The Vibrant Learning Academy brings together district and school leaders and classroom teachers to build vibrant learning in our region — from the classroom to the system level. Participants join one of two pathways, Leaders or Teachers, and work across three sessions throughout the year, culminating in a joint showcase in April where both pathways present what they built, modeled after a student exhibition of learning. Districts are encouraged to bring both a leader and teachers so the work stays connected across pathways.
The Leader Pathway
The Leaders Pathway is for district and school leaders ready to build the system-level structures that let vibrant learning take hold and last. Leaders will examine their current structures and systems — including where they stand with Portrait of a Learner, performance outcomes and indicators, and performance assessment — and determine their own next best step, whether that’s naming outcomes for the first time, refining indicators already in place, or designing structures like defenses of learning or student-led conferences. Leaders will identify a clear next step for their district and develop a plan for taking it.
Target Audience: Instructional Coaches, District Leaders, Administration
Do your students struggle to communicate their thinking in math class? HB 257 (2026) mandates writing across disciplines in all grades. This session will explore strategies that can be used to increase written communication in the classroom. Both formal and informal writing will be addressed, including writing to learn, writing to demonstrate learning, and writing for publication. It will also provide instructional strategies and ways to incorporate technology in the process. Throughout the day, participants will work in grade bands to tailor the work to their student needs.
It will be beneficial if participants bring a computer and any rubrics they use for extended response or short answer, as well as HQIR materials.
Target Audience: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, District Leaders
This session equips participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize warning signs of suicide risk, implement appropriate intervention strategies, and support the ongoing
management of individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Evidence-informed
practices and practical response techniques will be explored to enhance confidence and
competence in suicide prevention.
Contact: erica.price@ckec.org
A year-long professional learning community designed to equip new special education teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to serve students with disabilities while meeting compliance requirements and fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments.
Format:
4 – 2-hour sessions held virtually
4 – full-day sessions held in-person
Register for all cadre dates at once
In person: 9/2/26, 12/3/26, 2/4/27, 4/1/27
Virtual: 10/1/26, 11/4/26, 1/7/27, 3/4/27
Contact susan.hall@ckec.org with questions.
A year-long professional learning community designed to equip new special education teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to serve students with disabilities while meeting compliance requirements and fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments.
Format:
4 – 2-hour sessions held virtually
4 – full-day sessions held in-person
Register for all cadre dates at once
In person: 9/2/26, 12/3/26, 2/4/27, 4/1/27
Virtual: 10/1/26, 11/4/26, 1/7/27, 3/4/27
Contact susan.hall@ckec.org with questions.
A year-long professional learning community designed to equip new special education teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to serve students with disabilities while meeting compliance requirements and fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments.
Format:
4 – 2-hour sessions held virtually
4 – full-day sessions held in-person
Register for all cadre dates at once
In person: 9/2/26, 12/3/26, 2/4/27, 4/1/27
Virtual: 10/1/26, 11/4/26, 1/7/27, 3/4/27
Contact susan.hall@ckec.org with questions.
A year-long professional learning community designed to equip new special education teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to serve students with disabilities while meeting compliance requirements and fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments.
Format:
4 – 2-hour sessions held virtually
4 – full-day sessions held in-person
Register for all cadre dates at once
In person: 9/2/26, 12/3/26, 2/4/27, 4/1/27
Virtual: 10/1/26, 11/4/26, 1/7/27, 3/4/27
Contact susan.hall@ckec.org with questions
Practical strategies to plan, teach, and engage every learner – every minute of every day. We will explore how to plan meaningful instruction, collect data effectively, use small groups and stations, implement instructional routines, and boost student engagement. Leave this session with:
Practical strategies you can use right away
Tools to plan and deliver effective instruction
Ideas to increase engagement and independence
Contact Erica Price at erica.price@ckec.org or Jennifer Dove at jennifer.dove@ckec.org
New special education teachers within the first 3 years of teaching
A year-long professional learning community designed to equip new special education teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to serve students with disabilities while meeting compliance requirements and fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments.
Format:
4 – 2-hour sessions held virtually
4 – full-day sessions held in-person
Register for all cadre dates at once
In person: 9/2/26, 12/3/26, 2/4/27, 4/1/27
Virtual: 10/1/26, 11/4/26, 1/7/27, 3/4/27
Contact susan.hall@ckec.org with questions.
A year-long professional learning community designed to equip new special education teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to serve students with disabilities while meeting compliance requirements and fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments.
Format:
4 – 2-hour sessions held virtually
4 – full-day sessions held in-person
Register for all cadre dates at once
In person: 9/2/26, 12/3/26, 2/4/27, 4/1/27
Virtual: 10/1/26, 11/4/26, 1/7/27, 3/4/27
Contact susan.hall@ckec.org with questions.