Developing Professional Development
NDU PD program kicks off with October events, new website
By Patty Barrette, patty.barrette@ndunited.org
On Oct. 20–21, 2016, North Dakota United held our first Professional Development events at the Radisson Inn in Bismarck. Twenty-four members attended four different Train the Trainer sessions over the two days, including Educator Ethics, I Can Do It classroom management, Educating the Whole Child and ParaPower. Attendees learned a lot of valuable information that they can use every day in their jobs. A large part of this training was targeted at our ESP members, as NEA sent trainers in to lead the Whole Child and ParaPower sessions, which included 14 members — including several new ESP members from Hazen.
By designing and offering various opportunities for professional development to teachers around the state, in multiple formats, NDU will be ensuring that our teachers teach well and students are successful.
Currently in the state of North Dakota, there is a gap between what types of professional development is offered and what educators feel they need.
When surveyed, educators graded their district/Regional Education Agencies’ professional development with only 35 percent receiving either an A or B grade, demonstrating a need for high-quality, relevant professional development.
Just before our inaugural Train the Trainer events in October, NDU introduced a new website geared entirely to professional development for K-12 educators, ESP, public employees and higher education employees. The goal of this is for NDU to become the go to for high-quality, relevant professional development.
This website was made possible through a grant from the National Education Association and allows us to provide a one-stop shop for professional development in the state. The website includes pages for upcoming course offerings, outside events and trainings and resources-including webinars, grants and scholarship opportunities. From this site, you can also request a training or propose a training to be held.
Go to http://pd.ndunited.org and check it out today!
NDU has several more opportunities for members to attend trainings at little to no cost.
Upcoming events include:
Educator Ethics
Bismarck, Jan. 14–15, 2017
(0–2 credits available through UND)
2017 NDU Advocacy Conference
Mandan, Jan. 27–28, 2017
I Can Do It
Fargo, Feb. 4–5, 2017
(0–1 credit available through UND)
I Can Do It
Bismarck, March 25–26, 2017
(0–1 credit available through UND)
Members are eligible for reimbursement up to the total cost of the course, after successful completion of the course.
Go to http://pd.ndunited.org to register and be sure to check back often for more opportunities! If you have a training need, please contact us at pd@ndunited.org.
