Bridges Institute
for Professional Development
Texas AFT’s Bridges Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit devoted to providing professional development opportunities for Texas public school employees.
Stay Up to Date
The Bridges Institute offers year-round, for-credit professional development opportunities — both in person and virtually. Stay on top of what’s coming next with our monthly email newsletter and our Facebook page.
Texas AFT’s Bridges Institute for Professional Development provides a wide variety of high-quality professional development and special programs. We serve members of Texas AFT and our public education community at large.
Educating Texas Webinar Series
Texas has the eighth-largest economy in the world and a $32.7 billion budget surplus, but our schools are starved for resources. How did this happen? What can we do to fix it? Can it be fixed?
Brush up on your civics education with Texas AFT in this webinar series. We’ll walk through who holds the power in this state, what they’re doing with it, and what we need to build thriving public schools — and a thriving Lone Star State democracy.
Sign up for as many sessions as you can attend. Sessions are available for 1 hour of CPE credit unless otherwise noted. Schedule is subject to change.
Become a Trainer
Are you interested in training for your local affiliate? Many local unions use AFT professional development to organize externally, to address students’ academic and emotional needs, and to support current classroom educators with issues that matter to them. Click to learn more.
Upcoming Events
For questions or assistance with registering for one of our upcoming events, please call toll free at 1-800-222-3827 or email us.
Texas AFT Bridges Institute
We are a 501(c)3 providing professional learning opportunities for Texas public school employees.
No upcoming events
Past Events
You can watch recordings of our previous webinars on Texas AFT’s Youtube channel. Contact us for questions and/or for additional resources.
Texas AFT Bridges Institute
We are a 501(c)3 providing professional learning opportunities for Texas public school employees.
Exploring AI’s Role In Education: A Conversation with Microsoft
Session participants will be able to…
Provide feedback regarding the use of generative AI in teaching and learning –including hopes, concerns, and questions –to inform resources and support that Microsoft can provide to teachers as part of the AFT & Microsoft partnership
Identify and experiment with common use cases/scenarios for how teachers can leverage generative AI to support and enhance teaching and learning
Colorin Colorado: Bilingual Resources
Colorin Colorado is a website that offers a wealth of bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners (ELLs). It includes valuable teaching resources, such as translated letters and information for parents and caregivers, and promotes multilingualism.
Being a teacher is thrilling but it can also be stressful. In this session, participants will engage in the practice of mindfulness and meditation to manage chronic stress, learn how to use these strategies to improve the learning environment, help their students increase resilience, and engage in the present moment.
TTESS: How to Make Your Evaluation Benefit YOU!
Join this session and learn more about the teacher evaluation process, how the domains, dimensions, descriptors, and performance levels of the T TESS rubric apply to educators' roles and responsibilities, methods educators can use to properly document and maintain evidence and tips on how to share this information.
National Board Certification Information Session 2
912 Highway 183 South, Ste 100-A, 78741 Map
In this information session, participants will learn about the National Board (NB) Certification process, the advantages of becoming a NB Certified Teacher, and explore support systems for TX teachers. We will hear from an expert with the National Board organization.
In this session, participants will examine the effects of trauma on behavior, explain inter-relationships between resilience, protective factors (psychological), and wellness, as well as identify personal, relational, and social factors that protect children from trauma and build resilience.
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Research suggests that students from diverse cultures may need to be engaged differently in ways that support their self-efficacy, esteem and their learning. In this session, we will establish the connection between culture and learning, and explore research-based strategies, such as cultural competency, high expectations and critical consciousness.
Beyond Classroom Management: More Time for Successful Students
This session places educators at the center of the debate on compliance over motivation; autonomy; and an examination of how conventional structures (rewards, sanctions and punishments) are in place primarily to keep order. Participants will explore how growth mindsets, grit, peace building, compliance, autonomy, educator behaviors and classroom layout all affect the learning environment
Trio: Project-Based, Problem-Based, Inquiry-Based Learning
In this Student Strategies for Success module, participants will learn to delineate structural differences between the inquiry method, problem-based learning, and project-based methods and how to effectively support students as they work through the approaches of the trios.
