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).

These workshop sessions focusing on current literacy needs for SECONDARY 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.

Due to the demand for this training, there is an option to attend the remaining sessions virtually. Once you have registered, that information will be forwarded to prior to the next training date.

Beginning teachers are one of our greatest assets. Yet, 17% of teachers leave the career within the first five years (Gray et al., 2015). Effective professional development is a key factor of teacher retention (Podolsky et al., 2018).

This program is part of the Missouri Teacher Development System.

MTDS Beginning Teacher Assistance Program Year 1 (BTAP1) meets the first year of Missouri's BTAP certification requirements.

This opportunity provides:

*consultant support

*networking with other new teachers and educational consultants

*just-in-time learning (critical firsts)

*awareness of the phases of a new teacher

*relationship-building skills

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.

Due to the demand for this training, there is an option to attend the remaining sessions virtually. Once you have registered, that information will be forwarded to prior to the next training date.

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 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.

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

Beginning teachers are one of our greatest assets. Yet, 17% of teachers leave the career within the first five years (Gray et al., 2015). Effective professional development is a key factor of teacher retention (Podolsky et al., 2018).

This program is part of the Missouri Teacher Development System.

MTDS Beginning Teacher Assistance Program Year 1 (BTAP1) meets the first year of Missouri's BTAP certification requirements.

This opportunity provides:

*consultant support

*networking with other new teachers and educational consultants

*just-in-time learning (critical firsts)

*awareness of the phases of a new teacher

*relationship-building skills

You made it through year one, but your learning never stops! Continue your growth as an emerging teacher!

Beginning Teacher Assistance Program Year 2 offers continued support for early career teachers.

MTDS Beginning Teacher Assistance Program Year 2 is part of the Missouri Teacher Development System and is open to any teacher who has completed the first year of a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program in Missouri.

MTDS Beginning Teacher Assistance Program Year 2 (BTAP2) meets the second year of Missouri's BTAP certification requirements.

This opportunity provides:

*consultant support

*networking with other teachers

*competency-based programming

Session 1: Special Education Process

*Referral to IEP

*RED

*Observations

*Eval. Report

Session 2: Golden Thread

*Present Level

*BCCT Goals

*Services

*Accommodations/Modifications

Session 3: Specially Designed Instruction

*HLPs

*Teaching ELA and Math in the Sped setting

*Data Collection

*Progress Monitoring-Data Collection

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.

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.

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.

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.

This professional development session will explore Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) with a focus on implementing effective teaching and learning practices that encourage expected behaviors while addressing and reducing unexpected behaviors. Participants will gain practical strategies to create a positive and inclusive learning environment by explicitly teaching behavioral expectations, reinforcing positive behaviors, and using data-driven approaches to address behavioral challenges. This session is designed for teachers, school leaders, and support staff seeking to enhance their PBIS implementation and improve student behavior through proactive and responsive practices.

***ENROLLMENT IS CAPPED, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY

This session is for teachers who are already enrolled in Early Childhood 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.

Program (IEPs) teams must write IEPs designed to help students make meaningful progress. Learn the art of developing IEPs in which the present level of academic and functional performance forms a solid foundation for writing SMART goals connected to learning standards, describing specially designed instruction, and designing classroom accommodations and modifications. Additionally, participants will learn how to involve parents in the process and review all timelines that must be met to remain in compliance.

NOTE- This session will precede the High School Session.

Attendees will explore how Missouri Connections can support you and your students as they plan for life after high school. The junior version is packed with fun, age-appropriate activities, interactive self-surveys on interests, skills, and values-that help students learn more about themselves while connecting the dots to future careers. Come discover new ways to engage your students and make post-secondary planning meaningful, personalized, and fun!

NOTE- This session will immediately follow the Junior Version Session.

Attendees will explore how high school educators can use Missouri Connections to support students as they plan for life after graduation. The platform includes powerful tools for post-secondary exploration-helping students research colleges, compare programs, search for scholarships, and explore career paths. It also features employment readiness tools like a resume builder, interview prep, and skill assessments to help students feel confident and prepared. Join us to discover how Missouri Connections can make post-secondary planning more meaningful, personalized, and accessible for your students-no matter where their path leads.

This full-day training is designed for teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff who work with students on the autism spectrum. Participants will learn how to integrate functional skills, like organization, self-management, and daily living tasks, into everyday classroom routines and academic lessons. The session will cover how to design and use independent work systems, including task boxes and task cards, to build student independence and engagement. Through demonstrations, group activities, and guided practice, attendees will leave with practical strategies, and the confidence to create meaningful, skill-building opportunities that support student success.  Possible time in the afternoon for make and time and Q&A.

8:30-9 (arrival/registration) 

9-11:30 morning session

11:30-12:30 Lunch on your own

12:30-3:30 afternoon session

This professional development session focuses on two critical Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practices: Active Supervision and Increasing Opportunities to Respond (OTR). Participants will explore how these evidence-based strategies can enhance student engagement, improve behavior, and create a safer, more supportive learning environment.

This session is designed for teachers, school leaders, and support staff aiming to strengthen their PBIS implementation, foster a positive school climate, and enhance both behavioral and academic outcomes.

***ENROLLMENT IS CAPPED, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY

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.

This professional development session focuses on three essential Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practices: Activity Sequencing, Providing Choice, and Adjusting Task Difficulty. These evidence-based strategies play a vital role in enhancing student engagement, reducing disruptive behavior, and supporting diverse learning needs.

