As a result of the Learn Decorah professional development opportunity, teachers will learn how to effectively incorporate instructional practices that align the process and product to district professional learning goals. Each participant chooses from a variety of realistic instructional challenges that teachers and paras face and attempts to solve them. Each challenge has a connection between the district learning goals and the practice. With each challenge, participants are expected to learn the practice, apply the practice to the classroom, and reflect on the implementation of the practice. This course is self-guided with multiple opportunities to collaborate and learn from others including face-to-face, forums, and a web-based learning system.

Professional Development Pathways

Recertification Course Requirements

  • Complete a Pre-Challenge Checklist.
  • Complete two challenges.
  • Submit a teacher reflection upon the conclusion of each Challenge.
  • Participate in and contribute to at least two peer discussions (Consultancy/Danielson/Success Analysis).
  • Earn 200+ points by completing 2 Challenges (30 hours).  Submit coursework for review and feedback in Canvas by due dates.
  • Earn 40+ Collaboration Points and 40+ Technology Points. Submit evidence of collaboration and technology integration in Canvas.
  • Gather student feedback to inform your growth as an educator.
  • Observe in peer classrooms and participate in a debrief.
  • Complete a Danielson Framework rubric self-assessment and re-assessment.
  • Complete the provided Course Log to show that you have met all course requirements.

      Graduate 1-Year Course Requirements (Annually August-May)

      • Complete a Pre-Challenge Checklist.
      • Complete five challenges.
      • Submit a teacher reflection upon the conclusion of each Challenge.
      • Participate in and contribute to at least four peer discussions (Consultancy/Danielson/Success Analysis).
      • Earn 500+ points by completing 5 Challenges (50 hours).  Submit coursework for review and feedback in Canvas by due dates.
      • Earn 100+ Collaboration Points and 100+ Technology Points. Submit evidence of collaboration and technology integration in Canvas.
      • Participate and contribute to the DCSD online Canvas discussion forum.
      • Gather student feedback to inform your growth as an educator.
      • Observe in peer classrooms and participate in a debrief.
      • Complete a Danielson Framework rubric self-assessment and re-assessment.
      • Complete the provided Course Log to show that you have met all course requirements.

      Para Career Plan Pathway

      • Attend the informational meeting concerning career plans and personalized PD in the fall of 2020.
      • Complete your career plan and submit it by October 1.
      • Attend an initial career plan meeting to discuss your plan for the year (beginning of plan with the building principal, the Elementary Learner Advocate, or Facilitator of Special Education).
      • Complete a self-reflection prior to the end of the year review meeting.
      • Attend an end-of-the-year career plan review meeting (with the building principal, the Elementary Learner Advocate, or Facilitator of Special Education).

      Optional:

      In order to earn continuing education credits through Learn Decorah, complete a combination of challenges from the site and/or the DCSD Professional Development Canvas course. You may also choose to take classes according to the Paraeducator Salary Schedule.

      If you choose to complete challenges, submit all coursework and a Para Reflection Form upon the conclusion of each Challenge.

      Learn Decorah Teacher PD Contacts

      Facilitator of Assessment and Instruction- Dana Bockman

      Student-Centered Instructional Coaches

      Learn Decorah Para PD Contacts

      Facilitator of Special Education- Sarah Elsbernd

      Learner Advocate- Shanna Putnam-Dibble