912 Highway 183 South, Ste 100-A, 78741 Map
In this session, participants will learn about their rights as public school employees in the workplace, including their rights to join unions, enjoy a duty-free lunch, and learn about other educator-empowering aspects of the law.
National Board Teacher Certification Info Session
In this information session, participants will learn about the National Board Certification process, the five core propositions, the advantages of becoming an NBCT, and explore support systems for TX teachers.
Stop Spending Your Own Money! Grant Writing for Teachers
All teachers want a beautiful classroom full of materials, books, and learning tools, but they should not be expected to use their hard-earned money to achieve that goal. Grants can help! In this workshop, participants will learn key points of the grant writing process, how to write a convincing proposal and explore funding sources.
In this session, participants will learn about their rights as public school employees in the workplace, including their rights to join unions, enjoy a duty-free lunch, and learn about other educator-empowering aspects of the law.
Regional Leadership Conference-RGV
Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center800 Convention Center BlvdMcAllen, TX78501 Map
Register today to attend our union’s most exciting biennial conference, providing both worksite leader and professional development workshops. Texas AFT's Bridges Institute hosts our biennial Regional Leadership Conferences. Our Bridges Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides professional development opportunities for Texas public school employees.
DETAILS TO ATTEND
- $35 per person registration (includes lunch, beverage service, and networking reception)
- Payment via credit card and/or choose "Invoice My Local Union" for local union direct billing
- Deadline to register for each RLC is 24-hours prior to the start of the event
- No refunds will be provided; however, a credit will be applied for an alternate participant
- RLC activities are provided for Texas AFT members
IT'S TIME TO THRIVE
Our fight to thrive is about creating respectful working conditions with more planning time, fewer added duties and extra paperwork, resources to prevent burnout before it starts, and a defined workday that doesn’t require us to sacrifice our personal lives for our jobs. Our union’s professional development and advocacy programs help members create a school culture that allows both employees and students to thrive. Visit our Thrive Campaign webpage today www.texasaft.org/together-we-thrive/
Regional Leadership Conference-Houston
Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel3000 North Loop WHouston, TX77092 Map
Register today to attend our union’s most exciting biennial conference, providing both worksite leader and professional development workshops. Texas AFT's Bridges Institute hosts our biennial Regional Leadership Conferences. Our Bridges Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides professional development opportunities for Texas public school employees.
DETAILS TO ATTEND
- $35 per person registration (includes lunch, beverage service, and networking reception)
- Payment via credit card and/or choose "Invoice My Local Union" for local union direct billing
- Deadline to register for each RLC is 24-hours prior to the start of the event
- No refunds will be provided; however, a credit will be applied for an alternate participant
- RLC activities are provided for Texas AFT members
IT'S TIME TO THRIVE
Our fight to thrive is about creating respectful working conditions with more planning time, fewer added duties and extra paperwork, resources to prevent burnout before it starts, and a defined workday that doesn’t require us to sacrifice our personal lives for our jobs. Our union’s professional development and advocacy programs help members create a school culture that allows both employees and students to thrive. Visit our Thrive Campaign webpage today www.texasaft.org/together-we-thrive/
We fought, we voted, we WON!
It's official. Voters overwhelmingly approved a cost-of-living adjustment for retired Texas educators. This win could have never happened without the relentless, hard work by Texas AFT retirees.
Now, join us on Zoom Wednesday, January 24 at 6pm CT for a celebration!
To keep up the momentum from this win and to grow our movement, we will also be taking collective action to grow our membership. See you there!
Dimensions to Wellness: Self-Care for Educators
912 Highway 183 South, Ste 100-A 78741 Map
Dimensions to Wellness is a valuable and research-based training program designed to cater to the holistic well-being of educators. This free, for-credit webinar is a unique opportunity for educators to explore and enhance their mental, physical, and emotional health. During this hour-long session, participants will delve into their own self-care practices, gaining insights to become more intentional about their wellness journey. The program covers a range of topics, including an assessment of current health, understanding circadian rhythms, exploring eight wellness indicators and their impact on overall well-being, and even delving into the concept of chakras. This comprehensive approach empowers educators to prioritize self-care and foster a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their students. Don't miss out on this chance to focus on your well-being and embark on a path to a more fulfilling and healthier life.