This session is ideal for teachers, school leaders, and support staff seeking to improve classroom management and instructional practices while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment through PBIS.

***ENROLLMENT IS CAPPED, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY

Participants will learn the basics of Registered Youth Apprenticeship and be provided tools to start program development.

1. Create Your Own Apprenticeship Program: Tailored for any community or district size.

2. Essential Tools and Knowledge: Learn to implement and customize your program.

3. Simplified Process: Easy, step-by-step guidance for effective implementation.

This professional development session focuses on the PBIS Behavior De-Escalation Cycle, equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to escalating student behavior. Participants will explore each phase of the de-escalation cycle-from the calm phase through recovery-while learning proactive strategies to minimize escalation and supportive responses to safely guide students back to baseline behavior.

Through interactive discussions and case studies, educators will gain practical tools to de-escalate challenging situations, maintain a positive classroom environment, and promote student self-regulation. This session emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, using preventative measures, and responding with empathy and consistency.

***ENROLLMENT IS CAPPED, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY

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.

This session is for teachers who are already enrolled in Aspire training to make-up the missed Aspire Day 2 session. If you are interested in learning more about registering for Aspire training, please contact the facilitator listed.

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.

Wondering how to set your students up for success after high school? This training will give you the tools to guide them into their next phase-whether it's college, a career, or independent living.

You'll learn how to use Transition Assessments and Services to help students build a future-ready plan that fits their goals. We'll dive into everything from Indicator 13 (transition compliance in the IEP) to crafting meaningful post-secondary outcomes. Plus, we'll explore easy-to-implement strategies for teaching self-determination skills that empower students to take charge of their own path.

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.

This professional development session provides a comprehensive guide to preparing, implementing, and maintaining PBIS Advanced Tier interventions, with a focus on three key strategies: Check-In/Check-Out (CICO), Social Skills Instruction, and Self-Monitoring. These evidence-based interventions offer targeted support for students who need additional help beyond universal Tier 1 practices, fostering positive behavior and improving academic and social outcomes. Session will also include an overview of what is required for those most critical students that need additional support beyond typical interventions to be successful in the school setting.

Participants will explore best practices for establishing Advanced Tier systems, effectively delivering interventions, and using data to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.

***ENROLLMENT IS CAPPED, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY

CareerTrek is the Elementary Career Exploration Resource that is the start of the students journey towards career awareness and learning. Career Trek is a highly interactive platform with a visual format and audio/text instructions where students can connect careers with interests and skills and engage in brief career overviews. Students work within Career Trek will move with them as they advance into using Missouri Connections resources.

Topics Covered:

• Portfolio-based access that allows students to save their information and transfer to Missouri Connections CIS 360

• Grade Level modules K-5

• The Career Creator tool that allows students to create and draw their own career after completing each activity/module

• CCI Quick Pic - an elementary version of the popular Career Cluster Inventory

• Site Administration accounts that allow educators to access student portfolios and run reports

• Curriculum/activities to assist educators in the implementation of the platform in the classroom

This professional development session is designed to guide schools through the process of preparing for PBIS state recognition and ensuring successful staff survey completion. Participants will learn how to document and showcase their PBIS implementation efforts, align practices with state criteria, and engage staff in providing meaningful feedback through surveys.

***ENROLLMENT IS CAPPED, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY

This session is for teachers who are already enrolled in Early Childhood 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.

Training will provide an overview of the Missouri Individual Career & Academic Plan (ICAP) available as a part of Missouri Connections CIS360. This feature includes a series of activities consisting of assessments, modules and components assigned by grade level beginning in the 8th grade and culminating in the 12th grade. As students' complete ICAP activities in CIS360, these populate into an ICAP Print Report compliant with SB 638 requirements.

Training will demonstrate from a student perspective:

• Access to Missouri Connections CIS360 system

• 8th - 12th grade level ICAP Components

• Junior and High School Career Plan Activities

• ICAP Print Report

NOTE- This session will immediately follow the Grade Level Component Session.

The Student Course Planner is an integral part in the development of a student's ICAP. Course Planner allows students to choose a district-defined pathway, which populates recommended courses across grade/subject levels. As students' complete ICAP Components and select courses in the Course Planner, these populate into an ICAP Print Report compliant with SB 638 and MSIP 6 requirements.

Missouri Connections provides in-depth resources for educators and students, however learning and understanding how to drill down within the resources may be a feature many might not be familiar with. Participants will learn additional steps and strategies that will enhance their students use of Missouri Connections. Through a deeper dive into careers, participants will learn how to guide students towards learning more details about an occupation, education/training, job outlooks, necessary skills, salary, etc. about specific careers. In addition, this workshop will show how to locate post-high school training centers and college/universities that offer preparation for a chosen program of study. The information shared during this session is essential for students to make informed decisions about their future.

The focus of this workshop is on the evaluation process from pre-referral to eligibility. We will examine how decisions are being made regarding when to suspect an educational disability, how to determine what information needs to be gathered through assessments, what to consider when selecting assessment tools, and then how to use assessment results in eligibility decisions. The training will cover the required content for evaluation reports, based on the standards and indicators.

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.

This session is for teachers who are already enrolled in Aspire training to make-up the missed Aspire Day 3 session. If you are interested in learning more about registering for Aspire training, please contact the facilitator listed.

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.

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.

This session is for teachers who are already enrolled in Early Childhood 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.

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.

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.

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.