skills to help young learners build a literacy foundation before they even learn to read or write. This professional learning experience: *Helps teachers understand the development of oral language, print knowledge, alphabet learning, and writing skills. *Provides the "why” and "how” of early literacy instruction across all domains: language, literacy, cognitive, motor, social, and emotional. *Empowers teachers to apply best practice strategies to guide children's learning. This dynamic blended learning experience includes three components: LETRS Online Learning Platform LETRS for Early Childhood Educators Print Manual LETRS for Early Childhood Educators Professional Learning Sessions (Live In-Person or Live Online). Mo RLE participants cost is covered and materials will be ordered by DESE. For more information, contact Amber Perryman at amberperryman@missouristate.edu. Please Note: IF you register after 8:00am on Thursday, January 29th, please email RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu for parking permit as parking has already been sent. Thank you.

42. Accessibility for Students with Visual Impairments

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Audience: All educators who serve students who are blind/visually impaired. Teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and administrators.

Dates: 2/5/2026

Blind Skills Specialists present Accessibility for Students with Visual Impairments. This workshop will guide the attendees on how to create accessible educational materials for students with visual impairments. Please Note: IF you register after 8:00am on Thursday, January 29th, please email RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu for parking permit as parking has already been sent. Thank you!

43. O&M Technology "Karaoke"

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Alphapointe (Kansas City, MO) [map]

Dates: 2/6/2026

This workshop will be an opportunity for COMS to share and learn about different pieces of technology that may be effective in orientation and mobility instruction. Participants will receive ACVREP CEU's.

44. SW*MELL Meet Up February 2026 - Brain-based teaching strategies for ELD teachers

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Audience: ELD teachers, all teachers, administrators

Dates: 2/20/2026

FOCUS on brain-based strategies for EL instruction from the book "Smart Teaching, Strong Learning". Bring your lunch and connect with educators of English language learners. We will have a focus each meeting as well as time set aside to collaborate and talk with others who are doing what you do! Location of the meeting will be announced before the date. Please Note: If you register after 7:00am on Thursday February 12th, please contact RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu for parking permit as parking email has already been sent. Thank you.

45. SW*MELL Meet Up April 2026 - Writing strategies for multilingual learners

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Audience: ELD teachers, all teachers, administrators

Dates: 4/10/2026

FOCUS on best practices for building writing skills for MLs. Bring your lunch and connect with educators of English language learners. We will have a focus each meeting as well as time set aside to collaborate and talk with others who are doing what you do! Location of the meeting will be announced before the date. Please note: If you register after 8:30am on Thursday, April 2nd, email RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu for parking information as parking has already been emailed. Thank you.

46. Assessing Skills of Orientation and Mobility Skills

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Alphapointe (Kansas City, MO) [map]

Dates: 4/17/2026

The subject of this professional development will be assessment. We will discuss what the BRITE Act requires in O&M assessments, formal assessments such as TAPS and the New Mexico O&M Inventory, informal assessments that we use, report writing, and how to develop goals for IEP's. ACVREP CEU's will be offered.

47. School Leaders: Navigating the Increase in Student Behavior and Alternatives to Suspension

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Dates: 4/23/2026

This full day workshop is designed to support school leaders as they navigate the increase of severe student behaviors. The following components will be addressed: alternatives to ISS and OSS, decreasing the cognitive load for educators, supporting and protecting teachers with challenging students, effective systems of behavior support, and analyzing trends in behavior referrals. This workshop is designed for Building Leaders, Special Education Directors, Behavior Intervention Specialists, Counselors and Instructional Coaches. Registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8:30.Lunch and parking are included. Please note: If you register after 8:00AM on Thursday, April 16th, please email RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu for parking pass as parking information has already been sent to registrants. Thank you.

48. Evidence Based Practices for Students with Severe Behaviors

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Audience: special education teachers, regular education teachers, paras, counselors, administrators and/or any team member working with students with challenging behavior

Dates: 4/24/2026

This workshop will help participants choose and implement interventions proven to be effective for students experiencing severe behaviors. This training will discuss multiple strategies for behavior change, including antecedent interventions (changes to the environment), teaching replacement behaviors, and altering consequences. Participants will gain knowledge in how to match interventions to the four functions driving behavior (sensory, escape, attention and tangible). This workshop is designed for special education teachers, regular education teachers, paras, counselors, administrators and/or any team member working with students with challenging behaviors. Registration and a light breakfast will begin at 8:30. Lunch and parking are included. Please note: If you register after 8:00AM on Thursday, April 16th, please email RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu for parking pass as parking information has already been sent to registrants. Thank you.

49. 26-27 LETRS V1: Word Recognition Cohort #15 Marshfield (by invitation only)

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Dates: 5/4/2026 to 4/12/2027

New
Limited to MO READ, LEAD, EXCEED Participants Only. LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the "science of reading” so they are able to apply research into classroom application to teach language and literacy skills to every student, no matter the curriculum or program used. LETRS is a blended model of professional development consisting of online course, textbook, and four face-to- face trainings. Contact Amber Perryman for more information: amberperryman@missouristate.edu

50. Virtual Training: Let's Talk Speech and Language

Program: RPDC - Southeast

Location: Virtual (online, MO)

Dates: 5/5/2026 to 5/19/2026

Join Pat Jones, MS, CCC-SLP, for a 4-part virtual training series focused on strengthening school-based speech-language decision-making from eligibility through intervention and evaluation. Across four one-hour sessions, participants will explore DESE speech/language eligibility criteria, RTI/MTSS-aligned intervention practices, and valid, comprehensive speech and language evaluation approaches for culturally and linguistically diverse students. Designed for SLPs, SLP-As, special education administrators and teachers, school diagnostic staff, and interventionists. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance (No ASHA CEUs will be provided). Sessions will be recorded and all registered participants will recieve a copy of the recording.

Pat brings 35 years of experience in educational settings and leadership roles. She is a past MSHA President and Missouri ASHA State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL), and a current board member of the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and she has contributed to various national and state committees, including the DESE Speech/Language Eligibility criteria workgroup.

