Pathways to Professional Learning
Pathways to Professional Learning
Pathways to Professional Learning
The Pathways to Professional Learning Model
The Pathways to Professional Learning (PL) model represents a fundamental shift in our strategy, moving beyond the limitations of "one-off" sessions toward a relationship-centered, coordinated support system. This model is designed for sustained implementation, ensuring that professional development is not merely an event, but a continuous process of growth that reduces compliance concerns and strengthens systemic health across our Local Educational Agencies (LEAs).
Pathways to Professional Learning Intentions
- Increase Participation: Support LEAs in attending targeted trainings that align directly with their identified areas of systemic growth.
- Build Capacity: Provide progressive, sequenced learning opportunities that move from initial understanding to deep classroom implementation.
- Improve Systems: Strengthen the procedures, instructional frameworks, and compliance structures that drive improved student outcomes.
- Promote Accountability: Ensure that learning translates into action through intentional follow-through, coaching, and measurable evidence of impact.
- Strengthen Relationships: Foster collaborative partnerships between Program Specialists and LEA leadership to sustain long-term improvement.
Download the Education Specialist Pathway flyer for more information.
Explore Our Professional Learning Pathways
Explore Our Professional Learning Pathways
Education Specialist Pathway
Education Specialist Pathway
Build your skills and strengthen your practice through a coordinated professional learning pathway designed specifically for Education Specialists and Case Managers. Move beyond one-time trainings with learning opportunities that build knowledge, support implementation, and promote lasting impact for students.
Recommended Participants
- Education Specialists
- Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Teachers
- Case Managers
- Special Education Teachers.
Education Specialist Training Schedule (2026-27)
Teacher Academy
Teacher Academy is geared towards newer special education teachers (within their first three years of practice). It focuses on research-based content and activities that improve the outcomes of students with disabilities.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Teacher Academy Part 1 | Virtual | 10/7/2026 | 2:30PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
| Teacher Academy Part 2 | Virtual | 10/14/2026 | 2:30PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
| Teacher Academy Part 3 | Virtual | 10/21/2026 | 2:30PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
| Teacher Academy Part 1 | Virtual | 3/17/2027 | 2:30PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
| Teacher Academy Part 2 | Virtual | 3/24/2027 | 2:30PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
| Teacher Academy Part 3 | Virtual | 3/31/2027 | 2:30PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
Fundamentals of IEP Note Taking
IEP Meeting notes serve as a written record of an IEP meeting and are essential to the IEP process. This training reviews fundamentals and essential considerations for effective IEP note taking.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Fundamentals of IEP Note Taking | Virtual | 9/22/2026 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Register Here |
| Fundamentals of IEP Note Taking | Virtual | 10/22/2026 | 9:00AM - 11:00PM | Register Here |
| Fundamentals of IEP Note Taking | Virtual | 1/12/2027 | 9:00AM - 11:00PM | Register Here |
| Fundamentals of IEP Note Taking | Virtual | 3/4/2027 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Register Here |
Universal Supports for Student Behavior (USSB)
Provides staff with actionable strategies to encourage positive behavior among all students within the educational setting. The training covers four primary strategies that educators can implement to achieve a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment. Training activities will thread through a self-identified area of behavioral concern to allow educators to explore how to implement the provided strategies into their classroom.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Universal Supports for Student Behavior - Part 1 | Virtual | 10/13/2026 | 1:00PM - 2:30PM | Register Here |
| Universal Supports for Student Behavior - Part 2 | Virtual | 10/19/2026 | 1:00PM - 2:30PM | Register Here |
| Universal Supports for Student Behavior - Part 1 | Virtual | 1/27/2027 | 1:00PM - 2:30PM | Register Here |
| Universal Supports for Student Behavior - Part 2 | Virtual | 2/3/2027 | 1:00PM - 2:30PM | Register Here |
Verbal De-Escalation
Strategies for the School Setting has been recently updated with a renewed emphasis on strategies to support students at all levels of behavioral escalation. This training will equip educators with essential communication, co-regulation, and de-escalation strategies to create safe and conducive learning environments. As a result, participants will understand the levels of behavior escalation and how to implement aligned strategies to defuse challenging situations.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Verbal De-Escalation Part 1 | Virtual | 10/22/2026 | 2:30PM - 4:30PM | Register Here |
| Verbal De-Escalation Part 2 | Virtual | 10/29/2026 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Register Here |
| Verbal De-Escalation Part 1 | Virtual | 3/16/2027 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Register Here |
| Verbal De-Escalation Part 2 | Virtual | 3/23/2027 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Register Here |
SEIS for Providers & Case Managers
This training provides case manager and provider-level users with a foundational understanding of SEIS (Special Education Information System) as used by El Dorado SELPAs. Participants will learn how to effectively navigate the SEIS dashboard, including the navigation bar and its various tabs. Attendees will gain skills in accurately completing key IEP forms, documenting student goal progress, and monitoring service delivery.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| SEIS for Providers & Case Managers Part 2 | Virtual | 9/15/2026 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Register Here |
| SEIS for Providers & Case Managers Part 1 | Virtual | 3/18/2027 | 9:00AM - 11:00AM | Register Here |
| SEIS for Providers & Case Managers Part 2 | Virtual | 4/8/2027 | 9:00AM - 11:00AM | Register Here |
Autism: Positive School Climate, Classroom & Culture
Positive School Climate, Classroom, and Culture is intended to assist school personnel, emphasizing general education staff, to effectively support students in the general education classroom and other educational environments. As a result of this learning opportunity, educators will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of ASD and its potential impacts on learning and behavior.