Available for one-hour of PD credit.*
*You will be eligible to receive one-hour of professional development recertification credit for participation in this webinar if you complete all the poll questions, survey, and actively watch the webinar. At the conclusion of the webinar, you will be able to download a certificate that verifies you completed the webinar. Check with your school district in advance of the webinar to ensure that the PD recertification credit is accepted.
Texas AFT Educating Texas Zoom Series
Texas has the ninth-largest economy in the world and a $32.7 billion budget surplus, but our schools are starved for resources.
How did this happen? What can we do to fix it? Can it be fixed?
Head back to school with Texas AFT for a brush-up on your civics education. We’ll walk through who holds the power in this state, what they’re doing with it, and what we need to build thriving public schools — and a thriving Lone Star State democracy.
Sign up for as many sessions as you can attend.
Wellness Wednesday with Educators Thriving
What if you prioritized your well-being this fall?
Come learn concrete strategies to help you avoid the five personal pitfalls of the educator experience.
Session 1: Prioritizing
Session 2: Boundaries
Session 3: Financial Well-being
Register here: tinyurl.com/TexasEducatorSignUp2023
Regional Leadership Conference-Dallas
Norris Conference Center 12005 Ford Rd #200 Dallas, TX 75234 Map
Register today to attend our union’s most exciting biennial conference, providing both worksite leader and professional development workshops. Texas AFT's Bridges Institute hosts our biennial Regional Leadership Conferences. Our Bridges Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides professional development opportunities for Texas public school employees.
DETAILS TO ATTEND
- $35 per person registration (includes lunch, beverage service, and networking reception)
- Payment via credit card and/or choose "Invoice My Local Union" for local union direct billing
- Deadline to register for each RLC is 24-hours prior to the start of the event
- No refunds will be provided; however, a credit will be applied for an alternate participant
- RLC activities are provided for Texas AFT members
IT'S TIME TO THRIVE
Our fight to thrive is about creating respectful working conditions with more planning time, fewer added duties and extra paperwork, resources to prevent burnout before it starts, and a defined workday that doesn’t require us to sacrifice our personal lives for our jobs. Our union’s professional development and advocacy programs help members create a school culture that allows both employees and students to thrive. Visit our Thrive Campaign webpage today www.texasaft.org/together-we-thrive/
Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Michele Pola
What if you prioritized your well-being this fall?
Come learn concrete strategies to help you thrive this school year!
Session 1: The Research
Session 2: The Body and the Senses
Session 3: Thoughts & Emotions
Register here: us06web.zoom.us/j/84220913847?pwd=UmdhbTdEdWFWVDJEeDFTUmRvTnR6Zz09
Wellness Wednesday with Educators Thriving
What if you prioritized your well-being this fall?
Come learn concrete strategies to help you avoid the five personal pitfalls of the educator experience.
Session 1: Prioritizing
Session 2: Boundaries
Session 3: Financial Well-being
Register here: tinyurl.com/TexasEducatorSignUp2023
Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Michele Pola
What if you prioritized your well-being this fall?
Come learn concrete strategies to help you thrive this school year!
Session 1: The Research
Session 2: The Body and the Senses
Session 3: Thoughts & Emotions
Register here: us06web.zoom.us/j/84220913847?pwd=UmdhbTdEdWFWVDJEeDFTUmRvTnR6Zz09
Wellness Wednesday with Educators Thriving
What if you prioritized your well-being this fall?
Come learn concrete strategies to help you avoid the five personal pitfalls of the educator experience.
Session 1: Prioritizing
Session 2: Boundaries
Session 3: Financial Well-being
Register here: tinyurl.com/TexasEducatorSignUp2023
Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Michele Pola
What if you prioritized your well-being this fall?
Come learn concrete strategies to help you thrive this school year!
Session 1: The Research
Session 2: The Body and the Senses
Session 3: Thoughts & Emotions
Register here: us06web.zoom.us/j/84220913847?pwd=UmdhbTdEdWFWVDJEeDFTUmRvTnR6Zz09
https://events.eply.com/studentdebtclinics
Register today to attend!
Texas AFT's Student Debt Clinics are 90-minute programs that:
Assess the experience of borrowers in the midst of a national student debt crisis;
Empower borrowers to manage their student debt by giving them information on free federal programs that may lower their monthly payments and lead to their loans being forgiven;
Introduce borrowers to a free AFT member benefit—an online resource called Summer—that will simplify the management of their student loans; and
Engage borrowers in union activism to address the student debt crisis and other important issues in their workplace and community.