51. EPIC Hour-Co-Teaching Best Practices

Program: RPDC - Southeast

Location: Virtual Training (-, -)

Dates: 5/6/2026

Starting Today
Join us for The EPIC Hour-a monthly, one-hour virtual learning series led by state-wide RPDC consultants. Each session delivers a separate Effective Practice for Instructional Change focused on behavior and instruction to help you meet the needs of every learner. Whether you're looking to boost engagement, manage challenging behaviors, or fine-tune instruction, choose the sessions that meet your needs.

Recordings and resources are shared with registrants. Please register for each month you'd like to attend separately. Dates and topics for each month are listed below.

August 6-Building a Behavior-Smart Classroom
September 3-Explicit Instruction
October 1-De-Escalation and Conflict Resolution Skills
November 5-Classroom Accommodations-Part 1
December 3-Using Data to Support Behavior and Drive Instruction
January 7-Active Student Engagement and Flexible Grouping
February 4-Refocusing Routines, Expectations, and Reinforcement
March 4-Classroom Accommodations-Part 2
April 1-Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans
May 6-Co-Teaching Best Practices

52. Equipping Every Teacher: Building School-wide Capacity for English Learner Success

Program: RPDC - Northeast

Location: 4 Truman State University (Kirksville, MO)

Audience: Administrators and EL Educators

Dates: 5/7/2026

Starting Soon
DATE: Thursday, May 7, 2026

TIME: 9:00am-3:00pm

LOCATION: Truman State University Violette Hall 1316 (1st floor, southeast side)

COST: Free - lunch on your own

English Learners thrive when every educator feels confident and equipped to support them. This full-day, hands-on workshop will lead administrators and EL educators to explore practical models for supporting staff and delivering effective professional development that empowers their classroom teachers to meet the needs of multilingual learners. Participants will examine essential knowledge every educator should have and explore how to translate that knowledge into meaningful professional development.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to --
1. explain key principles of Second Language Acquisition and how they impact classroom instruction.
2. analyze WIDA ACCESS score reports to inform instructional planning and differentiation.
3. use Language Acquisition Plans (LAPs) as instructional tools rather than compliance documents.
4. identify cultural factors that influence student engagement and learning.
5. model and share high-impact EL strategies that benefit all learners.
6. design a structured professional development plan to build staff capacity in supporting Multilingual Learners.

Through guided discussion, collaboration, and planning time, attendees will begin designing a clear plan for delivering impactful staff training and building a school culture where multilingual learners are seen as assets.

53. SW*MELL Meet Up May 2026 - Healthcare and the ML student

Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

Location: Missouri State University - Hill Hall (Springfield, MO)

Audience: ELD teachers, all teachers, administrators, school nurse

Dates: 5/8/2026

Starting Soon
FOCUS on the best ways to support your school nurse providing care for MLs and their families. We'll also discuss the ways families views on health may vary based on cultural and experiential differences. Bring your lunch and connect with educators of English language learners. We will have a focus each meeting as well as time set aside to collaborate and talk with others who are doing what you do! Location of the meeting will be announced before the date. Please note: If you register after 7:30am on Thursday, April 30th, email RubenBerry@MissouriState.edu as parking information has already been sent to registrants.

54. Missouri Teacher of the Year Informational Session 2026

Program: DESE - Teacher of the Year

Location: Governor Office Building (Jefferson City, MO)

Dates: 5/11/2026

Starting Soon
The purpose of the Teacher of the Year Informational Session is to provide Nominated Teachers and District Teachers of the Year with a comprehensive introduction to the Missouri Teacher of the Year Program. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the program's purpose, the application components, and the full selection process. In addition, attendees will receive practical guidance and application strategies directly from two Missouri Teachers of the Year, Kim Sixta and Jennifer Jones. This session will also include dedicated time for participants to begin drafting and refining their application essays with support from facilitators and peers.

55. Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) - Volume I (Cohort 1)--Waynesville Teachers by INVITATION ONLY

Program: RPDC - South Central

Location: 6 Waynesville - Parker Educational Center (Waynesville, MO)

Audience: Elementary K-5 Teachers, Title Reading Teachers, Special Education Teachers or Interventionists, & Administrators

Dates: 5/12/2026 to 2/5/2027

Starting Soon
Participants are expected to attend all dates in this workshop.
  • Kick-Off: May 12, 2026 (Time: 8:00-10:00)
  • Unit 1: August 3, 2026
  • Unit 2: October 26, 2026
  • Unit 3: December 7, 2026
  • Unit 4: February 5, 2027

    LETRS provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. LETRS is NOT a program. Teachers learn the "science of reading" so they are able to apply research into classroom application no matter the curriculum or program used. Instruction is a mixture of 4 face-to-face learning sessions through structured modules and 4 units of online videos including examples of effective classroom instruction. Teachers will be asked to apply the information on chosen students. Volume I LETRS Manual needed for each session.

    Please sign up through the MO RLE Link before signing up here so DESE knows to order materials for you. Here is the DESE MO RLE Link (https://modese.wufoo.com/forms/mlqwtp50fkp7t6/): Register Here.


    Face-to-Face Sessions Include:
    Session 1 - The Challenge of Learning to Read
    Session 2 - The Speech Sounds of English
    Session 3 - Teaching Beginning Phonics, Word Recognition, & Spelling
    Session 4 - Advanced Decoding, Spelling, & Word Recognition

    Presenter: Malinda Beushausen (mbeushausen@mst.edu)

    A late fee will be applied if you have NOT registered.

  • 56. LETRS Volume 1 Unit 4 (Make up session ONLY)

    Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

    Location: University of MO Center for Family Policy & Research Rock Quarry Road Build (Columbia, MO)

    Dates: 5/12/2026

    Starting Soon

    These sessions are for teachers who are already enrolled in LETRS training through MO Read, Lead, Exceed to make-up a missed LETRS session. If you are interested in learning more about registering for LETRS training, please contact the facilitator listed.

