How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

Course Description: In this asynchronous, online book study, participants will prepare for, read, and discuss Ibram X. Kendi’s How To Be An Antiracist for a total of 15 Act 48 hours or a certificate to submit for 15 Chapter 14 hours (per district approval). The New York Times called this book “a groundbreaking approach to understanding and uprooting racism and inequality in our society—and in ourselves.” During the Prereading activities, participants will learn about the book and author. Then, they will explore strategies for critical reading from their lens as an educator. Then they will engage in two activities i: one focused on identifying perspectives and another on applying this practice to students.  During the actual reading, participants should read the book critically and complete chapter-by-chapter reflection prompts throughout their reading journey (not just at the end) to help them remember key points in the text. During the Postreading activities, participants will engage in forum-based dialogues about their reactions, learning, and applications for the material in the school setting. Participants will leave this session with knowledge and resources to apply what they read with students at any level.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 15 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours. The hours breakdown is 10 hours for reading, 1.5 hours for pre-reading activities 2 hours for reflection prompts 1.5 hours for post-reading activitis Total: 15 hours

• 15 Hours

The Questioneers Book Study

Course Description: The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty (author) and David Roberts (illustrator) is a series of picture books and early-reader chapter books written between 420 and 820 Lexiles. Each picture book introduces a new ‘questioneer’ as they come to realize their own strengths including Ada Twist (Scientist), Rosie Revere (Engineer), Iggy Peck (Architect), Sofia Valdez (Future Prez), and Aaron Slater (Illustrator). The chapter books take their stories deeper and allow students to follow the students as their growth mindsets take them further into their passions. These books may be elementary focused, but the lessons learned are valuable for learners at any level! In this book discussion, you may read any 1 picture book and any 1 chapter book in the series for a total of 2 books. These two books will require 2 ½ hours of reading time with 2 hours of complementary PEARL-based content (1.5 hours for the discussion questions and 0.5 hours for reflection items) for a total of 4 ½ total hours of learning.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 4.5 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours. The hours breakdown is 2.5 hours for reading, 1.5 hours for discussion activities 0.5 hours for reflection prompts.

• 4.5 Hours

NEA's Equity and Challenges for Remote Learning

Course Description: This is a NEA developed course that focuses on how to keep equity at the forefront during COVID-19 school closures. Participants learn about the digital divide and how it impacts students. The course helps educators understand the components of the digital divide, along with the supports and strategies necessary to assist students who experience it, implement a variety of teaching and learning digital resources with students, and consider other issues students may be facing outside of academics, and their impact on students.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 3 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 3 Hours

Resisting Backlash: Recognizing & Disrupting Harmful Discourse

Course Description: Join 2021 ASPP School Psychologist of the Year, Dr. Amber Sessoms, Ed.D. for a session on concrete strategies to combat racially insensitive practices or behaviors, while avoiding potential backlash within the school environment.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1.5 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1.5 Hours

Social-Emotional Equitable Learning

Course Description: This presentation, taken from a live PSEA Center for Professional Learning Webinar broadcast session on September, 21, 2021 is rooted in relational equity and culturally responsive social emotional learning. Participants will learn about the importance of building authentic relationships with students, families, and staff members and how these essential relationships impact student success, resiliency, and hope. They will learn how relationships are the core to beginning the work of SEL, and once secure relationships are established, SEL tools can be incorporated.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 2 Hours

Continuous Improvement: Using the Observation Frameworks to Up Your Ed Skills!

Course Description: Explore the PDE Frameworks for Observation and Practice as updated in Summer 2021 as tools for continuous improvement in this informative and interactive workshop. Educators will begin by learning about the Continuous Self-Improvement process and related tools followed by and introduction to the Frameworks. Then, educators will dive into a role-specific exploration of the frameworks with a focus on self-evaluation and then self-reflection. These processes will be focused on elements to inform pre-conferences for and to allow educators to engage in a self improvement process using the continuous improvement tools discussed in the first half of the class. Together, each element empowers educators to elevate their skills and better serve students. 

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 HOURS of Act 48 and a certificate.

• 2 Hours

Educator Evaluation: Navigating the Policy

This course is temporarily inactivated for updating and will be relaunched in Fall 2024.

Fall 2021 Professional Issues Session
Former title: Educator Evaluation in 2021 and Beyond

Course Description: This course reviews updates to the Educator Effectiveness System that began at the start of the 2021-22 school year through Act 13 of 2020 and the Chapter 19 regulations. All PSEA members are welcome to attend this webinar; however, only EA members who have not previously taken this course are eligible for Act 48 credit. 

Course Hours: Members who complete this course will be eligible to recieve 1.5 HOURS of Act 48 credit and/or a certificate for Chapter 14 hours. Chapter 14 acceptance is at the full discretion of your employer.

• 1.5 Hours

Mandatory Reporting Obligations of School Employees under the Child Protective Services Law and the Educator Discipline Act

Course Description: This course reviews the mandatory reporting obligations that school employees have under the Child Protective Services Law and the Educator Discipline Act. Learners will also learn about the procedure for filing reports and will consider various hypothetical scenarios in determining whether a report would be required.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1 HOUR of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1 Hour

Touching on the Tools of Act 13 - SPM Templates and Revised Frameworks

Course Description: In this online course, participants will gain a surface level understanding of the tools for use with Act 13’s revised Educator Effectiveness Evaluation System. The first part of the course explores the Student Performance Measures templates, which PDE issued as optional tools to assist LEAs for the documentation of LEA-Selected Measures and IEP Goals Progress data. The second part of the course reviews the revised Danielson Frameworks as issued by PDE in Summer 2021. The third and final part of the course engages participants in a self-led reflection on how each new tool can help them inform their professional practice in the coming school year.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course will be eligible to recieve 1.5 HOURS of Act 48 credit and/or a certificate for Chapter 14 hours. Chapter 14 acceptance is at the full discretion of your employer.

