Board hears report on professional development, instructional coaching and teacher supports

Tahlequah Public Schools district leaders presented a multi-part update on professional development (PD), instructional coaching and programs aimed at recruiting and supporting teachers.

District staff described required online trainings tracked in LearnUpon (topics include bloodborne pathogens, FERPA, hazardous communications, Title IX and McKinney-Vento). The district provides time during the school year for certified staff to complete required modules and retains a record of completions.

Officials reviewed grant-funded summer PD that in the prior year served roughly 80 participants and paid stipends ($100 per full day, $50 per half day) funded through federal grants managed by the district's grants office. The board heard that instructional coaches now work at every level: Jessica Morrison and Cassie Stevens (elementary), Candice Jefferson (middle school), and Chuck Pack (high school). The coaches support classroom instruction, technology platforms and new-teacher mentoring.

Staff highlighted a 19-day engagement with consultant Katie Kinder, paid from grant funds, that the district said has been well received by teachers and leaders. A staff member in the meeting said, "Katie Kinder is a breath of fresh air," reflecting positive feedback from multiple sites.

The board also discussed professional learning communities, literacy and science-of-reading training, mental-health and behavioral threat-assessment training, and computer science and VR initiatives at the high school. Officials said much of the PD is grant funded and noted that potential federal grant freezes could affect future grant availability; the presenters said current-year grants were not directly impacted.

Board members asked about which programs are grant-funded and whether freezes would affect operations; staff said competitive grants are less likely to be affected in the short term but formula grants (Title I/II) could face cuts next year.