Cook County Online Professional Learning

Cook County School System provides a multitude of professional learning opportunities to teachers throughout the school year and often during the summer.  These opportunities consist of trainings based on curriculum purchases, as well as strategies and practices to assist teachers in becoming better at their craft.  Our system is a member of the Coastal Plains RESA which offers an abundance of classes ranging from academic, to behavior, and electives.  Teachers and paraprofessionals are always welcomed and encouraged to gain additional knowledge in their areas of interest.  The following websites are free and available to faculty any time.
  
 
SLDS
The Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) is designed to help districts, schools, and teachers make informed, data-driven decisions to improve student learning. SLDS is a free application that is accessed via a link in PowerSchool. It provides districts, schools, and teachers with access to historical data, including Assessments, Attendance, Enrollment, Courses, and Grades beginning with the 2006-2007 school year.  SLDS also has a PL tab that offers trainings for multiple areas.
 
ed-web link
edWeb.net is an award-winning professional learning network that serves the global education community. edWeb provides free edWebinars and professional learning communities so educators can share their best ideas and practices to improve teaching and learning, student achievement, and school culture. Collaboration and peer-to-peer learning accelerates the sharing of innovative ideas and resources, the knowledge of what works, and how to do it.

Discovery Education

Discovery Education's dynamic professional development strengthens teacher effectiveness, empowers school leaders, and increases student engagement.  Topics include STEM, Literacy, Going Digital, Teacher Leadership, Leading Change, Science, Social Studies, and Math.  Make sure to login with Google to access your account!

 
Teachers First
TeachersFirst Professional Learning includes tutorials for creating technology projects (such as wikis or blogs), classroom activities, and assessment. Find information about our free virtual workshops and Twitter chats. TeachersFirst Professional Learning pages are created by experienced teachers who know everyday classroom realities.
 

Teacher Podcasts to check out

If podcast learning is for you, here's a great list of podcasts that you might want to check out.