Local Online Professional Learning
January Virtual Sessions
Verbal De-Escalation (3 ESE points)
Tuesday - January 6, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Brianna Tesar, tesarb@pcsb.org
Participants will master the basics of behavior management, with an emphasis on understanding that all behavior is a form of communication. You will learn how to enhance your classroom management skills and reduce negative behaviors by effectively using strategies such as proximity, body language (including movements and posture), empathetic/dismissive listening, paraverbal communication (focusing on cadence, volume, and tone), and relationship building.
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Supporting Students with Dyslexia (3 ESE points)
Wednesday, January 7, 2025
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Beth Hutfilz, hutfilzb@pcsb.org
The purpose of this professional learning session is for participants to deepen their understanding of dyslexia by exploring its definition and key characteristics, understand the Florida statues and rules related to eligibility and consider how assessments can support students with characteristics of dyslexia and receive best practice strategies to support students with characteristics of dyslexia to meet individual student needs.
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Disability Awareness (3 ESE points)
Thursday, January 15, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Krystle Swift, swiftkr@pcsb.org
Participants will: Understand disability history and the Florida eligibility categories as required in Fl. Statute 1003.4205, receive an overview of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) eligibility categories in Florida, understand the impact of each disability on students, and be able to identify evidence-based practices
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Visual supports to Enhance Learner Outcomes (2 ESE points)
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
6:30pm-8:30pm
Contact Information: Kelly O’Malley, omalleyk@pcsb.org
The purpose of this training is to help teachers learn to explore how visual tools and strategies can transform the way they support student learning. Whether it's through images, charts, symbols, or objects, visuals provide powerful ways to clarify information, engage learners, and support varied learning needs. By integrating visuals into our teaching practices, we can help students make connections, stay focused, and retain information more effectively. Participants will learn how to create and use visual supports in the first two hours of the training. The third hour of professional learning will be participants creating/implementing a visual support with students and collecting pre and post-implementation data to receive credit for the course.
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The Art and Science of Positive Interactions (3 ESE points)
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Brianna Tesar, tesarb@pcsb.org
Participants will learn to differentiate between positive and negative interactions and discover strategies for intentionally increasing positive interactions. They will also explore how to make these interactions more meaningful and how to provide corrective feedback effectively when needed.
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Differentiated Instruction: Empowering All Learners (3 ESE points)
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Beth Hutfilz, hutfilzb@pcsb.org
Participants will learn to distinguish between Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning. They will explore strategies for differentiating content and processes during instruction, understand the importance of adapting the learning environment, and develop a differentiated lesson plan. Participants will also collect and analyze post-test data to assess the effectiveness of their instruction.
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Making Visual Supports with Lessonpix (2 ESE points)
Monday, January 26, 2026
6:30pm-8:30pm
Contact Information: Kelly O’Malley, omalleyk@pcsb.org
Participants will learn how to search for and create print activities and visual supports for students with disabilities for learning, behavior, and communication using LessonPix online.
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February Virtual Sessions
Executive Functioning (3 ESE points)
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Beth Hutfilz, hutfilzb@pcsb.org
This course will provide information, strategies and support for teachers to learn the components of executive functioning and assist teachers in understanding how to support students with executive functioning challenges.
Foundations of a Successful Classroom (3 ESE points)
5:00pm-7:00pm
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Contact Information: Brianna Tesar, tesarb@pcsb.org
This course focuses on 5 areas that have been identified to influence student behavior. These areas are: Structure, Teach, Observe, Interact, and Correct. Participants will identify practices related to each area and utilize in their classroom.
Hernando Registration Pasco Registration Pinellas Registration Other Link
Hernando Registration Pasco Registration Pinellas Registration Other Link
Microsoft Learning Tools (2 ESE Points)
Thursday, February 5, 2026
7:00pm-8:00pm
Contact Information: Kelly O’Malley, omalleyk@pcsb.org
Participants will understand the features of the Microsoft Learning Tools including Immersive Reader, Dictation, Writing Tools, Microsoft Lens, and Math Tool. Participants will have time to practice using each accessibility tool and be provided with any needed coaching in order to collaborate and problem-solve use with students that have disabilities and as Universal Design for Learning in their own classroom. Participants will be required to implement a tool with students and collect data on students as the second hour of training to receive credit for the course.
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Specially Designed Instruction (3 ESE Points)
Monday, February 9, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Krystle Swift, swiftkr@pcsb.org
This course provides educators with a comprehensive understanding of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and its critical role in supporting students with disabilities. Participants will define the components of SDI, identify high-leverage instructional practices, explore delivery methods, and develop actionable plans for classroom implementation. Through interactive learning and practical application, educators will be equipped to design and deliver instruction that meets the unique needs of each learner.
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IEP Foundations: PLAAFPs and IEP Goals (3 ESE points)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Krystle Swift, swiftkr@pcsb.org
Participants will gain essential knowledge and hands-on practice in crafting effective components of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). This course focuses on developing Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statements and writing measurable IEP goals. Through guided instruction and collaborative activities, educators will enhance their ability to create meaningful, data-driven IEPs that support student success.
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Effective Vocabulary Instruction: Supporting Students with Disabilities (3 ESE points)
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Beth Hutfilz, hutflizb@pcsb.org
Vocabulary is the foundation of language and comprehension, yet it often receives less attention than it deserves. In this professional learning session, educators will explore why vocabulary plays a critical role in student success and how intentional instruction can transform learning. The session will guide participants through selecting high-impact words that matter most for understanding and academic growth. Finally, educators will learn the essential components of an explicit vocabulary lesson, gaining practical strategies to make instruction clear, engaging, and effective. By the end, participants will leave with tools to build stronger vocabulary practices that support all learners.
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Proactive Approaches to Behavior (3 ESE points)
Thursday, February 19, 2026
5:00pm-7:00pm
Contact Information: Brianna Tesar, tesarb@pcsb.org
Participants will master the basics of behavior management, with an emphasis on understanding that all behavior is a form of communication. You will learn how to enhance your classroom management skills and reduce negative behaviors by effectively using strategies such as proximity, body language (including movements and posture), empathetic/dismissive listening, paraverbal communication (focusing on cadence, volume, and tone), and relationship building.
Hernando Registration Pasco Registration Pinellas Registration Other Link
A Whole LOTTA Help: Low Tech Toolkit (2 ESE points)
Thursday, February 26, 2026
7:00pm-8:00pm
Contact Information: Kelly O’Malley, omalleyk@pcsb.org
Participants will learn how to build a low tech assistive technology toolkit for use with students with disabilities to provide needed accommodations.
Hernando Registration Pasco Registration Pinellas Registration Other Link
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