SY27 CPS Professional Learning: Full Schedule

SY27 CPS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING REGISTRATION

In this SY27 SCHED EVENT PAGE you will find registration for professional learning sessions offered from the CPS Office of Teaching and Learning TAKING PLACE JUNE 9, 2026 - JUNE 14, 2027.

Please note, to access district-wide offerings of professional learning opportunities you may view the Employee Intranet Professional Learning Calendar (filter the calendar by professional learning on the left).

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8:00am CDT

Branching Minds- What's New

FULL

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

virtual

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

The Branching Minds platform continues to evolve to make supporting your students easier and more efficient. Join us for a quick look at the latest major updates and newest features designed to save you time and maximize student outcomes.

In this session, we explore the revamped Growth Reports and customizable analytics dashboards that make tracking multi-year student progress smoother than ever. Get ready to work smarter, not harder, with these powerful new tools.

Learning Hub Class: 143455

Speakers

Branching Minds Team

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
virtual

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Pre-K-12

Company Stand-alone Session

8:30am CDT

Skyline ELA 3-5: Getting Started with the NEW Skyline ELA 3-5 Word Study Routines!

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am CDT

virtual

Limited Capacity seats available

Audience: 3rd-5th grade Skyline ELA teachers, including gen ed teachers and special ed teachers

We recommend that 3rd-5th grade teachers log on to participate as a TEAM as opposed to individually.

Description: Skyline ELA includes new, more rigorous intermediate foundational skills routines for SY27!. This session will be an immersive experience in which teachers will engage in the newly updated 3rd-5th grade Word Study routines, content, and materials for Skyline ELA. Teachers will explore the revised scope and sequence, learn about the driving factors behind the revision, and begin to build teaching resources to start the SY27 school year strong with Word Study on Day 1.

Speakers

Lorelei Carver

Karen Mariscal

HS Literacy Specialist, Chicago Public Schools

Priscilla Herrada

Literacy Manager - Dept of Literacy, Chicago Public Schools

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am CDT
virtual

ELA, 3-5

Company Stand-alone Session

8:30am CDT

HPE - Pre-K-12- Part 1: Implementing the New SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards

FILLING

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am CDT

Crane Medical Prep High School | 2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA @ 2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Limited Capacity filling up

This interactive workshop led by SHAPE National Trainer Kelly Zerby will leave you equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the new SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards. Designed with flexibility in mind, the workshop is structured so that the content will make complete sense even if you are only able to attend either the morning or the afternoon session.
After the workshop, participants will be able to:
Examine the shifts and changes in the revised National Physical Education Standards.
Analyze and unpack the newly introduced grade-span learning indicators, previously known as grade-level outcomes
Explain effective strategies to integrate the new progressions into teaching and learning.
Develop practical approaches to enhance curriculum development.

Speakers

Kelly Zerby

Tuesday August 18, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am CDT
Crane Medical Prep High School | 2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Health Education and Physical Education, Pre-K-12

Company Stand-alone Session

9:00am CDT

Amira (Bilingual) Getting Started: Assess & Tutor

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

virtual @ 2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Limited Capacity seats available

This course is specifically designed for educatorsimplementing Amira in Spanish. It will provide them with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently administer the Amira ISIP Placement Assessment. Participants will explore the purpose and structure of the assessment, learn how to administer it, and gain practical guidance for preparing students and ensuring a smooth testing experience. Whether you’re new to Amira assessments or need a refresher, this course will help you confidently and effectively use this powerful tool to support student success.

Speakers

Amira Team

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
virtual

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), K-8

Company Stand-alone Session

9:00am CDT

Skyline 101 for Year 1 Adopting Teachers (ALE K-12)

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

OMME Center, 3320 W Evergreen Ave @ 3320 W Evergreen Ave, Chicago, IL 60651, USA

Limited Capacity seats available

This PL session will guide participants in understanding an integrity-driven approach to implementing Skyline, enabling them to identify and plan for key instructional practices and navigate the curriculum's digital ecosystem. Participants will gain practical experience in applying these principles to enhance instruction and support priority student groups.

This session will take place in Spanish.

Speakers

Virgen "Yesenia" Francois

Biliteracy Specialist, OMME

Virgen "Yesenia" Francois is a passionate, equity-driven educator with experience in bilingual, dual language, and inclusive classrooms across elementary and high school settings. She has served in various leadership roles, including instructional leadership teams, culture teams... Read More →

Angela Chagoya

Brianna Brown

Josefina Delgado

Alissa Machani

Biliteracy Manager, OMME

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
OMME Center, 3320 W Evergreen Ave

ALE, K-12

Company Skyline 101

9:00am CDT

Skyline 101 for Year 1 Adopting Teachers (Math 2-5)

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Phoenix Military Academy room 120, 145 S Campbell Ave @ 3320 W Evergreen Ave, Chicago, IL 60651, USA

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Anita Sundrani

Shanteau Allen

Mathematics Specialist Gr. K-5 (4th), Chicago Public Schools

I am excited in my role as a K-5 Math Content Specialist to be supporting schools, administrators, educators, and students in all things math!

