Distance professional learning

Distance learning is a valid way to learn and like all types of learning has benefits and limitations. We believe educators need high-quality, authentic experiences in the distance environment as learners to succeed in it as teachers. Our remote work embraces the same approach as our in-person work. We leverage prior knowledge. We keep it relevant. We boost teacher agency. We invest in collaboration. 
TIPS & TRICKS for interactive video sessions
Successful digital learning occurs in online videoconference sessions when facilitators focus on boosting engagement and minimizing roadblocks. This resource provides tips & tricks for making that happen. 
View more tips and tricks below!
Optimize Distance Teaching & Learning
Distance Learning Investigations
30- to 90-minute sessions
Sessions focus on boosting engagement and minimizing roadblocks in distance learning. Topics can include specific suggestions for transitioning in-person activities to distance, connecting with families, platform training, breakout room facilitation, distance course design, and more. Sessions are custom designed for teachers of any grade, for facilitators of professional learning, and for leaders who need to implement interventions via distance. A series of sessions is best for groups wanting to set up a community of focused on optimizing distance learning. ​​
Interactive Video Sessions
90-minute sessions
Sessions provide teachers the opportunity to engage in interactive online learning via videoconference and then to investigate the pedagogy and technology used. A variety of content areas are available (e.g., online simulation use, math, trauma-informed instruction, science, discourse, multidimensional learning). Custom topics are encouraged!
Science and Engineering at Distance​
​180-minute sessions
During these sessions, we facilitate engaging science investigations at distance. Participating in these sessions deepens teachers knowledge and personal experience with deep science or engineering content, next generation curricular design and pedagogy, and distance learning. The session time is divided between authentic adult-level science investigation work and debriefing the experiences in terms of its design, pedagogy, and technology, with offline follow-up reflection and application challenges.  

Additional 75-min Teaching Investigations and Literacy Investigations are available to extend the learning from these sessions. These investigations delve into topics such as analyzing cases of practice, discussing instructional moves, and supporting discourse, reading, and writing. 
Support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Classroom Innovations for PLC Leaders
90-minute session
At a time when collaboration is more important than ever, dig into a professional learning community protocol that supports teachers working together to shift their classroom culture and science implementation toward a next generation model. Includes suggestions for how to use this PLC protocol in-person and remotely. 
Making Sense of Student Work for PLC Leaders
90-minute session
A practice missing from most of today's distance learning is formative assessment. This professional learning community protocol supports teachers formatively assessing student thinking through authentic collaboration. Includes how to use this PLC protocol in-person and remotely. ​
Invest in Leaders
Facilitation intensive 
Four 90-minute sessions (plus asynchronous work)
These sessions prepare teacher leaders and staff developers to facilitate professional learning. The sessions prioritize time for small collaborative groups to process content, reflect on their learning, and make connections to their own work. The facilitation model investigated is what MSS uses in their professional learning, but these sessions are not MSS specific. The strategies presented are most applicable to professional learning that is designed to respect and leverage teachers' prior experiences, be welcoming and inclusive of all teachers, promote deep collaboration, and build teacher self-efficacy. 
ONLINE LEADERSHIP SIMULATION
Leading Professional Learning
​(a.k.a. The Change Game)
Two 180-minute sessions (plus asynchronous work)
An interactive simulation designed for teacher educators, school leaders, and others who are responsible for shaping or implementing professional learning initiatives in their schools and districts. The game gives them guided practice in planning for and following through on professional learning efforts that address the specific needs of teachers and their students, and introduces them to potential challenges that they must recognize and navigate effectively in order to achieve sustained effective practice. 
Why Teachers Need Engaging, Meaningful Distance PL
FREE RESOURCES
​Distance Learning in COVID-19
Explore five principles for educators to consider as they make the shift to digital classrooms.
Converting In-Person Activities to Distance Learning Activities
Learn easy ways to transition common in-person activities to a digital setting.
Supporting Families 
Explore a few stress-free things caregivers can do to ensure children come through this experience happy, healthy, and fully enriched.
CONTACT US!
If you're interested in talking more about our remote professional learning services, please contact:
Patrick Moyle
Distance Learning Architect
510.302.4219
pmoyle@wested.org
Tips for Using Technology in Distance Learning
Tip #1: Use Google Slide Masters to create interactive experiences for students
Tip #2: How to use stations during distance learning
Tip #3: Organize and monitor small group work with a google doc.