Would you like to increase community and differentiate for students in your online classroom? CSTP in partnership with OSPI, is offering free synchronous training on these topics for educators! These trainings have been created by Washington teachers and are full of great ideas that can be implemented into online and hybrid classrooms. All online trainings will be two hours with the opportunity to purchase clock hours upon completion. Participants will be asked to complete a short survey after the course to review and offer feedback of the content.

This training will explain the importance of a classroom community and the positive effect it has on student learning. It will provide many examples and opportunities for teachers think about their own online class communities and how to make them stronger.

This training will explain why providing content appropriate for individual students is vital to their success. You will learn new ideas and methods for how to meet each students’ needs successfully.

Register for one or both sessions through this Synchronous Training Registration Form.

Date: February 18, 2021

Cost: Free

Date: February 25, 2021

Cost: Free

Date: March 3, 2021

Cost: Free

It's a new month and we are running our CSTP Colleague Recognition and Self-Care Giveaway with new prize pack for February. To enter, tell us about an educator (teacher, principal, paraeducator, ESA, administrator) who is a beacon of light and both you and that educator will be entered to win a self-care kit at the end of the month. If you entered the January giveaway, you are welcome to also enter the February giveaway.

(1)Starry Eyes Popmask

(1) Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime Tea

(1) Lavender Dreams Candle

(1) Mr. Teals Sleep Bubble Bath

(1) Copy of Teach and Still Have Time to Pee by Jamie Johnson

Enter by February 28 on the CSTP website.

CSTP in partnership with OSPI, will be holding a statewide book study featuring Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. This book study is open to all Washington state educators including teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, administrators, and ESAs.

Facilitating this book study is Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge, author of Culturally Responsive Education in the Classroom. Participants will meet from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM on February 18, February 25, March 4 and March 11 and indulge in intimate discussion with their assigned small group as well as participate in large group activities.

10 clock hours are available to participants in this book study.

Learn more and register on the CSTP website.

The League of Education Voters (LEV) conducted interviews with the nine 2021 Teachers of the Year and two of the 2020 Classified Employees of the Year. They talk about what motivates them, how COVID has impacted their lives and what schools can do to support them, plus so much more!

Check these interviews out on the LEV website.

The Washington Library Association has recently put the finishing touches on the WA Digital TeachKit. With a focus on supporting remote and hybrid learning, the WA Digital TeachKit is a professional development resource that features over 20 commonly used digital tools in K-12 education. Designed by educators for educators, teacher librarians have researched, curated, and created profiles for tools including useful guides to assist educators in selecting and using educational technology. The tools selected for this guide represent commonly-used apps, services, and software already in use in many schools and classrooms and the guides are designed to help educators understand different kinds of digital tools and services and how they can fit into your instruction. If you're not sure which tool fits which need, these guides are designed to help you make the right choice. Every teacher really should check out this site to up their digital instruction abilities and resources for the new year.

The Equity in Education Coalition (EEC) is currently looking to fill two positions:

If you or someone you know is interested, please visit the EEC Website for more details on the job and how to apply.

Ellison education grants will be awarding 10 grants in the spring of 2021. This grant application is open to those employed in a public Washington State K-12 school to empower and support their innovative and inspirational ideas. Grants range from $1,000-$10,000. Grant applications are due by March 21, 2021. To learn more and apply, visit the Ellison Foundation website.

The Fulbright TGC is accepting applications through March 24, 2021 for their upcoming program. The program is a yearlong professional learning opportunity and short-term exchange for elementary, middle, and high school educators from the United States to develop skills to prepare students for a competitive global economy. Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms equips educators to bring an international perspective to their schools through targeted training, experience abroad, and global collaboration. Stories from School blogger, Lynne Olmos, previously participated in this program and documented her experience on the blog. To learn more about this program visit the Fulbright TGC website.

Since 2019, CSTP has supported OSPI and statewide partners in increasing inclusionary practices across Washington state. As the Inclusionary Practices Project (IPP) lead, we supported schools, districts, and professional development providers to deliver coaching and mentoring to classroom teachers in support of inclusive education, differentiated instruction, and individualized instruction. OSPI awarded grant funding to support inclusionary practices in 246 schools in 100 school districts, impacting over 20,000 students with disabilities statewide!