Student debt clinics provide our members with important information on two free federal debt relief programs:
Income-driven repayment plans are available to every federal student loan borrower, regardless of where they work. Income-driven repayment plans determine your monthly payment based on your adjusted gross income and family size and may save you money.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness allows qualifying federal student loan borrowers to have the money they saved using an income-driven repayment plan forgiven after making payments for 10 years while working in public service.
Student debt clinics provide members with information on how these programs work, the steps necessary to qualify for them, and best practices to ensure that they are maximizing the benefits available to them.
https://events.eply.com/studentdebtclinics
Register today to attend!
Texas AFT's Student Debt Clinics are 90-minute programs that:
Assess the experience of borrowers in the midst of a national student debt crisis;
Empower borrowers to manage their student debt by giving them information on free federal programs that may lower their monthly payments and lead to their loans being forgiven;
Introduce borrowers to a free AFT member benefit—an online resource called Summer—that will simplify the management of their student loans; and
Engage borrowers in union activism to address the student debt crisis and other important issues in their workplace and community.
Student debt clinics provide our members with important information on two free federal debt relief programs:
Income-driven repayment plans are available to every federal student loan borrower, regardless of where they work. Income-driven repayment plans determine your monthly payment based on your adjusted gross income and family size and may save you money.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness allows qualifying federal student loan borrowers to have the money they saved using an income-driven repayment plan forgiven after making payments for 10 years while working in public service.
Student debt clinics provide members with information on how these programs work, the steps necessary to qualify for them, and best practices to ensure that they are maximizing the benefits available to them.
https://www.mobilize.us/texasaft/event/487365/ Map
Join a TX AFT Student Debt Clinic to learn how to save on your student loan payments. All are welcome—you do NOT need to be an AFT member to join!
💪 School workers who have worked in education / public service & made payments for 10+ years—you could be eligible to have your loans totally forgiven! The opportunity to get in on expanded student loan forgiveness EXPIRES October 31st.
💪 For all other school workers: AFT offers Summer—a student loan management service. The average AFT member saves $57k+ using Summer!
Our student debt clinics provide school workers with info on how these programs work, the steps you need to take, & how to maximize your benefits.
Can't make the clinic time? Join our Facebook group now to connect with other educators & work together to get your loans forgiven: www.facebook.com/groups/txschools.
https://events.eply.com/studentdebtclinics
Register today to attend!
Texas AFT's Student Debt Clinics are 90-minute programs that:
Assess the experience of borrowers in the midst of a national student debt crisis;
Empower borrowers to manage their student debt by giving them information on free federal programs that may lower their monthly payments and lead to their loans being forgiven;
Introduce borrowers to a free AFT member benefit—an online resource called Summer—that will simplify the management of their student loans; and
Engage borrowers in union activism to address the student debt crisis and other important issues in their workplace and community.
Student debt clinics provide our members with important information on two free federal debt relief programs:
Income-driven repayment plans are available to every federal student loan borrower, regardless of where they work. Income-driven repayment plans determine your monthly payment based on your adjusted gross income and family size and may save you money.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness allows qualifying federal student loan borrowers to have the money they saved using an income-driven repayment plan forgiven after making payments for 10 years while working in public service.
Student debt clinics provide members with information on how these programs work, the steps necessary to qualify for them, and best practices to ensure that they are maximizing the benefits available to them.
Sen. Cruz: DO SOMETHING to Protect Our Schools
Tomorrow, we will go live midday as educators, parents, allies, and activists from our community tell Sen. Ted Cruz that it’s time to get out of the way: The majority of this county wants action on common-sense gun safety, and they want it now.
Regional Leadership Conference | Houston, TX
The Westin Houston, Memorial City945 Gessner RoadHouston, TX77024 Map
We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Regional Leadership Conferences sponsored by Texas AFT's Bridges Institute for Professional & Leadership Development. The Bridges Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to providing training and resources for Texas public school employees.
