Tired of "sit-and-get" PD that doesn't move the needle? Join me at InstructureCon to see how we traded traditional seat-time for a hybrid, learner-centered model.
Presented by
- Dianna Knox, Technology Instructional Specialist, Clay Community Schools
Date @ Time : Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 10:55 am
Room: Hyatt Regency 2nd Floor Gulfstream Hialeah
Session Description
This session provides a blueprint for moving from "sit-and-get" PD to a flexible, learner-centered ecosystem. Targeted at building and district leaders, instructional coaches, and K-12 educators, this presentation details our successful state waiver process that traded traditional seat-time for a hybrid model of in-person "conference-style" days and "PJ-friendly" inclement weather days.
To ensure this applies to the teaching of all learners, we utilize the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. We will demonstrate how providing teachers with multiple means of engagement and representation in their own professional development directly models the differentiated environment we expect for students. By integrating ISTE Standards for Students (specifically Empowered Learner and Creative Communicator) into adult learning tasks, we bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice.
This session is designed to be highly interactive. Rather than a standard lecture, the mid-section features a "Live Choice Board" where attendees use their own devices to explore micro-tracks tailored to their roles—whether focusing on the Canvas LMS architecture, implementation hurdles, or content curation. We will conclude with a collaborative "Roadmap Workshop" using a digital whiteboarding tool (e.g., Padlet or FigJam) to troubleshoot implementation in their own contexts. Participants will leave not just with new knowledge on the topic, but with a toolkit of digital structures and ideas to advocate for flexible, high-rigor learning in their own districts.
What this session is really about
This session is born of the hard work our district has put into developing more meaningful professional learning opportunities for our teachers in the past three years. There simply weren’t enough funds or subs to provide our staff with adequate professional learning opportunities. As an admin cabinet we took a hard look at our district goals, surveyed our teachers, examined guidance from the state and used that to develop our plans. Everytime I would explain to someone what we were doing, there were always follow up questions and genuine curiosity–so I thought, why not tell our story?
This one's for you if…
- you are a district or building leader who is facing a similar situation with limited funds and resources for professional learning.
- you are a coach or someone who is tasked with facilitating professional learning opportunities to staff of varied levels and abilities.
- you are a teacher who contributes to the leadership in your district and you’d like to learn more about this “out of the box” idea.
Resources
Check back after the conference for updates, slides, and the session recording.
See you in Louisville!
InstructureCon always brings great connection and learning. The Community is full of people who are eager to share what they know and learn from each other. Plus it is an opportunity to catch up with friends from far and wide that I only rarely get to see in person. Start exploring the agenda and building your schedule now. If my session piques your interest and you have a burning question about flexible PD, share it in the comments. I would love to be able to tailor my session. See you in Louisville!
