Connecting and Communicating Your Ideas
Professional learning offers a modern approach for teachers to engage with new material and apply it directly in the classroom. It emphasizes active participation and hands-on practice, moving away from the traditional 'sit-and-listen' model of professional development. This approach allows teachers to collaborate, reflect, and test strategies in real time. By doing so, they gain a deeper understanding of the content and how it applies to their specific teaching context. Over time, professional learning fosters a culture of continuous growth, innovation, and improved student outcomes.
5 Key Principles of Effective PL
1. Duration – Ongoing, Embedded Professional Learning
Professional learning will be continuous and integrated into daily practice. Staff will be assigned to teams led by designated team leaders who will guide implementation, offer mentorship, and provide support in overcoming technological challenges and staff hesitation. This support structure will remain in place throughout the first three years of implementation.
2. Support – Ongoing Implementation Assistance
Team leaders will hold weekly check-ins to monitor group progress, address concerns, and escalate unresolved issues to the Professional Learning (PL) team. These regular meetings will promote transparency, timely problem-solving, and a smoother implementation process. This consistent support will also foster trust, strengthen communication, and enhance collaboration across the school community.
3. Active Engagement – Hands On Collaborative Learning
Training sessions will emphasize interactive, experiential learning rather than passive listening. Educators will actively build their own e-Portfolios during sessions, gaining practical experience while engaging in discussions and collaborative activities. This approach will build confidence and competence in using e-Portfolios effectively.
4. Modeling – Demonstrating Effective Practice
Training will include demonstrations of how e-Portfolios can be integrated into classroom instruction. Educators will observe, practice, and adapt strategies to meet their students’ needs. These sessions will also highlight how e-Portfolios support student reflection, ownership, and growth, fostering greater confidence in using the tool.
5. Role-Specific Training – Tailored to Staff Responsibilities
Professional learning will be differentiated by role. Team leaders will engage in collaborative role-play and scenario-based planning to address potential challenges throughout the school year. They will then model these collaborative strategies within their groups. Continuous feedback and reflection will be encouraged to refine both individual practice and the overall implementation process.
Alternative Professional Learning Approach Go and Show /Alt PL
Effective learning does not happen in a single session or one-time event. It requires ongoing practice and reinforcement throughout the entire year. This is especially important when introducing a new concept or approach in any setting. To ensure lasting impact, learning must be continuous, consistent, and integrated into daily practice not treated as a one-time 'sit-and-go' experience. Regular reflection and feedback help deepen understanding and improve implementation. Over time, this sustained effort leads to meaningful growth and successful adoption of new strategies.
By using the 'Go and Show' method, we support teachers in seeing and practicing the benefits of the new ideas being introduced. Through repeated modeling and collaboration, we ensure teachers leave professional learning sessions with practical strategies they can confidently implement in their classrooms. This hands-on approach builds confidence and encourages experimentation with new tools and techniques. Over time, it fosters a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning across the campus.
Call To Action
Professional Learning Outline
This training supports the effective implementation of e-Portfolios in the classroom, helping students take accountability for their learning while fostering creativity through connections to real-world experiences. Teachers will learn how to use and integrate e-Portfolios into their instruction, gaining both the knowledge and confidence to apply it in meaningful ways. During the training, educators will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, practice hands-on strategies, and explore how e-Portfolios can be customized to fit their specific classroom needs.
1. Understanding Self Accountability to their Learning
Explore strategies to help students take ownership of their learning. This will allow them to understand the value and importance of accountability.
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2. Introduction of e-Portfolios and Its Significance
Discover the benefits of e-Portfolios and how they can be applied to real-world experiences.
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3. Integrating e-Portfolios Into Curriculum and Lesson Planning
Develop strategies for integrating e-Portfolios into the year’s curriculum.
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4. Hands On e-Portfolio Training and Support
Ongoing monthly trainings will offer troubleshooting support and guidance to ensure teachers experience a smooth and confident transition to integrating technology in the classroom
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5. Build Collaboration and Sustainability
Establish peer learning communities to reflect on student impact and collaboratively plan for ongoing professional growth and program expansion.
Audience and Their Needs
This training will be directly aligned with ongoing professional learning to support the successful implementation of e-Portfolios. It will provide year-round guidance for teachers, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to integrate e-Portfolios effectively into their classrooms. Through this process, students will be encouraged to take ownership of their learning and develop creativity. By supporting staff through continuous professional learning, we are empowering them to foster meaningful and impactful learning experiences for their students. Regular reflection and collaboration will ensure that teachers feel confident and supported throughout the implementation. Ultimately, this approach will lead to a more student-centered and innovative learning environment.