Four conferences will be held throughout the state. Use this form to choose a conference in your area. In addition, you may use this form to register additional participants. The cost to attend is $25 per person, and fees may be paid by using either a credit card or invoiced to your local union (all invoiced expenses must be pre-approved by your local union). Additional details will be provided in your confirmation email.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next Texas AFT Regional Leadership Conference.
All RLC Event Times:
7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens
7:30 a.m. | COVID-19 Rapid Testing Health Screening
9:00 a.m. | First Workshop Begins
12:00 p.m. | General Session Luncheon (lunch provided)
1:30 p.m. | Workshops Continue
4:15 p.m. | Workshops Conclude
4:30 p.m. | "Respect Our Profession" Networking Event & Graduation
5:30 p.m. | All Activities Conclude
Event Locations:
McAllen RLC | Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center
Dallas RLC | Norris Conference Center
San Antonio RLC | Norris Conference Center
Houston RLC | Westin Memorial City Hotel
Mindful Being: Mindfulness Essentials for Educators
The Bridges Institute is returning with our Mindfulness Essentials series in 2022! Join Texas AFT and Mindful Being to learn how you can implement mindfulness in your personal life and in the classroom. Beginning on March 23, we will be offering 6 sessions every Wednesday from 6-8 PM. CPE credit will be issued for each hour attended.
Participants will also receive link to join zoom weekly, free 15 min guided practices on Tuesdays at 7:15am and Wednesdays at Noon.
Please register here: bit.ly/mindfulaft2022
Regional Leadership Conference | San Antonio, TX
Norris Convention CenterSan Antonio, TX Map
We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Regional Leadership Conferences sponsored by Texas AFT's Bridges Institute for Professional & Leadership Development. The Bridges Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to providing training and resources for Texas public school employees.
Four conferences will be held throughout the state. Use this form to choose a conference in your area. In addition, you may use this form to register additional participants. The cost to attend is $25 per person, and fees may be paid by using either a credit card or invoiced to your local union (all invoiced expenses must be pre-approved by your local union). Additional details will be provided in your confirmation email.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next Texas AFT Regional Leadership Conference.
All RLC Event Times:
7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens
7:30 a.m. | COVID-19 Rapid Testing Health Screening
9:00 a.m. | First Workshop Begins
12:00 p.m. | General Session Luncheon (lunch provided)
1:30 p.m. | Workshops Continue
4:15 p.m. | Workshops Conclude
4:30 p.m. | "Respect Our Profession" Networking Event & Graduation
5:30 p.m. | All Activities Conclude
Event Locations:
McAllen RLC | Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center
Dallas RLC | Norris Conference Center
San Antonio RLC | Norris Conference Center
Houston RLC | Westin Memorial City Hotel
The Trio: Student-Centered Research
Interested in learning new ways to have students complete research that is student centered? Join Carol Villarreal and Rebecca Blanco who are National AFT trainers in a 3 part series on Inquiry-Based, Problem=Based, and Project-Based Learning. Each session will be held via Zoom.
It is recommended that you attend all 3 sessions, but can be done as a stand alone training as well. Please bring a project or idea you would like to make into a lesson using these structures.
Credits: 1.5 TC/CPE and .75 GT PER session
Participants will receive the Zoom link by the Friday before each training. Please register using this link: forms.gle/uQnssTsAPimjNxGq7
Regional Leadership Conference | Dallas, TX
12005 Ford Rd #200, Dallas, TX 75234 Map
We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Regional Leadership Conferences sponsored by Texas AFT's Bridges Institute for Professional & Leadership Development. The Bridges Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to providing training and resources for Texas public school employees.
Four conferences will be held throughout the state. Use this form to choose a conference in your area. In addition, you may use this form to register additional participants. The cost to attend is $25 per person, and fees may be paid by using either a credit card or invoiced to your local union (all invoiced expenses must be pre-approved by your local union). Additional details will be provided in your confirmation email.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next Texas AFT Regional Leadership Conference.
