Tahlequah Public Schools: Empowering Educators and Students through Grants and Professional Development
Tahlequah Public Schools (TPS) is fortunate to receive substantial support through various grants and resources that help eliminate obstacles and drive meaningful results for both students and teachers. These grants benefit individual educators and the district as a whole, providing invaluable tools to enhance the learning experience and foster academic excellence.
Thanks to these programs, TPS can offer professional development opportunities that empower educators. Initiatives like the MHAT Grant, Project Prevent, and the Innovative Literacy Grant equip teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to provide high-quality education to students. In addition, local area teachers are invited to participate in these professional development opportunities free of charge.
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Mental Health First Aid Training – May 29th
TPS is partnering with CREOKS to offer Mental Health First Aid training. This session will help educators recognize risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorders. Participants will learn how to support students experiencing mental health challenges by applying a core five-step action plan:
Assess for risk of suicide or harm
Listen nonjudgmentally
Provide reassurance and information
Encourage professional help
Promote self-help and other support strategies
Great Expectations Training – June 10-13
TPS will offer the Great Expectations® (GE) training program, which provides teachers and administrators with the skills needed to foster a positive and engaging school environment. GE focuses on inspiring academic excellence by emphasizing the human aspects of teaching and learning. This program also serves to rejuvenate teachers and remind them of the reasons they chose education as a career.
Katie Kinder Classroom Management and Project-Based Learning – July 14th
On July 14th, we are excited to welcome Katie Kinder, who will lead a classroom management session in the morning and a project-based learning session in the afternoon. These sessions will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help teachers create more dynamic and engaging classrooms.
Breakout Sessions for Teachers – July 15th
On July 15th, TPS will offer a variety of breakout sessions for teachers to choose from. Topics will include:
Sensory Regulation Strategies for the Classroom
Enhancing Reading Instruction for English Language Learners
Prisms of Reality Virtual Reality Team
Reading Remediation
Supporting Students with Anxiety in the Classroom
Dyslexia Training
Trauma-Informed Training with Dr. Barbara Sorrels – July 28th
On July 28th, Dr. Barbara Sorrels will lead a trauma-informed training session. Educators often notice when students are struggling but may not always have the tools to respond effectively. With a growing understanding of trauma’s impact on learning and development, it’s essential that teachers know how to create a safe, supportive environment to help students overcome emotional, psychological, or physical challenges. This session will provide strategies to foster resilience, improve behavior, and promote learning.
A Commitment to Excellence
These professional development opportunities are just a few examples of the vital resources that help TPS fulfill its vision of Tigers ROAR: Removing Obstacles, Achieving Results. With the continued support of generous grants, TPS is dedicated to improving the educational experience for all students, giving them the resources, opportunities, and guidance they need to succeed. Please contact Lacie Wilson at wilsonl@tahequahschools.org if you have any questions or would like to sign up for any of the trainings.
Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for the students of Tahlequah!
Submitted by Lacie Wilson, Federal & State Programs and Grants Director