Free Summer Learning

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Looking for some easy, self-paced professional learning to keep you on top of your game? Look no further!  Below, I've put together a list of FREE trainings you can do this summer (or whenever!) that will keep your teaching skills sharp.  I've put them into two categories, Instructional and Apps/Device Specific.  If you're looking to up your pedagogical game, keep up on the newest educational trends, or just learn about what others are doing in their classrooms, check out the Instructional Specific section with offerings from Common Sense Media, edWeb.net, Kasey Bell at Shake Up Learning, and PBS.  Under the Apps/Device Specific section, you'll find trainings from Google, ParentSquare, Canva, Kami, EdPuzzle, and Promethean.  These are the most widely used in our district and (lucky for us!) all offer free, asynchronous trainings for their users.  I've done almost all of these trainings and I can honestly say, they are well-paced and easy to follow.

Go through and pick and choose what you'd like!  If you come across another training you think would benefit our educators, please leave a comment and let me know!  We become stronger by working together

Instructional Specific:

Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media has a long standing reputation of being a respected partner with educators across the world. It offers free K-12 digital citizenship and media literacy resources, including pre-made lesson plans and activities, to help students safely and ethically navigate the digital world. Not only does it empower students with essential online skills, it also supports teacher professional development. As a credible and trusted source, Common Sense Education simplifies the integration of vital digital citizenship lessons into the curriculum. Ultimately, it equips both educators and students with the tools to thrive in a digital age. Check out their FREE teacher training opportunities:



edWeb.net
edWeb.net is a leading professional learning network for educators, offering free access to a vast library of webinars and online professional learning communities (PLCs). Teachers can engage in live and on-demand webinars covering diverse educational topics, even earning continuing education (CE) certificates for their participation. This platform provides flexible, high-quality professional development that addresses current educational trends and best practices. It encourages peer-to-peer collaboration, enabling educators to share ideas and learn from experts, ultimately enhancing their skills and student outcomes.

Shake Up Learning Summer Learning Series
Shake Up Learning's Summer Learning Series 2025, hosted by Kasey Bell, is a free online professional development event for K-12 educators. This asynchronous series offers 14+ expert-led video presentations, released between June 3 and July 24, 2025, covering topics such as AI, Google for Education, and classroom management. It provides a flexible and enriching way for teachers, coaches, and leaders to enhance their skills.  Did I mention, it's FREE?

PBS LearningMedia offers a suite of free resources that are designed to help educators improve their skills and broaden their expertise. By offering real life scenarios, professional development content allows educators to learn proven techniques and transfer that knowledge to their own classroom environment.  Areas of PD include, Planning & Preparation, Effective Instruction, Assessment & Evaluation, Learning Environment, and Professional Practice.

App/Device Specific:


Google

Since Google is officially our ride-or-die LMS, it's time to hop aboard the training train! Think of these sessions as unlocking all the secret shortcuts and cool tricks that'll make your digital life way easier and less stressful. Seriously, a little time in training now means smoother sailing, less head-scratching, and more "aha!" moments later, making our whole district smarter and more efficient together.

  • Google Learning Center: Accelerate learning in your classroom with Google for Education tools. Browse free-of-charge courses, get certifications to distinguish yourself as an educator or IT admin, and earn credentials with our Champions programs.
  • Google Course Catalog: Google for Education offers training for any skill level to help you become a more effective educator. Browse our entire catalog of lessons and comprehensive online courses to build the curriculum that's right for you.



ParentSquare
Let's get real about ParentSquare training! Since it's our must-use platform, jumping into the training means you'll actually know how to use it without pulling your hair out. Think of it as leveling up your communication game so you can effortlessly chat with parents and keep them in the loop. Plus, a little training now saves you a lot of head-scratching later!



Canva Teacher Training
Since Canva is our new go-to for making everything look awesome, getting into those trainings isn't just for fun—it's for leveling up! Think of these sessions as your secret weapon to whip up stunning presentations, engaging worksheets, and eye-catching visuals without needing a design degree. Seriously, a little time learning Canva means your creations will pop, saving you time and making your materials way more impactful for our students. And the best part? As an educational unit, we all (students included) get the pro level for FREE!



Kami
Kami is an awesome tool for going paperless and marking up documents digitally, so hopping into those trainings is seriously going to change your game. Think of it as learning the hacks to easily annotate, collaborate, and grade all those PDFs without ever touching a printer. A little Kami training now means less paper-shuffling stress and more dynamic, interactive lessons for our students!


Edpuzzle
Edpuzzle is our secret weapon for making videos interactive and actually knowing if students are watching, getting into those trainings is a total must! These sessions aren't just about adding questions; they're your key to personalizing content, getting real-time data, and making every video a powerful teaching tool. Mastering Edpuzzle means less wasted screen time and more impactful, data-driven instruction that really connects with our students!


Promethean
Promethean ActivPanels are in most teaching spaces just waiting to revolutionize our classrooms! Dive into these trainings to go beyond just learning buttons—it's about unlocking pure teaching magic! These sessions help you gain superpowers to make lessons interactive, engaging, and way more dynamic for our students.  Please note, the majority of our Promethean Panels are the ActivPanel Titanium.

  • Promethean World Training Hub:  Online Courses, Learning Packs, Training Videos, and more!  
  • Camp Promethean:  Join Camp Promethean, July 15-16. "Expert Education Consultants will guide you through an immersive day of interactive sessions and dynamic activities. Stay ahead with the latest advancements in Promethean technology and discover innovative strategies to enhance student engagement and foster creativity in your classroom. Whether you're looking to master new tools or refine your teaching techniques, Camp Promethean offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to elevate your teaching. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, practice, and grow with fellow educators!"

Taking time for your own learning is a win for everyone, especially your students! Don't feel pressured to do it all, just choose what feels right for you and your goals. Take the time this summer to invest in YOU and always let me know if you need any help or have questions!







    Location: Homer, NY 13077, USA

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