All RLC Event Times:
7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens
7:30 a.m. | COVID-19 Rapid Testing Health Screening
9:00 a.m. | First Workshop Begins
12:00 p.m. | General Session Luncheon (lunch provided)
1:30 p.m. | Workshops Continue
4:15 p.m. | Workshops Conclude
4:30 p.m. | "Respect Our Profession" Networking Event & Graduation
5:30 p.m. | All Activities Conclude
Event Locations:
McAllen RLC | Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center
Dallas RLC | Norris Conference Center
San Antonio RLC | Norris Conference Center
Houston RLC | Westin Memorial City Hotel
Regional Leadership Conference | McAllen, TX
Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center800 Convention Center BlvdMcAllen, TX78501 Map
We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Regional Leadership Conferences sponsored by Texas AFT's Bridges Institute for Professional & Leadership Development. The Bridges Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to providing training and resources for Texas public school employees.
Four conferences will be held throughout the state. Use this form to choose a conference in your area. In addition, you may use this form to register additional participants. The cost to attend is $25 per person, and fees may be paid by using either a credit card or invoiced to your local union (all invoiced expenses must be pre-approved by your local union). Additional details will be provided in your confirmation email.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next Texas AFT Regional Leadership Conference.
All RLC Event Times:
7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens
7:30 a.m. | COVID-19 Rapid Testing Health Screening
9:00 a.m. | First Workshop Begins
12:00 p.m. | General Session Luncheon (lunch provided)
1:30 p.m. | Workshops Continue
4:15 p.m. | Workshops Conclude
4:30 p.m. | "Respect Our Profession" Networking Event & Graduation
5:30 p.m. | All Activities Conclude
Event Locations:
McAllen RLC | Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center
Dallas RLC | Norris Conference Center
San Antonio RLC | Norris Conference Center
Houston RLC | Westin Memorial City Hotel
Differentiating Instruction: Principles of Successful Classrooms for Academically Diverse Learners
Most contemporary classrooms serve students who learn at different rates and in different ways, come to school with different experiences, have different interests, demonstrate different levels of motivation to do what school asks of them, and represent different language groups. Yet instruction in many classrooms overlooks these differences and treats students as though they were essentially alike. This session is designed to raise awareness of research that supports differentiation and to teach the basic components of differentiation. Three frameworks will be considered: Carol Ann Tomlinson’s, Wendy Conklin’s, and Robert Sternberg’s. The goal of the session is to help teachers reflect on the strengths of their current instructional practices and opportunities for further growth in teaching academically diverse students effectively. CPE credit will be issued.
Lifting Up Our ELLs: Post-Pandemic Challenges, Opportunities, and Resources
https://bit.ly/3v58WaQ Map
REGISTER TODAY. Lifting Up Our ELLs: Post-Pandemic Challenges, Opportunities, and Resources, Thursday, May 27, at 6 p.m. EDT.
Please join us for another session in our series to support the professional development needs of new teachers.
Did you know that ELLs are the fastest-growing student population, and most ELLs are taught in mainstream/general ed classrooms?
What do our educators need to know to expand their range of knowledge and skills to meet the needs of their ELLs?
How is the pandemic affecting what will happen this summer and in the fall?
What resources are out there to help?
FREE. Register here: bit.ly/3v58WaQ
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Pedagogy Parts 2 and 3
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcPSjQYxeKlqI_oIxNVZR69Ij-lTcU2F-BjpXftBmD2-UVpg/viewform Map
Carol Villarreal and Natasha Thurmon from Northside AFT will lead these sessions. During sessions two and three, you will review content from session one. You will design strength-focused lessons and activities and implement research-based CRP in an ethnically diverse classroom.
Session 2: May 8th from 10-11:30 AM
Session 3: May 15th from 10-11:30 AM
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Our webinar is designed to provide educators with the following skills:
Operationalize the connection between culture and cognition.
Demonstrate how a “caring educator” with high expectations functions in the classroom.
Design strength-focused lessons and activities.
Implement research-based pedagogy in classrooms with ethnically diverse students.
CPE credit will be issued to all participants.
Register for this event here: bit.ly/responsiveaft
Goal Setting and Professional Development Webinar
Have you been given control over your professional development plan and goals? Professional growth goals drive changes in practice which results in increased student performance. Come learn how to take ownership of your professional goals during your end-of-year conference. Register here: bit.ly/goalsaft.
Social Secrets: What Parents and Educators Should Know
Online conflict via social media is impacting the way young people communicate and relate to one another. Additionally, many are unaware of the dangers they face as a result of their digital exploration. Social Secrets, a free webinar, gives an overview of how tweens and teens are using social media and how parents/educators can help them avoid social media pitfalls and ultimately: be safe, be smart, and be kind online.
