Pearland ISD EdTech team unveils YouTube training, 'PD in a Box' and teacher communications plan

Pearland ISD educational-technology staff presented Nov. 11 on a rebranded communications strategy and a suite of professional-development offerings designed to reach teachers across 23 campuses with a smaller central team.

The team described three foundational communication methods (email with informational or action icons, a Canvas-based district repository of resources, and weekly 'Canvas tips') and four new initiatives: "Learning in the Lounge" microlearning displays in workrooms, the EdTech Connect digital newsletter, a YouTube training channel with 60‑second "Paramount" videos and longer "Paramount Plus" extensions, and a voluntary "PD in a Box" subscription that packages micro‑PD content and sponsored items.

Denise and Dr. Smith said early results show district take-up: the YouTube channel had accrued more than 1,300 views in a few months; the team had delivered over 740 PD boxes with about one in five teachers signing up districtwide; and opt‑in participation translated to roughly 120 hours of credited professional development to date. The presenters said some boxes were sponsored by local businesses and that staff sought additional sponsorships and partnerships with the education foundation for sustainability.

Trustees asked whether the YouTube channel could be monetized and whether ad revenue could support PD; staff said monetization would require more followers and views and they would explore options. President Carbone praised the team and trustees thanked them for the practical tools designed to reduce email overload and expand teacher access to timely instruction-based tech tips.

Next steps: staff will continue to scale the channel and PD boxes and seek partner sponsorship to offset costs.