    57. LETRS Volume 2 Unit 8 (Make up session ONLY)

    Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

    Location: University of MO Center for Family Policy & Research Rock Quarry Road Build (Columbia, MO)

    Dates: 5/15/2026

    These sessions are for teachers who are already enrolled in LETRS training through MO Read, Lead, Exceed to make-up a missed LETRS session. If you are interested in learning more about registering for LETRS training, please contact the facilitator listed.

    58. MAP-A Lunch & Learn: English Language Learners and MAP-A

    Program: RPDC - Northeast

    Location: Virtual (online, MO)

    Dates: 5/18/2026

    DATE: Monday, May 18, 2026

    TIME: 11:30am-12:30pm

    LOCATION: Virtual by Zoom (link will be sent prior to workshop)

    COST: Free

    MAP-A Lunch & Learn will be a series of once a month--July through May--one-hour virtual workshops provided by the Missouri Regional Professional Development Centers Effective Practice Special Education Improvement Consultants. Each month will focus on a different MAP-A topic. Please register for each month you'd like to attend separately. Dates and topics for each month are listed below.

    Dates and topics (register for each separately):
    Monday, July 21: Qualifying for MAP-A--Eligibility & Pervasive Supports
    Monday, August 18: Essential Elements to Create Goals with Benchmarks/Objectives
    Monday, September 15: Teach then Test--What Instructionally Embedded Means
    Monday, October 20: Strategies for Students with Severe Cognitive Disabilities
    Monday, November 17: What Engagement Looks Like--Math, Science, & ELA
    Monday, December 15: Life Skills/Function Classes*Crosswalk*Transition Assessments *What Do You Use?
    Monday, January 26: Using the Individual Score Report to Plan Instruction and Develop IEP
    Monday, February 23: What is the Difference Between MAP, EOC, and MAP-A?
    Monday, March 16: MAP-A District Test Coordinator--What Should be in the District's Testing Policies?
    Monday, April 20: Caryn's Corner - Frequent Concerns & Misconceptions
    Monday, May 18: English Language Learners and MAP-A

    59. Equipping Every Teacher: Building Schoolwide Capacity for English Learner Success

    Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

    Location: University of MO Center for Family Policy & Research Rock Quarry Road Build (Columbia, MO)

    Dates: 5/20/2026

    English Learners thrive when every educator feels confident and equipped to support them. This full-day, hands-on workshop will lead administrators and EL educators to explore practical models for supporting staff and delivering effective professional development that empowers their classroom teachers to meet the needs of multilingual learners. Participants will examine essential knowledge every educator should have and explore how to translate that knowledge into meaningful professional development.

    By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

    Explain key principles of Second Language Acquisition and how they impact classroom instruction.

    Analyze WIDA ACCESS score reports to inform instructional planning and differentiation.

    Use Language Acquisition Plans (LAPs) as instructional tools rather than compliance documents.

    Identify cultural factors that influence student engagement and learning.

    Model and share high-impact EL strategies that benefit all learners.

    Design a structured professional development plan to build staff capacity in supporting Multilingual Learners.

    Through guided discussion, collaboration, and planning time, attendees will begin designing a clear plan for delivering impactful staff training and building a school culture where multilingual learners are seen as assets.

    60. New Special Education Director's Meeting

    Program: RPDC - Heart of MO - Regional Professional Development Center

    Location: University of MO Center for Family Policy & Research Rock Quarry Road Build (Columbia, MO)

    Dates: 5/22/2026

    Join fellow Special Education Directors for a supportive space where leadership meets learning. Dive into timely legal updates, tackle hot topics, and engage in meaningful conversations. Build lasting connections, get your questions answered, and leave empowered to lead with confidence.

    61. Leading the Work: PBIS for New Administrators/Leaders/Coordinators

    Program: RPDC - Southeast

    Location: 1 Southeast Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Cape Girardeau, MO) [map]

    Dates: 5/28/2026

    Supporting all Tiers systems for building wide success. Designed for administrators/leaders in their first 1-3 years who want practical systems, collaborative strategies, and leadership moves that make Positive Behavior Intervention Supports(PBIS) thrive in their building. As a building leader, you set the tone. Positive Behavior Intervention Supports only thrive when administration creates clarity, builds systems, protects time, uses data consistently, and leads collaboration. This workshop will provide real concrete, actionable steps to help you lead your building in their PBS work with confidence and purpose.

    62. Northwest Leadership Summit

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5 emPowerU Building (St Joseph, MO)

    Dates: 5/29/2026

    Please join the Northwest Real-World Learning Group on Friday, May 29th for the 2026 Leadership Summit. The event will focus on learning how to engage all stakeholders in your school community in the vital work of re-imagining the school experience through the lens of real-world learning.

    The event will have two tracks for teams to consider.
    TRACK 1:
    Your team is new to this learning and would like to establish foundational understanding around the tenets of becoming more real-world learning/21st century learning focused. Key learning experiences will be around defining the "why" behind this shift in thinking, 'Portrait of a Graduate' and its vital role in this journey, connecting to the work of the Success Ready Student Network, Market Value Assets, and time for your team to plan possible next steps.

    TRACK 2:
    Your team has been engaged in this learning over the past year and would like to go deeper with your learning. Key learning experiences will be around evaluating and expanding your district's Market Value Assets offerings, your district's current reality around 'Portrait of a Graduate', and areas of providing support for teachers interested in taking first/next steps with this work within their classroom structure. Collaboration with your own team, and with other teams in attendance, will be the primary structure of the day to support planning for future implementation.

    Doors open at 8:30am. Presentation starts at 9:00.
    The cost of the event is free. Lunch is included.

    63. Introduction to Releasing Writers' (formerly think SRSD) Science of Writing Course HYBRID

    Program: RPDC - Kansas City

    Location: HYBRID (Kansas City, MO)

    Audience: All educators associated with grades 3-5 instruction. Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Special Education Educators, Administrators; bring your whole team!

