Leveraging Student Teachers to Support Flexible Staffing Models This resource supports districts to work with local union partners and educator preparation programs to explore flexible staffing models that can benefit students, student teachers, and educators, including:
These interactive professional learning modules are designed to support teachers by defining best practices for remote teaching and learning and providing concrete tools to support instruction in this context. The intended audience for these modules includes classroom teachers, specialists, and other educators working directly with students. We recommend that educators complete the series in partnership with colleagues whenever possible (download recommended collaborative learning strategies ).
This series is intended to be self-directed and modules do not need to be completed in order. Educators can use individual modules as standalone professional learning opportunities. Districts may provide Professional Development Points (PDPs) for module completion at their discretion.
We estimate that the entire module series, including time associated with engaging in the Reflection and Application sections, will take 10–15 hours. Estimated times for each module are provided below.
Module 1: Getting StartedIn this module, teachers will be introduced to the key components of remote or hybrid teaching and learning, including the strategic use of synchronous/asynchronous instruction, types of digital tools that support effective remote teaching and learning, and the importance of culturally responsive teaching within remote settings. Est. time: 1.5 hours
Module 2: Curriculum and PlanningIn this module, teachers will develop their practice in planning and adapting high-quality instructional materials for use in a remote setting, including content-specific best practices in English Language Arts, Math, Science and Technology/Engineering, and History and Social Science. Est. time: 2–3 hours
Select the module most closely aligned to your content area:
Module 2: English Language Arts/Literacy
Module 2: Math — updated 2/2021
Module 2: Science — updated 2/2021
Module 2: History and Social Studies
Module 3: Learning EnvironmentIn this module, teachers will develop their practice of establishing a safe and supportive environment for remote learning. Est. time: 2 hours
Module 4: Family CollaborationIn this module, teachers will develop their practice in building trusting, open, and culturally responsive partnerships with families in support of remote teaching and learning. Est. time: 2 hours
Module 5: Professional CollaborationIn this module, teachers will develop their practice of building collaborative relationships with colleagues to support instructional planning and sharing of best practices. Est time: 2 hours
Coming Soon | We continue to seek examples of culturally responsive and sustaining remote teaching practice in an effort to celebrate and elevate the incredible work of MA educators. We encourage you to submit a sample of remote teaching in this form.
Center for Instructional Support Professional Development Offerings for Summer 2021
Webinars on Remote Learning and Planning and Adjusting InstructionThese recorded, content-specific webinars from the spring and summer of 2020 are focused on best practices for instruction during COVID-19.
Digital Learning Tools This resource lists digital learning tools for academic content, communication, and collaboration in remote settings.
COVID-19 Teaching and Learning Resources
Q: Can a teacher receive Professional Development Points (PDPs) for completing the Remote Teaching & Learning Module Series?
A: A district may provide PDPs to educators at its discretion. PDPs may only be awarded in relation to this module series if an educator completes 10 hours of professional development relative to this topic. Each module provides specific information to an educator in the Define/Explore sections, followed by recommended activities specific to their instructional planning and delivery, professional collaboration, or communications in the Reflect/Apply sections. Across all five modules, an educator may engage in work that collectively amounts to 10 or more hours, but districts must provide the requisite time and supports to meet this requirement. Districts must also include an assessment of learning (this may be an end-of-course assessment or an observable demonstration of learning). Additional information about PDP requirements.
Q: Is the module series applicable to teachers who will be supporting students engaged in the Edgenuity or FLVS Global remote learning platforms?
A: Yes, although specific modules may be more helpful than others. If a teacher is not responsible for planning and delivering curricula in a remote setting, Module 2 may be less relevant. However teachers responsible for supporting students' engagement and access to learning may benefit from Module 3: Student Engagement, Module 4: Family Collaboration, and Module 5: Professional Collaboration.
We want to hear about how we can continue our support of your remote teaching practice.
For questions, support, and/or comments related to these resources, contact educatordevelopment@doe.mass.edu.
To provide feedback on the Remote Teaching and Learning modules, please complete this brief survey.
Last Updated: February 8, 2021
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