OTIS for educators is gearing up for back-to-school with a whole new schedule of online professional development for September 2025. We’re committed to providing high-quality online training to support educators as they get ready to tackle a new year. Here’s some of the courses available that educators can expect this fall:

Online PD for AI in the classroom

1. AI Tools in Google Classroom

Ready to elevate your Google Classroom with cutting-edge AI? Join us while we explore Google’s latest AI advancements for education. We’ll dive into the practical applications of Gemini in Classroom, showcasing how you can leverage AI to create dynamic content, differentiate instruction, and provide tailored support to your students. From AI-assisted lesson planning and assessment creation to interactive learning experiences with NotebookLM and custom AI “Gems,” this course will equip you with tools to foster a more engaging and efficient learning environment.

2. Ice Ice Breaker: Generating Personalized Learning Activities with AI

Icebreakers provide a positive way to build connections and rapport in the classroom. They are a great back-to-school activity because they can help enhance communication, reduce anxiety, and simply create a welcoming atmosphere. In this session, we will explore how to use AI to create personalized icebreaker activities that will help facilitate the transition into the new year and incorporate learning goals and objectives. Level up your classroom with these game-changing resources!

3. Introducing Google Vids, Your New BFF

Get ready to transform your classroom! Google Vids, the incredible new AI-powered video creation app in Google Workspace, is a game-changer for educators and students alike. Imagine effortlessly turning your lesson plans into engaging video tutorials, or students creating dynamic presentations without needing any complex editing skills! Vids integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom, making it incredibly easy for teachers to assign video projects and for students to collaborate and showcase their learning in exciting new ways. Join our live webinar to see firsthand how Google Vids will empower creativity and revolutionize teaching and learning!

Online PD for effective teaching strategies

1. Starting the School Year Strong with Classroom Management

Starting a school year can be equally exciting and anxiety-producing. New classes, new students, and different experiences can often present challenges, especially for new teachers. Join us as we discuss some best practices and ideas for creating and implementing practical, engaging, and sustainable classroom management systems to make the start (and the rest) of your school year a success!

2. Advisory Routines for Community Building

In this course, we will look into how to establish a strong connection with your students and fellow staff members. We will focus on community-building activities and routines to establish the basics of a positive, safe, and caring environment that is built on trust, listening, and connectedness. Join us as we explore strategies to use in your advisory class and beyond!

3. Introduction to Restorative Practices

Using restorative practices in your classroom can be a game-changer for building and maintaining positive relationships with challenging students. Join us for this course where we will lay a foundation for restorative circles, where they originated, and useful ways to integrate them into your practice.

4. 5 Google Chrome Extensions to Give You a Productivity Boost

Ready to supercharge your Chrome browser? Join us to explore powerful Google Chrome extensions designed to enhance your productivity. Learn how to leverage these tools to save time and work smarter, not harder. We’ll highlight practical tools for organization, task management, information gathering, and more. Gain key tools aimed at giving your productivity a powerful lift.

PD for edtech tools

1. Podcasting with Audacity

Podcasts are transforming the classroom environment by significantly increasing student engagement. Teachers everywhere are excited about incorporating them into different content areas. In this course, we will explore how to create and share podcasts using the free and open-source digital audio editor and recorder, Audacity. Join us to learn how to harness this popular medium to amplify learning in your classroom!

2. A Coach’s Guide to eSports

In our course, “eSports for the Win,” we laid the groundwork for starting an eSports team. In this follow-up course, we will dive deep into the strategies and specifics of running successful practices and competing in tournaments. eSports is more than just playing video games! We’ll explore different strategies that coaches can use during practices and to prepare for tournaments. We’ll also review some general housekeeping and start-of-year tips to make sure your students get the most out of this immensely popular extracurricular activity.

3. Starting the School Year with Goosechase

Get ready to spread your wings and fly into the school year with Goosechase! This powerful tool allows for an interactive experience amongst students, staff, and beyond. Join us for this session where we will discuss how to use Goosechase to start your school year off strong. From a school-wide scavenger hunt to a meet-the-teacher night activity for families, Goosechase is your one-stop-shop for getting everyone excited for the school year ahead. We will review how to create meaningful missions on Goosechase and then dive into specific activity ideas. Join us for our session to learn more about how Goosechase can boost your classroom and school community!

4. Morning Meeting with Lumio

Morning meetings are a staple of the start to the day in the primary classroom. Students get to review the calendar, class schedule, tasks, and weather to set the tone for the day. Morning meetings can be leveraged to engage students and bolster your classroom community. They can even incorporate technology! Join us as we explore how to use Lumio to transform your morning meeting activities!

More online PD for teaching strategies on OTIS

1. 10 Tips to Increase Efficiency in Your Data-Informed Decision-Making

Take the stress out of data analysis with Google Sheets, Forms, Apps Script, and Looker Studio. Learn easy-to-use formulas and scripts (no coding experience needed, but basic spreadsheet knowledge is recommended) to streamline your decision-making process. Get ready to discover hidden patterns, automate tasks, and impress your team with dynamic data visualizations. Bonus: Leave armed with resources to keep your skills growing!

2. Intro to Formative

Join us as we take a deep dive into all things Formative! Formative is an educational platform that helps teachers assess, engage, and instruct students. In this course, we will go over how to use the platform to build & manage classes, build & assign formatives to start seeing real-time student responses, track student data, and tailor assignments to best suit your students’ needs. This will include how to differentiate for your special education and ELL students. We will also explore how to use the AI-supported features on the platform. You will leave this course ready to add all Formative has to offer into your practice right away!

3. Chill Out with Canva

Canva can be a powerful tool for creating student resources, presentations, student projects, and more! But have you ever thought about using Canva to support students’ well-being? In this session, we’ll show you how to leverage the creativity and versatility of Canva to create calming spaces and activities to help students take a break from stressors and come back recharged. We’ll also highlight ready-made Canva resources you can quickly take and modify.

4. Clearing the Mental Clutter: Strategies for Educators to Combat Decision Fatigue

We will discuss the pervasive issue of decision fatigue that educators face, a phenomenon that clouds judgment and exhausts mental resources. This session will provide educators with practical strategies to streamline decision-making processes, prioritize tasks effectively, and create mental space for creativity and critical thinking. This session is designed to empower educators with the skills to reclaim their mental energy, leading to improved well-being, enhanced job performance, and a more balanced professional life. Join us as we navigate the path to mental clarity and resilience, creating a more focused and fulfilling teaching experience.

5. Skill Building with Brain Breaks

Who said brain breaks can’t be educational? Join us as we show you fun ways to help students review learning in exciting ways – all while giving students a quick pause on their traditional lessons.

6. Introduction to SMART Notebook

New to SMART Notebook? Curious to learn how it can help you take your instruction to the next level? Join us as we help you get started with SMART software. In this course, we’ll share several helpful techniques, including how to use pre-made templates for stress-free lesson planning, importing outside presentations and materials into your SMART Notebook, and pushing out the content you’ve created to your students via Lumio!

An overall look at OTIS for educators

Visit the online PD course calendar for a complete list of courses for September. Furthermore, with OTIS for educators, you’ll always get: