“Unity is strength…when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” by Mattie Stepanek. 

For many years, Kent ISD has been providing educators the opportunity to connect and collaborate with one another. Through a variety of networks, educators come together to share ideas, resources, and support. These networks are of greater need now more than ever.

This year many of our consultants are reformatting their professional learning networks to meet your needs as educators. In the past, our networks may have had four or five face to face meetings. This year many networks changed the way they connect including changing to virtual meetings and podcasts.

Join a Kent ISD Network Today!

Adult Learning Partners of West Michigan (ALPWM)

This community is for adult education administrators, educational learning agencies, agency directors, and coordinators overseeing education and training programs for adults. ALPWM provides a monthly framework for networking with other Region 4 adult education service providers who arrange educational and training opportunities for adults within the 13 county West Michigan area. If you would like to know more about this network or how to join, please contact Patricia Walstra.

English Learners Advisory (EL Advisory)

EL Advisory is for Title III and English Learner directors, teachers and school staff, as well as, state and federal program coordinators. Join the EL Advisory for quarterly updates on English Learner, Immigrant, and Title III programs. In this network, participants focus on aspects of technical assistance, updates, and compliance for state and federal programming related to English Learners. Meetings will be held through a virtual platform and run from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 10th, Dec. 10th, March 11th, and May 13th. Contact Casey Gordon for more information.

English Learners Connect 20-21 (EL Connect 20-21)

This group is for English Learner teachers and school staff. This ongoing, collaborative learning community provides  EL educators across West Michigan with research-based practices that support ELs enrolled in K-12 in-person, remote, or hybrid instructional programs. Sessions will be live via Zoom from 3:30-4:30 p.m. throughout the year. Meetings are planned for Sept 24th, Oct 20th, Nov. 17th, Jan. 19th, Feb. 16th, Mar. 16th, April 27th, and May 18th. Contact Casey Gordon for more information.

Elementary Principal’s Network (EPN)

All elementary principals in the Kent ISD service area are invited to join EPN. This network will provide flexible (virtual and face to face) opportunities for elementary principals to hear legislative updates, network across the county, participate in professional learning, and gain access to a variety of resources at no charge. If you are an elementary principal in the Kent ISD service area please click here to join today.

Kent ISD Middle School Principals

This group has reformed over the last few years. During the 19-20 school year, this group met three times to identify current trends, best practices in middle level education, and to discuss legislative updates. All Kent ISD service area middle school administrators will be invited to join this network. If you would like more information, please contact Cary Stamas.

Kent ISD High School Principals

Over the years, this group has met approximately three times a year to discuss the current trends in secondary education and the latest legislative updates. All Kent ISD service area high school principals will be invited to join this collaborative network. If you would like more information, please contact Cary Stamas.

Kent ISD McKinney-Vento Consortium

This network consists of school homeless liaisons, state and federal program coordinators, registrars, social workers, counselors, and school staff involved with enrollment or supporting students experiencing homelessness. The Kent ISD MV Consortium focuses on the state and federal requirements for educating students experiencing homelessness. Topics include identification, rights and services, outreach, and trauma-informed care. Updates to best practice research, current requirements, and ongoing compliance issues will also be addressed. Contact Casey Gordon for more information.

Kent EdTech Specialists (KETS)

KETS is for local technology leaders (teachers, coaches, specialists). EdTech Leaders from around West Michigan gather to discuss trends and solutions in educational technology. Meetings this year will be virtual and are designed to be flexible and responsive to our members needs. Click here to become a member of this network today!

Literacy Leaders and Coaches Network (LLCN)

Literacy Leaders and Coaches Network is a premier educational community in West Michigan providing ongoing professional learning to connect leaders, enhance practice, and improve literacy. This year LLCN will be connecting virtually through podcasts, newsletters, and Zoom meetings. Click here to make sure that you are on the contact list for LLCN this year!

Michigan Mathematics Educators (#MichME)

#MichME is a collaborative networking group where administrators, math coaches, math specialists, and math teachers work together to learn and implement effective teaching and learning of mathematics. This year #MichME will meet virtually in collaboration with Oakland ISD and Muskegon ISD to connect educators across the state who are interested in common topics. While this is a group that will focus on what works in teaching and learning mathematics K-12, it will also offer networking and personal reflection opportunity for all involved. Click here to join MichME for FREE today!

State and Federal Programs Network

State and Federal Programs Network connects state and federal program directors and curriculum directors with MDE. Participants will increase their knowledge on Title and 31a programs and funding sources, as well as, provide support to each other. Contact Laura Otten for more information about joining this network.

The New Teacher Community

Are you a teacher in your first three years of service or who is looking to grow in your craft? This three-year program is a region-wide professional learning community designed to build the skills of new teachers in an engaging, supportive environment. The New Teachers Community explores many topics, learns useful tips and techniques, and helps new teachers navigate the critical first years in teaching. The connections, camaraderie, and collective wisdom will get new teachers through the inevitable hurdles with greater confidence, more success, and less stress. Virtual meetings start on September 30th. First Year Teachers, Second Year Teachers, or Third Year Teachers join today!

Looking for Another Network?

If you don’t see a network for you above, let us know. Click here to fill out this form and tell us more about what you are looking for in a network.

#Networking #Collaboration #WeLeadLearning #KentISDpd