- Discover the essential elements necessary for establishing a positive school climate that addresses the needs of students with ASD.
- Explore individualized intervention strategies to support the needs of students with ASD in the general education environment.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Autism: Positive School Climate, Classroom & Culture | Virtual | 9/15/26 | 9:00PM - 10:30AM | Register Here |
| Autism: Positive School Climate, Classroom & Culture | Virtual | 11/4/26 | 2:00PM - 3:30PM | Register Here |
Writing Standards-Based IEP Goals Through the Lens of Educational Benefit
This training supports educators in designing high-quality, standards-based IEP goals that promote meaningful educational benefit for students. Participants will examine the connection between FAPE, present levels of performance, and measurable annual goals. The session focuses on using multiple data sources to develop strong present levels, establish clear baselines, and write measurable goals aligned with state standards. This training will also address progress monitoring practices and documentation within SEIS.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Writing Standards-Based IEP Goals Through the Lens of Educational Benefit | Virtual | 9/24/2026 | 1:00PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
| Writing Standards-Based IEP Goals Through the Lens of Educational Benefit | Virtual | 2/9/2027 | 1:00PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
Developing the Thread of Educational Benefit
Providing students educational benefit is foundation of IEP development and the crossroad between compliance and outcomes for students with disabilities. In recent years there have been a number of legal cases and OSEP guidance that outlines IEP decision-making, thought processes, and progress monitoring with creating a reasonably calculated IEP. This training focuses on gathering assessment data to develop a clear picture of the student’s individualized need. Moreover, educators will learn how the thread of educational benefit connects assessment data, present levels of performance (PLOP), and needs and how to document in SEIS forms accurately.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Developing the Thread of Educational Benefit Part 1 | Virtual | 4/12/2027 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Register Here |
| Developing the Thread of Educational Benefit Part 2 | Virtual | 4/14/2027 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM | Register Here |
Education Specialist Community of Practice
Academies and Communities of Practice (CoP) offer educators valuable opportunities to delve into key special education concepts. These events, held both in-person and virtually, provide a platform for networking with colleagues and gaining insights from experienced professionals.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Education Specialist Community of Practice (COP) | Virtual | 10/9/2026 | 9:30AM - 11:00AM | Register Here |
| Education Specialist Community of Practice (COP) | Virtual | 1/28/2027 | 9:30AM - 11:00AM | Register Here |
| Education Specialist Community of Practice (COP) | Virtual | 4/9/2027 | 9:30AM - 11:00AM | Register Here |
Autism: Identifying Evidence-Based Practices
In Identifying Evidenced Based Practices, participants will explore Evidenced-Based Practices (EBPs) to support students with ASD within the general education setting. As a result of this learning opportunity, educators will:
- Understand the components and use of a range of EBPs for students with ASD.
- Learn how to identify the appropriate EBP to meet a student's individualized needs.
- Explore available resources for the appropriate identification and implementation of EBPs.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Autism: Identifying Evidence-Based Practices | Virtual | 1/21/2027 | 9:00AM - 10:00AM | Register Here |
| Autism: Identifying Evidence-Based Practices | Virtual | 4/15/2027 | 3:00PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
SELPA Bridge Trainings
- Mild Moderate Support Needs - SPED Bridge Enrichment: This professional learning opportunity will allow current Preliminary or Clear Mild/Moderate credential holders to update their credentials to align with the newly implemented ‘Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN)’ credential.
- Extensive Support Needs - SPED Bridge Enrichment: This professional learning is an opportunity for current credential holders to serve more students! The credentialing structure has recently undergone significant changes. The current “Moderate/Severe Disabilities” credential allows service to those with autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disturbance, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities. Now, with an “Extensive Support Needs” authorization, candidates will also be authorized to provide service to those with orthopedic impairments, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injury.
| Title | Type | Date | Time | Registration Link |
| Mild Moderate Support Needs | Virtual | 12/2/2026 | 1:00PM - 5:00PM | Register Here |
| Extensive Support Needs | Virtual | 12/3/2026 | 12:00PM - 4:00PM | Register Here |
For more information regarding Professional Learning, please contact events@edcoe.org
For other PL offerings, please be sure to visit our Professional Learning & Events Catalog.