Colum Dillon

Math Content Specialist • STEM Programs, Chicago Public Schools

My time teaching in CPS has taught me the significance of inquiry and creative problem solving in robust STEM classrooms. I am so excited to support yours! Before joining the K-5 math specialist team, I taught 4th and 6th grade math in CPS. I have significant experience in multilingual... Read More →

Alexis Stokes

Math Content Specialist, Chicago Public Schools

I joined the CPS Department of STEM in 2022 as a Math Content Specialist, supporting K-5 Math. I began my career in CPS in 2003 as a classroom teacher, and I have experience as a mentor teacher, coach, and intervention lead. I am excited to have the opportunity to learn from and with... Read More →

Sophia Chung

Math Content Specialist • STEM Programs, Chicago Public Schools

My passion is in inspiring Elementary Math Educators to create meaningful and engaging experiences for their students. As a former CPS Elementary Math educator of ten years, I have first hand experience of how lonely and isolating teaching can be. I quickly learned than I was not... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Phoenix Military Academy room 120, 145 S Campbell Ave

Math, K-12

Company Skyline 101

9:00am CDT

Skyline 101 for Year 1 Adopting Teachers (Math K-1)

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Garfield Park Office, Rooms 335-337 @ 2651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Elena Arroyo

Anita Sundrani

Candace Davis

K-5 Math Content Specialist, STEM Programs, Chicago Public Schools

I have had an opportunity to serve within CPS as a primary teacher for the last 15 years. During my tenure, I have had the most rewarding experience fostering the joy of learning with our youngest students. And now in this role as a math content specialist, I take much pride in building... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Garfield Park Office, Rooms 335-337

Math, K-12

Company Skyline 101

9:00am CDT

Skyline 101 for Year 1 Adopting Teachers (SS Civics 8th & 11th Grades)

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

NTA - Library, 55 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616 @ 55 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Alayna Washington

Michelle Varghese

Steven Roseman

Social Science Specialist, Grades 9-12 (10th/U.S. History), Chicago Public Schools

Nicole Smith Franklin

Social Science Specialist, Grades 6-8 (Eigth Grade), Chicago Public Schools

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
NTA - Library, 55 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Social Science, Civics 8th & 11th Grades

Company Skyline 101

9:00am CDT

Skyline 101: New Social Science Curriculum (6-10)

FILLING

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Truman Room 186, 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity filling up

This PL session will guide participants in understanding an integrity-driven approach to implementing the NEW Skyline Social Science curriculum, enabling them to identify and plan for key instructional practices. Participants will gain practical experience in understanding the revised materials to enhance instruction and support facilitating standards-aligned social science learning.

Speakers

Alayna Washington

Michelle Varghese

Steven Roseman

Social Science Specialist, Grades 9-12 (10th/U.S. History), Chicago Public Schools

Nicole Smith Franklin

Social Science Specialist, Grades 6-8 (Eigth Grade), Chicago Public Schools

Ana Lopez

Social Science Specialist, Grades 6-8 (Sixth Grade), Chicago Public Schools

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Truman Room 186, 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Social Science, K-12

Company Skyline 101

9:00am CDT

Skyline 101: New Social Science Curriculum (K-5)

FILLING

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Truman Room 146, 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity filling up

Speakers

Tamara Acoba

Jose Guerrero

Oluwafunmilayo Ajayi

Kaitlin Wegrzyn

Natalie Medina

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Truman Room 146, 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Social Science, K-5

Company Skyline 101

9:30am CDT

Freckle Refresher

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity seats available

This session is for returning users highlighting key features of the platform. This refresher provides a review of data available in the teacher dashboard & some pro tips to enchance your Freckle experience.

Learning Hub Class: 143433

Speakers

Maureen Chase

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
virtual

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Pre-K-12

Company Stand-alone Session

10:00am CDT

SY27 BOY School Grading Coordinators Info Session

FILLING

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity filling up

SY27 BOY deck

Designed for Grading Coordinators, this session covers core roles and responsibilities alongside effective Aspen Gradebook practices. Coordinators will learn how to perform thorough gradebook health checks to pinpoint and fix reporting issues efficiently.