Register for our event here: bit.ly/safesmartkind. CPE credit will be issued to attendants.
http://bit.ly/traumainformedpractices
The Bridges Institute for Professional Development invites you to attend our five-part webinar series on trauma informed practices. Each session will begin at 6 PM, and CPE credit will be issued for each session attended.
Participants will learn and practice research-based trauma-informed practices to boost student resilience. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how adversity can impact children’s developing brains, bodies and behaviors, and explore strategies that promote healing from various traumatic events and circumstances
February 24th: Trauma-informed decisions
March 3rd Being healthfully present
March 10th: Resilience and managing triggers
March 24th: Support for grieving students (*FREE Grief-Sensitive Educator kit mailed to participants)
March 31st: Speaking truth to power with attention to wellness
Register once for all five dates: bit.ly/traumainformedpractices
Applied Digital Skills: Google Suite Workshop
This free online digital literacy curriculum helps learners obtain new digital skills using G Suite. The training is intended to get you up and running with the online program to supplement your online instruction. This event is intended to help educators in grade 5 and up get comfortable with the curriculum and tailor it to their needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about how the curriculum fits into your remote instruction, we ask that you join us for this training and RSVP: bit.ly/appliedaft. You will receive an invite with a Meet link ahead of the event.
Mentoring Girls and Inspiring Sisterhood: In the Age of Bad Girls, Housewives and Frenemies
http://bit.ly/inspiringsisterhood
From catfights to online drama and gossip, once cringe-worthy behaviors have become normalized by popular media. But exactly how are reality TV and social media shaping girls’ relationship realities? Mentoring Girls examines this and offers tips and tools to help educators (and parents).
WE WILL DISCUSS AND EXPLORE:
*The value and benefits of role modeling and mentoring as tools to combat relational aggression and encourage positive relationships among girls and young women
*The role of popular media (and social media) in shaping girls’ and women’s relationship realities.
ASK About Suicide to Save a Life
http://bit.ly/ASKtosave
ASK About Suicide to Save A Life™ is a best practice, gatekeeper training that teaches how to identify suicide risk factors, protective factors, warning signs, and appropriate referral strategies.
https://bit.ly/3fh1z95 Map
Mridula Kamra will lead us through meditation sessions on December 2nd and December 16th.
On December 9th, Mental Health America will have a session on Educator Self-Care and Burnout. Participants will learn about the risks of burnout, treating burnout, caring for oneself, and maintaining a work/life balance. Those who complete this workshop will leave with an action plan to treat their stress and care for themselves. Student well-being and academic success depend on the stability and well-being of teachers and caregivers. This highly interactive 75 min workshop will focus on self-care and stress reduction for educators and other caregivers. New skills can be applied immediately, and many activities can be used with students.
United Against Human Trafficking: Educator Training
http://bit.ly/unitedagainsthumantrafficking
Traffickers are recruiting our kids in schools. Therefore, UAHT created this training to equip teachers and school officials to recognize grooming techniques and potential victims. Educators will leave understanding how they are on the frontlines in protecting at-risk students and how to intervene on their behalf. Please register for this event at bit.ly/unitedagainsthumantrafficking.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Information Session
http://bit.ly/2H6koyz Map
Join the Texas AFT Bridges Institute for Professional Development and the Texas National Board Coalition for Teaching to learn about becoming an NBPTS certified educator. The session is FREE! Register at bit.ly/2H6koyz
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctd-ivrTIuHtLKkH_SgMtdIkRgkxt-aq0_ Map
This virtual session will inform you of the state laws related to T-TESS, the administrator rubric that is used to evaluate you, and how you advocate for yourself during your end of year conference and throughout the year. You don’t want to miss this session!
Share My Lesson
Share My Lesson is designed by educators for educators. We at Texas AFT, along with the award-winning Share My Lesson, are your one-stop destinations for high-quality, educator-developed, and educator-vetted resources for use in your new classroom.
Texas AFT Bridges Institute for Professional Development
912 South Highway 183, Suite 100-A | Austin, TX 78741 | 800-222-3827
Email bridges@texasaft.org for more information.