    Dates: 6/1/2026 to 6/2/2026

    Releasing Writers (formerly think SRSD) offers a set of evidence-based writing strategies with embedded deliberate skill practice that lift writing quality. It enables teachers to see growth in broad, overall literacy outcomes, & student independence. It teaches students how to use the writing process & equips them with the necessary skills & strategies to become self-regulated, successful writers. Through carefully analyzing peer-written exemplars & published mentor texts, SRSD exposes learners to the features of effective writing at the outset and all through the year.
    Learn the Releasing Writers' writing instructional approach, an evidence-based, explicit set of sequenced strategies & scaffolds for teaching all writing genres. This course supports you in integrating the science of writing into any content area or ELA program. This framework improves the structure, coherence & clarity of students' writing at all levels: word choice, sentences, organization & content. Participants will also learn how to teach notetaking, organization, & revision. There are opportunities to develop your own lessons & practice delivering these. This approach is grounded in SRSD (self-regulated strategy development) as well as wider findings from current cutting-edge leading writing researchers. Students find not only writing success but joy when using this framework.

    Dr. Leslie Laud, founder & director of Releasing Writers (formerly think SRSD) since 2014, a leading international authority on how to scale the science of writing which includes approaches such as Structured Written Expression & SRSD, providing schools with evidence-based professional development to transform writing instruction. Dr. Laud's work bridges research and practice, helping schools translate the science of writing into practical, scalable classroom solutions that improve student outcomes.

    Fees: $250 per person for KC-RPDC members, $300 for non-members, includes 2 books. Cancellation must be made 48 hours before the training.

    64. AI for School Leaders: Enhancing Practice & Efficiency

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Administrators

    Dates: 6/1/2026

    Join us as we explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education administration. This session will focus on practical strategies for using AI to amplify administrative impact, streamline everyday tasks, and simplify how data is reviewed and applied at the administrative level. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to work more efficiently, support staff more effectively, and reduce cognitive load-without adding more to their plate.

    In this session participants will learn how to:
    * Reduce administrative burnout
    * Streamline communication and messaging
    * Create efficient, repeatable workflows
    * Review and make sense of data more quickly
    * Use AI tools to better support staff

    65. Mental Health FIRST AID for Ages 6-18 Years of Age (Trenton)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Trenton (Trenton, MO)

    Audience: Any & All Level Teachers, School Staff, Administrators, Counselors

    Dates: 6/3/2026

    Mental Health First Aid Training Covers:
    1. Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and ADHD.
    2. Common signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
    3. How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
    4. How to connect our youth with help.
    5. Expanded content on trauma, substance abuse, self-care and the impact of social media.

    You will learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE):
    A-Assess for risk of suicide or harm
    L-Listen nonjudgmentally
    G-Give reassurance and information
    E-Encourage appropriate professional help
    E-Encourage self-help and other support strategies

    Fee includes resource book and lunch

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    This training is also offered on June 30 in St Joseph

    66. ePeGS Consolidated Application Session for 2026-2027

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: Federal Programs coordinators or District personnel responsible for Federal Programs Consolidated Application, compliance plans, tiered monitoring, and / or federal programs implementation.

    Dates: 6/3/2026

    Agenda content will include:
    * End of year requirements for finishing 2025-2026
    * General FedPro Update and review of program requirements for Title 1A, Title 2A, Title 4A, etc
    * Consolidated Application & Plans 2026-2027 including budget updates and revisions, updates for required plans and needs assessments, including coordination between budgets and plans
    * Navigating the Federal Programs ePeGs system including submittal for the 2026-2027 Consolidated Application as well as location of required plans for distribution to families for Fall 2026
    * Information and resources regarding Title programs, uses of funds, programmatic information for targeted assistance and schoolwide implementation
    * Other federal programs related topics as requested by attendees

    67. Check and Connect: Preparation and Implementation for Student Support Teams

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: Administrators

    Dates: 6/4/2026

    Is your school looking for ways to better engage students who are chronically absent, disengaged, or at risk of dropping out? Are your current interventions inconsistent, difficult to monitor, or heavily dependent on individual staff rather than a sustainable system?

    This training is designed for Student Support Teams (or MTSS teams) seeking a structured, evidence-based approach to improving student engagement, attendance, and persistence.

    During this session, teams will work through a step-by-step planning process to prepare for effective implementation of Check & Connect at their site. Participants will focus on:
    * Selecting mentors
    * Organizing and aligning existing resources
    * Defining clear, data-based progress monitoring procedures

    Teams will leave with a draft Check & Connect implementation roadmap, customized to their local context, to support launching or strengthening the intervention in the upcoming school year.

    Lunch on your own.

    68. MLDS Year 1 Emerging

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: Year 1 Building Leaders

    Dates: 6/5/2026 to 5/27/2027

    Welcome to MLDS NEW LEADERS YEAR 1. The Missouri Leadership Development System provides training and support to new principals and assistant principals through research-based learning experiences. NEW LEADERS YEAR 1 and their mentors will participate in five regional meetings that provide practical knowledge, skills, along with networking opportunities for building administrators. One of the meetings includes a coaching lab that provides hands-on, practical experiences for leaders to improve their skills in developing and growing teachers. The Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) is an important component to support the effort of all buildings.

    The NEW LEADERS YEAR 1 level is the initial phase of MLDS support and is designed for first year principals and assistant principals. Principals will be guided by an established mentor during this year of learning. Participation in both Year 1 and Year 2 completes DESE requirements for new administrator mentoring.

    Mentors will register using the MLDS Year 1 Mentor link.