• 1.5 Hours

Medical Marijuana: Know the Facts

Course Description: This course presents current data associated with the use of medical marijuana. Dr. Roussel identifies several important points school professionals need to know about the topics of medical vs. recreational use, conditions treated, side effects, risks, impact on learning, current laws and access for certified patients.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 2 Hours

Mission Kids 101: The Dynamics of Child Abuse

Course Description: Learn about the work of Mission Kids, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization providing multidisciplinary care to alleged victims of sexual and physical abuse. Mission Kids joins a nationwide network of child-focused care facilities designed in accordance with standards established by the National Children’s Alliance and the U.S. Department of Justice. Their ultimate goal is to provide a broad range of support services to child victims and their caregivers in an environment that encourages healing and facilitates better prosecution of alleged offenders. Mission Kids staff also review important dynamics of child abuse for educators to recognize.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1.5 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1.5 Hours

The Science of Concussions in the Classroom

Course Description: Information regarding the implementation of programs for students who experience brain trauma and concussion is by presenter, Roni Robinson, MSN, RN, CRNP  (coordinator of the Trauma/Concussion program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)).  Strategies for school staff as well as Concussion Management Teams are shared in order to support students and families to achieve the best possible outcomes for recovery.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1.5 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1.5 Hours

Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vaping: Prevention and Treatment

Course Description: Nicotine products have changed, but many of the industry tactics to encourage new tobacco users to start have not. Participants learn about the different tobacco and nicotine products, health impacts, and how the vaping epidemic transpired. Participants also learn about programs, resources, and strategies to prevent vaping and help young people and adults to quit. Presented by Sean McCormick, PhD, MS, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist-Master. Sean McCormick is a public health practitioner and researcher with expertise in tobacco dependence treatment, behavioral sciences, and chronic disease management. Dr. McCormick has designed, implemented, and evaluated public health programs in government, hospitals, research clinics, community sites, and advocacy settings. Dr. McCormick held positions at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Temple University, Drexel University, East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvania’s Clean Air Council, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is currently the Assistant Director for Health Promotion Council’s Tobacco Control and Prevention Services where he oversees the Southeastern Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Project and statewide improvements in tobacco control.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 hours of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 2 Hours

Breathing Outside the Box

Course Description: Every day, educators put their students’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being first. We also consistently encourage our students to think “outside the box” and adapt new perspectives focused on growth and resilience. Educators, too, can benefit from stepping "outside the box" when it comes to our own well-being, and we can build new ways to help our students understand the relationship between wellness and learning. This session introduces PSEA members to simple mindful practices. Participants will gain knowledge, tools, and techniques for creating an at-home mindfulness practice and also be provided resources to share with students of all ages.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1 HOUR of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1 Hour

Finding Calm in Chaos

Course Description: Each of us feels personal and professional stress that impacts our home and work lives. The good news is that there are things we can do to help us find calm in chaos, cultivate compassion, and engage in compassionate self-care to protect our brains and bodies from the negative health effects of stress and uncertainty. In this class, participants are introduced to mindfulness practices and the basic science behind their impact on our bodies. These healthy life skills and knowledge can help each of us thrive personally and help our students find calm, too. This class is part of PSEA's ongoing commitment to provide supports to members for personal and professional success. 

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 2 Hours

Journaling to Promote Wellness

Course Description: This course explores the human wish to record and journal and the evidence based benefits of journaling to promote wellness.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1 HOUR of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1 Hour

The Joy of Laughter Wellness

Course Description: This course explores the health and wellness benefits of laughter. The presentation provides scientifically based evidence of the benefits of laughter to promote happiness and and the brains response to stimulation.

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 1 HOUR of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 1 Hour

Practicing Self-Compassion

Course Description: Does your "inner critic" leave you feeling down sometimes? Practicing self-compassion is an important wellness excercise that helps us stand up to our inner critica and also develop emotional resilience, a more accurate self-concept, and more caring relationships. It also can foster less narcissism and lower levels of reactive anger. All of this can help us become more effective and more grounded in our personal and professional lives. Learning to practice self compassion in our own lives also can give us insight in how to encourage it in our students.  The three primary objectives for this course are as follows: You will learn the definition of self-compassion and how it manifests in your own life. You will understand the research that has been conducted on self-compassion. You will have an opportunity to explore your own ability to cultivate self-compassion.   

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 3 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 3 Hours

Re-imagining Challenges

Course Description: As educators, we face lots of circumstances, both anticipated and surprising, that require us to reimagine what is possible. Let’s also reimagine our response to challenging situations! This class is a recording of a session held with PSEA members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although that year of stress and change may be behind us, many of us experiencing personal and professional stress that can feel overwhelming and tumultuous. The good news is that there are things we can do to find calm in chaos, cultivate compassion, and engage in self-care to protect our brains and bodies from the negative effects of stress and uncertainty. Join us to learn more! 

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 4 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 4 Hours

Re-Imagining Relationships

Course Description: Student engagement remains a top priority for educators as we welcome students back to school. We will use this session to develop or improve on SEL and safe space practices. With an emphasis on communication and practices building empathy, participants will work to improve their EQ within themselves and within their instructional practice. Building relationships and making connections is critical in these unprecedented times, and by doing so we can increase student engagement in rigorous curricular lessons.  

Course Hours: Members who complete this course receive 2 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours.

• 2 Hours