On Friday, October 8^th, teachers across the state of Oregon will be spending some time focusing on developing new skills in their profession. The State In-Service day provides Pendleton School District teachers multiple professional development opportunities.

October 8^th is a required workday for Pendleton SD teachers. Matt Yoshioka, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, said many teachers will attend the Professional Development Summit, a day of professional learning and networking hosted by InterMountain ESD and Oregon Trail Regional Educator Network. The Summit features keynote Phil Boyte who speaks to thousands of students and educators across the United States with the intention of transforming their schools into places overflowing with kindness and respect. Boyte believes that connection is vital, especially after so much virtual learning, and will share simple ideas on how connections can be built and inspire each person to use their role to re-imagine their school culture.

After the keynote address, teachers can choose from offerings in the following areas: Administration, New Teacher, Technology, Instructional Strategies, Academic Content Specific and Social-Emotional Learning/Behavior. Offerings will be presented by regional educators, IMESD staff, keynote speaker Boyte and a curriculum company. The Summit also includes Roundtables that are content or grade-specific to discuss current needs, strategies being used or resources that would benefit the group. The entire Summit will be virtual.

Yoshioka said he is hoping PSD teachers are able to attend a class they are interested in as well as realize “an immediate, practical application they can implement in their classroom right away that will improve teaching and learning this year.”

On In-Service day, some district high school teachers will attend a half-day training organized by BMCC and EOU for dual-credit training/certification. Also offered on October 8^th is a Music Teacher professional development class organized by Pendleton School District music teachers. Yoshioka said that in years past, music teachers found that some of the general education classes were not that applicable to them, so district teachers created their own offering. Music teachers from around the region are invited to participate.

There is no school on Friday, October 8^th for students due to State In-Service.