    69. MLDS Year 1 Mentor

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: MLDS Year 1 Mentors

    Dates: 6/5/2026 to 4/22/2027

    Mentors of MLDS Year 1 Principals Register here

    70. Leadership Academy 41 (2026-2027)

    Program: DESE - Leadership Academy

    Location: Varies (Varies, MO)

    Audience: Principals or those in a leadership role in year 3 or more in administration

    Dates: 6/8/2026 to 6/8/2027

    As a member of this year-long academy, your learning will be focused on Missouri Leadership Development System competencies for the developing leader. Leadership Academy is part of the MLDS as an intensive year of leadership development for building level administrators. It is recommended that leaders complete two years of engagement at the Emerging Level prior to participation. The Leadership Academy emphasizes the importance of building capacity of instructional practices correlated to high academic achievement for students. Total Registration cost will be made payable to your local RPDC. $300 will be made payable to YMCA of the Ozarks Outdoor Learning Experience and is located in Potosi MO at the YMCA. The dates kickoff are June 8-9, 2026, in Columbia. All times and locations are subject to change. Please contact your MLDS Specialist to confirm times and locations prior to any statewide event. *** You must also register regionally with your local RPDC

    71. 26-27 MLDS: Missouri Leadership Academy

    Program: RPDC - Kansas City

    Location: 3 KCRPDC-Union Station (Kansas City, MO) [map]

    Audience: School Leaders with at least three full years of administrator experience

    Dates: 6/8/2026 to 4/29/2027

    The Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) is a continuum of learning and supports provided to school leaders from aspiring to retiring. In addition to content available for aspiring school leaders, five levels of support comprise MLDS: New Leaders Year I, New Leaders Year II, Sustaining Leadership Year III, Sustaining Leadership IV and Transformational Leadership V & VI.

    Missouri Leadership Academy:

    Leadership Academy is part of the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS), which develops effective school leaders who: Engage with school and community, serve as catalysts for meaningful and productive change, recognize and develop excellent instruction, and create and sustain a culture of continuous learning. Leadership Academy is comprised of school leaders across the state of Missouri and aims to promote the success of each student by building leadership capacity in the following domains: Relational, Instructional, Visionary, Innovative and Managerial. Leadership Academy offers four regional meetings, a three-day outdoor learning experience and statewide meetings. Statewide meetings will be held in mid-Missouri and Potosi areas, and regional meetings will be conducted in cohorts in your area.

    72. SW*MELL Virtual Summer Book Study

    Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

    Location: Virtual (online, MO)

    Dates: 6/8/2026 to 6/11/2026

    New
    Assessment in TESOL: A Course for K-12 Teachers of Multilingual Students in the U.S., by Andrea B Hellman and Angela B Bell provides practical guidance for evaluating academic and language progress in K-12 classrooms. Through detailed examples and proven strategies, educators learn to design assessments that soundly measure both content knowledge and language development. *June 8-11 (Mon-Thurs) *9am-1030am The book is available for purchase on Amazon, https://amzn.to/49gHahp or on Books-a-million, https://bit.ly/4tG2FjX.

    73. From Chaos to Calm: Strategies for Navigating the Acting Out Cycle

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators

    Dates: 6/9/2026

    The Acting Out Cycle consists of four key phases: prevention, escalation, crisis, and recovery/restoration. This session will equip participants with the skills to recognize each phase and implement effective intervention strategies.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    74. Proficiency Scales in Practice: Aligning Learning, Feedback, and Assessment (St. Joseph)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-12 educators, interventionists, administrators or curriculum specialists

    Dates: 6/9/2026 to 6/10/2026

    What is the purpose of a proficiency scale? A clear learning target provides students with what they should know, but it does not provide guidance regarding the building blocks necessary to attain the goal. Proficiency scales articulate learning progressions for each prioritized standard. Well-articulated sequence of knowledge and skills makes it much easier to provide students with feedback.

    Once proficiency scales have been created, how do you use them to assess a student's level of proficiency? We will explore different assessment methods, look at sample assessment questions that align to scales, and have the opportunity to generate summative scores.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you complete additional course work.

    75. Leadership Academy 40th Anniversary banquet

    Program: DESE - Leadership Academy

    Audience: past participants of Leadership Academy

    Dates: 6/9/2026

    Join us to celebrate 40 years of Leadership Academy! We invite you to attend the 40th Anniversary Banquet on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Wyndham Executive Center in Columbia, MO. Come enjoy an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration of our legacy. Optional: Join us early at 1:00 to learn from LA Speaker Darrin Peppard. Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your registration, please do so at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure a full refund.

    76. 2026-27 Teach NOW (Joplin area) Alt Cert Institute

    Program: RPDC - Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning

    Location: Webb City Student Services Center (Webb City, MO)

    Audience: Teachers who are entering the profession through non-traditional pathways.

    Dates: 6/10/2026 to 6/17/2026

    Join the TeachNow Alternative Certification Institute, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS), and receive comprehensive support and preparation for your teaching career through non-traditional certification pathways. Our institute covers essential topics, including lesson planning strategies, aligning objectives with district curriculum and Missouri Learning Standards, research-based classroom management techniques, and effective classroom practices. You'll also learn important vocabulary, acronyms, and codes of conduct that teachers are expected to know, along with other topics tailored to the group's specific needs. **Please note that this program is not a substitute for the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program, nor is it an alternative route to certification. Register now to embark on your journey to becoming an effective educator!

    77. Portrait of a Graduate: The WHAT, the WHY, the HOW

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: Educators, Counselors, Administrators

    Dates: 6/11/2026

    This half-day session is designed to provide foundational information to school leaders and teachers around the importance of defining a district level and/or building level 'Portrait of a Graduate'. Learning will encompass WHAT a 'Portrait of a Graduate' is; WHY it is vital to providing a richer and deeper student experience across an entire K-12 system; and HOW to get started in this journey. The session will also include ways of connecting 'Portrait of a Graduate' skills and dispositions to the goals within your district's CSIP plan.

    Attendees are asked to please bring a hard copy of their district's CSIP plan.

    78. Cracking the Code of Critical Thinking

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Curriculum Directors

    Dates: 6/15/2026

    As with every code there is a specific combination that will result in success. Cracking the code of critical thinking is no different. Participants will gain knowledge that will lead to the implementation of instructional techniques and strategies to promote critical thinking in students.

    Areas addressed are:
    * characteristics of an environment that is optimal for learning
    * questioning techniques before, during, and after instruction that allow students to think critically
    * student manipulation of content curriculum through the use of strategies that lead to thinking critically

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    79. Maximizing Impact in Small Groups in Literacy Instruction (K-5)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-5 educators, interventionists, administrators or curriculum specialists

    Dates: 6/16/2026

    Small group instruction can feel complex and difficult to manage. This session focuses on how to streamline small group instruction by prioritizing data and developmental skills to maximize instructional time and student growth. Participants will explore ways to balance intentional, targeted instruction with meaningful, independent practice to ensure all students are engaged and learning, whether they are working directly with the teacher or independently.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    80. Special Education Process for Administrators (St Joseph)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Administrators

    Dates: 6/16/2026

    This professional learning session provides administrators with a clear, practical overview of the entire special education process-from initial concerns to compliant IEP implementation. Designed specifically for school leaders, this training demystifies each procedural step, outlines the administrator's responsibilities, and highlights the systems needed to ensure both compliance and high-quality instruction.