The IPP has focused on a goal of increasing the percentage of students placed in the least restrictive environment to 60% statewide and 50% in targeted pilot schools by 2021. By the end of 2020, the project met the statewide target and exceeded the pilot target by 5.5%! That means 5,000 students with disabilities in Washington have moved up to the highest level of inclusion! These are impressive gains made during trying times and it speaks to the resilience and collaborative efforts throughout our state. We are grateful for the efforts of educators, students and families, and professional development partners, and we are excited to see these collaborative efforts expand inclusion throughout our state! See the OSPI Year 2 Progress Update for more detailed information. Resources, research, and professional development activities on the OSPI IPP project webpage.

The Haring Center for Inclusive Education is offering webinars featuring deep dives into specific inclusionary practices with their 2020-21 preschool demonstration sites. Register for one or more below.

We are excited to welcome Denisha Saucedo as our newest teacher blogger on Stories from School.

In 2002, I began, and still teach 6th grade five miles from my high school. I believe that teaching and learning are the root of our existence. As a kid, I was labeled the stereotypical black child, living in a single-parent home, daughter of a Jamaican immigrant. I was inspired to teach by my worst educational experiences. No one could imagine this child would one day be named 2018 PSESD regional teacher of the year.

I stay busy, but at the root are my two beautiful HS daughters, both gifted, multiple-sport student athletes, and my husband, best friend, and HS sweetheart; they are the light that guides me. I also coach girls’ basketball, track, soccer, and our school’s STOMP and Dance Team. I serve on several school and district committees. Some include equity, leadership, and BEST mentoring. At the state level, I sit on the Ethnic Studies Advisory team with OSPI and previously worked to help develop SEL indicators. In addition, I am proud core-team member of the Kent Educators of Color Network. We work alongside our superintendent to lead our district towards an equitable education for all students.

"How will 2020 be categorized in history books one-hundred years from now? How will teachers then, learn from our mistakes now? The larger more pressing question is how do we, today, give student the opportunity to be educated in a system they will not grow to resent for its oppressive and dismissive policies and curriculum?"

"But I made a point to describe my grading plan as “merit-based, additive grading” rather than “demerit-based, subtractive grading.” Basically: I’m looking for what you’re doing right rather than what you’re doing wrong. The line that resonated with many students: I’m not taking any points away."

"Though circumstances have forced us to alter these traditions, I also believe that we should rethink how we recognize Martin Luther King Jr. in 2021. The fact that this MLK Day of Service follows a summer of protests for racial justice across our country should not be ignored."

Stories from School bloggers each weigh in on what they would like to see become educational priorities in the 2021 Washington Legislative session.

Do you have a question about your Learning Management System? Submit it here, in our Facebook group or to our Twitter accounts.

One teacher has gamified her class with a "Choose your Own Adventure" plotline. Read the story.

Don't have a list of student emails? Send students a link to join your classroom via whatever communication system your district uses (Skyward, Parent Square, etc). Students click the link and are IN!

Select: Classroom tile > click the three dots > Copy invite link.

Whether you are a novice or beginner, this Top 20 Microsoft Teams Tips & Tricks video has something for everyone.

Schoology has so much to offer in the way of differentiation. Check out this video that will teach you how to make Grading Groups.

Although many classes are teaching remotely or in a hybrid model, we still want our students to have those memorable experiences that make learning fun and real. Here are some virtual field trip ideas.

On December 31, 2020 CSTP added four new modules designed by educators for educators in grades K-12. Badges and clock hours are available for those completing any of the 20 available asynchronous modules in the Teacher Tech Project. Each completed module is worth one clock hour.

Learn more on the CSTP website.

As a major snowstorm hits the North Eastern seaboard, National Park Zoo pandas enjoy their snow day.

Your gift ensures that CSTP continues to support student achievement through a focus on teaching excellence. With you as a partner in CSTP’s mission, you directly make a difference in the lives of youth across Washington State schools. Donations are tax deductible and essential as CSTP works to support educators navigate unique models of student engagement during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Liking and sharing our posts on social media is another way you can support CSTP during these times. Thank you for sharing our message.