Speakers

Christine Pejoski

Grading Practices Coord • Instructional Systm & Supports, CPS Teaching & Learning

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
virtual

Instructional Systems and Supports (ISS), K-12

Company Grading

10:00am CDT

Brancing Minds- Identifying Need and Creating SEL plans

FILLING

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity filling up

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is foundational to academic success, classroom community, and overall student well-being. This interactive professional learning session equips educators and multi-tiered support team members with the skills to effectively leverage the Branching Minds platform to support students' social-emotional growth.

Learning Hub Class: 143458

Speakers

Branching Minds Team

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
virtual

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Pre-K-12

Company Stand-alone Session

10:00am CDT

Star BOY Kickoff for New Users

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity seats available

Transform your BOY testing window from overwhelming to effortless! Designed specifically for new Star 360 users, this hands-on session covers the must-know platform features and administration best practices to guarantee test fidelity. Learn how to troubleshoot real-world scenarios, build a strong baseline data foundation, and deliver a seamless testing experience for every learner in your classroom.

Speakers

Dani Becker

Jordan Clifford

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
virtual

Screening/Benchmark, 3-12

Company Stand-alone Session

11:00am CDT

Going Beyond with Amira Instruct

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity seats available

This course introduces educators to Amira Instruct, a powerful tool designed to personalize reading instruction through AI-driven insights. Participants will explore the purpose and vision behind Amira Instruct, experience micro-lessons from the student perspective, and learn how to use the AI Lesson Planner to differentiate instruction based on individual student needs. By the end of this course, educators will be equipped to integrate Amira Instruct into their teaching practice to deliver targeted, impactful literacy instruction.

Speakers

Amira Team

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
virtual

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), K-8

Company Stand-alone Session

11:30am CDT

Introduction to Star 360

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity seats available

Designed for new Star users, this introductory session will provide a high-level overview of Star 360 at the elementary and high school levels, explaining its role in assessment and instruction. Educators will gain an understanding of how Star 360 is used within Chicago Public Schools, along with key Star data points and reports they will have access to. Participants will also learn about Star Evaluaciones and its role in Spanish-language assessment and instruction.

Speakers

Dani Becker

Jordan Clifford

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
virtual

Screening/Benchmark, 3-12

Company Stand-alone Session

12:00pm CDT

Renaissance Next for Teachers (RNT)

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity seats available

Get equipped to navigate the updated interface and use insights from Renaissance Next for Teachers to monitor data and inform instructional decisions.

Learning Hub Class: 143444

Speakers

Maureen Chase

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
virtual

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Pre-K-12

Company Stand-alone Session

12:30pm CDT

Skyline ELA 3-5: Getting Started with the NEW Skyline ELA 3-5 Word Study Routines!

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity seats available

Audience: 3rd-5th grade Skyline ELA teachers, including gen ed teachers and special ed teachers

We recommend that 3rd-5th grade teachers log on to participate as a TEAM as opposed to individually.

Speakers

Lorelei Carver

Karen Mariscal

HS Literacy Specialist, Chicago Public Schools

Flor Acosta

Literacy Content Specialist

Priscilla Herrada

Literacy Manager - Dept of Literacy, Chicago Public Schools

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
virtual

ELA, 3-5

Company Stand-alone Session

1:00pm CDT

Amira Getting Started with Assess and Tutor

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity seats available

This course provides educators with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently administer the Amira ISIP Placement Assessment. Participants will explore the purpose and structure of the assessment, learn how to administer it, and gain practical guidance for preparing students and ensuring a smooth testing experience. Whether you’re new to Amira assessments or need a refresher, this course will help you confidently and effectively use this powerful tool to support student success.

Speakers

Amira Team

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
virtual

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), K-8

Company Stand-alone Session

1:00pm CDT

Amira Getting Started: Assess & Tutor

LIMITED

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

virtual @ 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Amria Team

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
virtual

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), K-8

Company Stand-alone Session

1:00pm CDT

HPE - Pre-K-12 - Part 2: Implementing the New SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards

FILLING

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Crane Medical Prep High School | 2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA @ 2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Limited Capacity filling up

Speakers

Kelly Zerby

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Crane Medical Prep High School | 2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Health Education and Physical Education, Pre-K-12

Company Stand-alone Session

2:00pm CDT

Branching Minds: Using and Understanding Data and Reports

FULL

Tuesday August 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

virtual @ 2245 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Navigating multiple data sources to evaluate student progress shouldn't feel overwhelming. In this interactive 1-hour professional development session, educators and leaders will explore how to effectively navigate, interpret, and leverage the data and reporting features within Branching Minds.

Learning Hub Class: 143461

Speakers