    Participants will learn how referrals are initiated, what constitutes sufficient evidence to suspect a disability, how timelines and parent rights guide the process, and how evaluation data must connect to eligibility, the PLAAFP, goals, and services through the "Golden Thread.” Administrators will also explore common compliance pitfalls, strategies for supporting teachers, and tools for monitoring special-education procedures at the building and district level.

    By the end of the session, participants will understand how to lead teams confidently, make data-informed decisions, and maintain alignment with IDEA and state regulations while fostering positive, collaborative relationships with families.

    81. The Visual Strategy "Make & Take” Series: Schedules & Transitions

    Program: RPDC - Southeast

    Location: 1 Southeast Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Cape Girardeau, MO) [map]

    Dates: 6/16/2026

    We know that for students with extensive needs, a picture isn't just worth a thousand words-it's the key to independence. Join us for a high-energy, two-part summer series designed to turn "I should make that" into "I have that." Over two sessions, we will explore the why behind successful visual interventions and spend the bulk of our time creating them.
    You'll walk away with a digital toolkit of custom-made resources ready to use in your classroom. Make and take supplies: color copies, lamination, etc. will be provided on the day of the training.

    82. Purposeful Planning and Engaging Instruction for Students Who Take the MAP A (St Joseph)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: Special Education Teachers and Directors

    Dates: 6/17/2026

    Feel confident, supported, and empowered for your MAP-A journey. Understand and access to tools, resources, and strategies that not only simplify the assessment process but also help you provide purposeful, high-quality instruction for our students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Participants will explore the Essential Elements and the cross curricular connections that can be made to support learning, promote engagement and functional skill practice.

    Participants will leave with a toolkit to support each student's individual needs.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    This session is also being offered June 18 in Trenton.

    83. Evaluating the Impact of Your Teacher Evaluation System

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Principals

    Dates: 6/18/2026

    Teacher evaluation systems can seem overwhelming and can feel more like a "checkbox” system than a system to truly build teacher capacity and practice. This half-day session will include school leaders looking deeply into the components of their evaluation system and explore ways to elevate that system to create more meaningful growth opportunities for teachers.

    Please bring a hard copy of your current teacher evaluation system.

    84. Purposeful Planning and Engaging Instruction for Students Who Take the MAP A (Trenton)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Trenton (Trenton, MO)

    Audience: Special Education Teachers and Directors

    Dates: 6/18/2026

    Feel confident, supported, and empowered for your MAP-A journey. Understand and access to tools, resources, and strategies that not only simplify the assessment process but also help you provide purposeful, high-quality instruction for our students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Participants will explore the Essential Elements and the cross curricular connections that can be made to support learning, promote engagement and functional skill practice.

    Participants will leave with a toolkit to support each student's individual needs.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    This session is also being offered June 17 in St Joseph.

    85. EDTECH ACADEMY 2026: A Next Generation Teaching & Learning Conference

    Program: RPDC - Southeast

    Location: 1 Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau (Cape Girardeau, MO) [map]

    Audience: ALL EDUCATORS - Elementary Teachers, Secondary Teachers, Post-Secondary Instructors/Professors, Library Media Specialists, Building Administrators, District-Level Administrators, Instructional Technology Specialists, Instructional Coaches, etc.

    Dates: 6/23/2026

    Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences in Our Schools and Classrooms!

    Learn - Connect - Grow - Lead - Innovate. Calling all educators! Join us for EdTech Academy @ Southeast on June 23, 2026! This is a next generation teaching and learning conference for PK-20 educators. Discover ways to implement effective teaching and learning practices in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Gain fresh and innovative ideas, strategies, tools, and resources that engage and empower students, enhance curriculum, improve instruction, and deepen learning. Learn ways to effectively leverage the power of technology to create meaningful, authentic, and relevant learning experiences in our schools and classrooms-experiences that provide students opportunities for critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Explore with other educators ways to transform teaching and learning in your classroom, and discover how together we can lead next-gen learning.

    You don't want to miss this distinct learning opportunity with inspiring and dynamic educational leaders! Kicking off the event as Keynote Speaker will be none other than DR. TYLER TARVER! He is a leader in the area of innovative teaching, learning, and leading!

    The EdTech Academy Team is also looking for relevant breakout session proposals that show a passion for education, effective and innovative teaching & learning practices, active student-centered learning, student engagement, or other educational topics. Submit a proposal here.

    Visit the event site for more info.

    Lunch will be provided, and there will be prizes at the end of the day!

    Please bring a device for hands-on, interactive learning.

    District Group Rate: Buy 5, Get 1 Free

    86. Foundations for Math Fluency: Essential Content for Fluency Instruction and Intervention in grades K-8 (with John SanGiovanni)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-8 math educators, interventionists, administrators or curriculum specialists

    Dates: 6/23/2026

    Computational fluency is built on foundations and good beginnings. These skills and the ability to use them with little thought or effort become strengths and potentially barriers to students realizing their fluency. In this interactive workshop, we explore those essential foundations. Participants will engage in research-based strategies that teach and reinforce those skills like estimation, decomposition, counting, structuring numbers, and reasoning strategies.

    Through hands-on activities, discussion, and practical applications, we will unpack how to support students in developing number sense and problem-solving confidence. Educators will leave with a toolkit of high-impact instructional routines, assessments, and strategies that can be applied immediately in classrooms to build fluency from the ground up.

    Lunch included

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    87. MTDS TeachNow: Alt Cert Institute (Trenton)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Trenton (Trenton, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Alternative Certification Teachers

    Dates: 6/23/2026 to 6/30/2026

    Join the TeachNow Alternative Certification Institute, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS), and receive comprehensive support and preparation for your teaching career through non-traditional certification pathways.

