School of Education & Human Sciences announces free virtual professional development series

LAWRENCE — The School of Education & Human Sciences at the University of Kansas has announced dates for the 2020-2021 Strategies Event Series, which will include three virtual and interactive professional development lectures via Zoom.

The first session of the series, “The Skills That Matter: Social-emotional Learning & Practice Across the Curriculum,” will feature Pattie Noonan, associate research professor in the Center for Research on Learning at KU. The presentation represents a collaborative effort with more than 1,000 middle and high school educators to translate social/emotional research into applicable instructional practices. Participants will explore the College and Career Competency Framework through focusing on one of three competencies for self-assessment, building knowledge and brainstorming instruction.

Noonan’s virtual session will take place at 9 a.m. Nov. 21. The session is free and open to the public, though individuals must RSVP online to participate. Learn more and RSVP for Noonan’s session online here.

The second session will take place at 9 a.m. Feb. 13, 2021. M’Balia Thomas, assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum & Teaching, will present “Being Lazy & Slowing Down in PK-12 Classrooms: A Deeper Look” as a continuation of last year’s series.

The final session of the 2020-2021 series is scheduled for April 17, 2021. Michael Orosco, associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, will present. The session topic is still being considered for selection. More information will be announced later in the academic year.

“In the past, we’ve been able to host an annual series of free professional development at the Edwards Campus,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education & Human Sciences. “This year, with the pandemic still in full force, we are excited to continue to support professional development in a virtual manner.”

Interested individuals are encouraged to save the dates for sessions two and three on their calendars. Details on each presentation will be announced as they are confirmed. Information about the Strategies Event Series and other lectures offered by the School of Education & Human Sciences can be found here.  

The KU School of Education & Human Sciences is located in Lawrence and is a nationally ranked school, preparing educators and human science professionals as leaders.