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​CTE (Career and Technical Education) Teachers - These teachers will help students become more tech-savvy by guiding them in the use of technology, specifically through the use of Google Sites. This hands-on approach will support students in developing ideas and skills needed to create and maintain their own e-Portfolios. As students gain confidence in using digital tools, they will also improve their ability to organize, reflect on, and showcase their learning. This foundation will not only support academic success but also prepare them for future college and career readiness.
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High School Teachers - At the high school level, students are required to pass five state assessments in order to graduate. By implementing e-Portfolios in the classroom, students can easily review and revisit the material they’ve learned with just the click of a button. High school teachers will actively monitor student progress and address any misconceptions that arise, ensuring students stay on track and are well-prepared for their exams.
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School Leaders - Principals, department heads, and instructional coaches play a vital role in supporting teacher professional development and overseeing curriculum implementation. We will need everyone’s full support to effectively spread the message across the district.
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CTE Coordinators - With the support of the coordinators, we will be able to identify valuable resources and provide ongoing guidance for professional learning throughout the year. They will also assist in guiding both teachers and students in effectively integrating e-Portfolios into the classroom, ensuring long-term success in the years to come. Their expertise will be essential in addressing challenges, answering questions, and providing timely feedback. Together, this collaborative approach will help build a strong foundation for meaningful, technology-enhanced learning experiences.
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Leadership
Session 1: Introduction and Overview of e-Portfolio's
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Facilitator: Me
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Role: Begin by introducing the concept of e-Portfolios, highlighting their purpose and benefits. Emphasize how they can be effectively used in the classroom to foster student ownership of learning, encourage reflection, and promote self-accountability through regular documentation of progress and goal-setting.
Session 2: Implementation and Lesson Planning
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Facilitator: Me, CTE Teachers and Coordinators
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Role: Model the implementation of e-Portfolios in the classroom by having educators create and utilize their own e-Portfolios, with a focus on aligning content and student work with the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills).
Session 3: Progress Check and Problem Solving
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Facilitator: Me, CTE Coordinators, and Team Leaders
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Conduct monthly check-ins with assigned group members to identify and address any misconceptions. These meetings will also provide ongoing support for teachers who are still working to integrate e-Portfolios into their classrooms.
Session 4: Semester Reflection and Curriculum Adjustment
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Facilitator: Me, CTE Coordinators, and Team Leaders
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Role: At the end of the first semester, all staff will come together to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. Using the insights gathered, the team will collaboratively develop solutions to address identified challenges.
Session 5: Year End Review and Future Planning
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Facilitator: Me and CTE Coordinators
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Role: Review evaluations from CTE teachers to gather their feedback on what worked well and what didn’t. Use their input to determine what should be added, adjusted, or removed to improve the implementation of e-Portfolios.
BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
Learners will be encouraged to take ownership of their learning, fostering accountability and creativity as they develop their e-Portfolio.
Timeline
June 2025 - July 2025 (Planning)
Curriculum development was completed in collaboration with all Anatomy and Physiology teachers under the guidance of the CTE Department. The curriculum has been finalized and is ready for implementation.
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August 2025 - The first official in-person training with the Anatomy and Physiology teachers will take place during a dedicated professional learning (PL) day. During this session, teachers will receive hands-on guidance on how to effectively integrate e-Portfolios into their classrooms.
September 2025 - December 2025 -Meet monthly for one hour after school check-ins will be held with the Anatomy and Physiology teachers to assess what aspects of the innovation plan are working and which areas need improvement. These meetings will also provide opportunities for peer support and collaboration, ensuring that teachers who are struggling receive the guidance and assistance they need.
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January 2026 - During PL sessions, we will come together to reflect on what can be improved and identify changes that will support greater student growth. These sessions will also provide an opportunity to offer targeted assistance to those who need support as we prepare to kick off the new semester.
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February - May 2026 - Monthly check-ins will continue to identify any ongoing misconceptions and provide support as needed throughout the remainder of the school year.
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May 2026 - At the final PL session, all Anatomy and Physiology teachers will come together to review and reflect on the first year of the innovation plan. They will identify what worked well and what needs improvement. Based on this feedback, curriculum revisions will be made and used to guide planning for the following school year.
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June 2026 - July 2026 - Review the curriculum revisions discussed during the last meeting, along with all collected notes, to help inform planning for the next PL session in August.
Click on link to access slide deck
Slide Deck #2
Coming Soon
Slide Deck #3
Coming Soon
Slide Deck #4
Coming Soon
Slide Decks
Resources
Technology Resources: Ensure Chromebooks are equipped with up-to-date software and essential digital tools such as Google Sites, Canvas, Wix, and iCloud storage.
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Tech Support: Ensure that Galena Park ISD technical support is available to help throughout the school day.
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Curricular and Instructional Support: Sample e-Portfolios are available and aligned with TEKS to support instructional relevance and ensure alignment with state standards.
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Professional Development: Monthly professional learning sessions will help guide teachers and address any misconceptions they may have about implementing e-Portfolios.