    Our institute covers essential topics, including lesson planning strategies, aligning objectives with district curriculum and Missouri Learning Standards, research-based classroom management techniques, and effective classroom practices. You'll also learn important vocabulary, acronyms, and codes of conduct that teachers are expected to know, along with other topics tailored to the group's specific needs.

    Please note that this program is not a substitute for the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program, nor is it an alternative route to certification.

    Register now to embark on your journey to becoming an effective educator!

    88. AI in Action: A Practical Masterclass for Teachers

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Savannah (Savannah, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Curriculum Directors

    Dates: 6/24/2026

    This hands-on session dives into the practical world of Artificial Intelligence, moving beyond the hype to deliver real results. We'll begin by demystifying how AI actually works, then pivot immediately into "Productivity Pro" mode-using AI to automate lesson planning, grading rubrics, and parent communications. Finally, we'll explore safe, innovative ways to bring students into the loop. You'll leave with a fully developed, AI-enhanced lesson plan ready for Monday morning. Please, bring a laptop and a lesson idea or two to "AI-enhance" during the afternoon portion of our day.

    Lunch on your own

    Lindsay Fritz, Mid Buchanan R-V Technology Integration Specialist, will be leading this session.

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    89. Writing That Sticks: Helping Middle Schoolers Say More

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: Middle School educators, interventionists, administrators or curriculum specialists

    Dates: 6/25/2026

    Middle school students often have strong ideas, but their writing doesn't always reflect their thinking. This session highlights practical strategies for daily use in a middle school ELA classroom. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use tools and a clearer picture of what effective elaboration looks like in grades 6-8, so writing transfers beyond a single task.

    Teachers will need to bring a writing journal for processes and reflection to build lessons ready to put into practice.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    90. Before You React, Rethink: Practical Tools for Structure, Feedback, and Response to Classroom Behaviors

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: K-12 educators, administrators

    Dates: 6/29/2026

    In this session, we will explore practical tools and strategies for having a corrective procedure, attention signal, strategic use of teacher attention in the classroom (specific positive feedback, precise directions, positive narration), role of personal reactions, QTIP, and behavior response phrases for self-regulation, de-escalation, reinforcement, and maintaining lesson flow in the classroom.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    91. Mental Health FIRST AID for Ages 6-18 Years of Age (Savannah)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Savannah (Savannah, MO)

    Audience: Any & All Level Teachers, School Staff, Administrators, Counselors

    Dates: 6/30/2026

    Mental Health First Aid Training Covers:
    1. Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and ADHD.
    2. Common signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
    3. How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
    4. How to connect our youth with help.
    5. Expanded content on trauma, substance abuse, self-care and the impact of social media.

    You will learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE):
    A-Assess for risk of suicide or harm
    L-Listen nonjudgmentally
    G-Give reassurance and information
    E-Encourage appropriate professional help
    E-Encourage self-help and other support strategies

    Fee includes resource book and lunch

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    This training is also offered on June 3 in Trenton

    92. Addressing Reading Success Plans in Middle School and High School

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: 6-12 educators, interventionists, administrators or curriculum specialists

    Dates: 7/1/2026

    Reading Success Plans (RSPs) are often associated with elementary settings-but what do they look like in middle and high school, and how can they be implemented effectively to support adolescent learners?

    This session is designed to help secondary educators and leaders clarify expectations and practical applications of RSPs beyond the elementary level. Participants will explore how Reading Success Plans can be meaningfully implemented to support student literacy growth while aligning with secondary structures and schedules.

    Together, we will examine:
    * Which students are required to have a Reading Success Plan in middle and high school settings
    * When and how RSPs should be activated to support timely intervention
    * Instructional and intervention considerations to meet the unique literacy needs of adolescent learners
    * Tools and strategies that help target specific reading skills and monitor progress effectively

    Participants will leave with greater clarity, actionable strategies, and tools to strengthen RSP implementation and improve reading outcomes for secondary students.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    93. 26-27 LETRS Volume 1 Cohort 11 (Limited to North Kansas City School District)

    Program: RPDC - Kansas City

    Location: 3 North Kansas City School District (Kansas City, MO)

    Audience: Limited to MO Read, Lead Exceed Participants Only

    Dates: 7/7/2026 to 4/14/2027

    Please visit https://modese.wufoo.com/forms/mlqwtp50fkp7t6/ to complete the DESE pre-registration process. LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the "science of reading” so they are able to apply research into classroom application to teach language and literacy skills to every student, no matter the curriculum or program used. LETRS is a blended model of professional development consisting of online course, textbook, and four face-to- face trainings.


    Cost: Department of Elementary & Secondary Education funded.

    94. Basic Fact Fluency - Addition/Subtraction (K-2)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. St Joseph (St Joseph, MO)

    Audience: Grades K-2 educators, interventionists, administrators or curriculum specialists

    Dates: 7/7/2026

    In this full-day professional learning session designed for Kindergarten through second grade teachers, participants will explore the Five Fundamentals of Fact Fluency with a K-2 lens and learn how to move students from foundational facts (the "must-know” anchors) to derived fact strategies that promote efficient, flexible thinking. Participants will experience classroom-ready routines that develop fluency through conceptual understanding, visual reasoning, and purposeful practice, using hands-on and visual models that make strategies stick.

    Throughout the day, we'll explore and practice engaging, research-based fluency routines and games that support all learners and strengthen number sense-while keeping instruction aligned to what students actually need to become accurate, efficient, and flexible. Teachers will leave with a ready-to-use set of K-2 routines and games and a simple implementation plan for supporting fact fluency in their grade level-including daily routine ideas, strategy progressions, and practical ways to notice and celebrate student growth.

    Lunch on your own

    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you take an additional learning training and complete additional course work for both.

    95. Special Education Boot Camp Day 1 (Trenton)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Trenton (Trenton, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Special Education Teachers

    Dates: 7/7/2026

    New to the profession, need a refresher? Join us as we look at "Special Education”. This session is designed to help answer the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How's, we have and assist educators as they navigate the Special Education Standards and Indicators. Participants will receive information to support them in the following areas:

    Day 1 - July 7
    SPED Process - Golden Thread
    Referral
    Review of Existing Data
    Eligibility Criteria including Observations
    Evaluation including Negative Education Impact

    Day 2 - July 8
    IEP
    Present Level
    Goals (SMART)
    Accommodations/Modifications
    Progress Monitoring - Data Collection

    Day 3 - July 9
    Specially Designed Instruction
    SPED Organization
    SPED data collection
    Parent Communication
    Collaborating with Peers
    Other Documentation

    YOU MUST REGISTER FOR EACH DAY SEPARATELY

    Lunch on your own.


    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you attend at lease two of the three days and complete additional course work.

    These sessions are also offered on July 28, 29, and 30 in St Joseph

    96. Special Education Boot Camp Day 2 (Trenton)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Trenton (Trenton, MO)

    Audience: Barton Farms

    Dates: 7/8/2026

    New to the profession, need a refresher? Join us as we look at "Special Education”. This session is designed to help answer the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How's, we have and assist educators as they navigate the Special Education Standards and Indicators. Participants will receive information to support them in the following areas:

    Day 1 - July 7
    SPED Process - Golden Thread
    Referral
    Review of Existing Data
    Eligibility Criteria including Observations
    Evaluation including Negative Education Impact

    Day 2 - July 8
    IEP
    Present Level
    Goals (SMART)
    Accommodations/Modifications
    Progress Monitoring - Data Collection

    Day 3 - July 9
    Specially Designed Instruction
    SPED Organization
    SPED data collection
    Parent Communication
    Collaborating with Peers
    Other Documentation

    YOU MUST REGISTER FOR EACH DAY SEPARATELY

    Lunch on your own.


    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you attend at lease two of the three days and complete additional course work.

    These sessions are also offered on July 28, 29, and 30 in St Joseph

    97. Special Education Boot Camp Day 3 (Trenton)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Trenton (Trenton, MO)

    Audience: K-12 Special Education Teachers

    Dates: 7/9/2026

    New to the profession, need a refresher? Join us as we look at "Special Education”. This session is designed to help answer the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How's, we have and assist educators as they navigate the Special Education Standards and Indicators. Participants will receive information to support them in the following areas:

    Day 1 - July 7
    SPED Process - Golden Thread
    Referral
    Review of Existing Data
    Eligibility Criteria including Observations
    Evaluation including Negative Education Impact

    Day 2 - July 8
    IEP
    Present Level
    Goals (SMART)
    Accommodations/Modifications
    Progress Monitoring - Data Collection

    Day 3 - July 9
    Specially Designed Instruction
    SPED Organization
    SPED data collection
    Parent Communication
    Collaborating with Peers
    Other Documentation

    YOU MUST REGISTER FOR EACH DAY SEPARATELY

    Lunch on your own.


    Optional 1 hour graduate credit available if you attend at lease two of the three days and complete additional course work.

    These sessions are also offered on July 28, 29, and 30 in St Joseph

    98. The Visual Strategy "Make & Take” Series: Choice Boards & Requesting

    Program: RPDC - Southeast

    Location: 1 Southeast Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Cape Girardeau, MO) [map]

    Dates: 7/9/2026

    We know that for students with extensive needs, a picture isn't just worth a thousand words-it's the key to independence. Join us for a high-energy, two-part summer series designed to turn "I should make that" into "I have that." Over two sessions, we will explore the why behind successful visual interventions and spend the bulk of our time creating them.
    You'll walk away with a digital toolkit of custom-made resources ready to use in your classroom. Make and take supplies: color copies, lamination, etc. will be provided on the day of the training.

    99. Are You Reaching Your Early Advanced Readers? -and- Boosting Fluency

    Program: RPDC - Southeast

    Location: 1 SEMO University Center - Ballroom (Cape Girardeau, MO)

    Dates: 7/10/2026

    Hand2Mind and Jenn Wright, C-SLDI, are coming back to Cape this summer! Jenn and Shannon Heisserer will present alongside Dr. Nancy Young, who will join virtually to share her expertise. Don't miss the opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Young as she walks us through her Ladder of Reading & Writing, explaining the wide range of ease in skill mastery and how we can better serve ALL. This presentation is appropriate for kindergarten through 6th-grade teachers, as well as reading coaches and interventionists. Administrators who work with scheduling will also benefit. Lunch will be provided.

    100. LETRS Volume 1: Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling - Cohort 1 (Trenton)

    Program: RPDC - Northwest

    Location: 5. Trenton (Trenton, MO)

    Audience: K-6 Teachers, Title, Special Education or Interventionists, Administrators

    Dates: 7/13/2026 to 3/8/2027

    LETRS provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. LETRS is NOT a program. Teachers learn the "science of reading" so they are able to apply research into classroom application no matter the curriculum or program used. Instruction is a mixture of 4 face to face learning sessions through structured modules PLUS 4 units of online videos including examples of effective classroom instruction. Teachers will be asked to apply the information on chosen students.

    All trainings facilitated by a LETRS certified trainer. Training includes 5 sessions and 4 on-line modules/videos of effective instruction, with classroom observations.

    Each participant must purchase materials for implementation. You must have the materials prior to session 1.
    If you are a recipient of the MO Read, Lead, Exceed Scholarship, your materials and training will be provided for free.


    A fee will be charged to recover meal costs only.

    101. 26-27 LETRS Volume 2 Cohort 10 (Limited to North Kansas City School District)

    Program: RPDC - Kansas City

    Location: 3 North Kansas City School District (Kansas City, MO)

    Audience: Limited to MO Read, Lead Exceed Participants Only

    Dates: 7/14/2026 to 3/23/2027

    LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the "science of reading” so they are able to apply research into classroom application to teach language and literacy skills to every student, no matter the curriculum or program used. LETRS is a blended model of professional development consisting of online course, textbook, and four face-to- face trainings.

    Cost: Department of Elementary & Secondary Education funded.