Professional Learning

 

Professional Learning In Burlingame

 

Our district is committed to fostering equitable, supportive classrooms where all students can thrive. This comprehensive professional development series introduces and reinforces evidence-based practices in restorative justice, social-emotional learning, and literacy instruction. Beginning with intensive training days in August, followed by strategic follow-up sessions throughout the year, this initiative ensures all staff—from classroom teachers to support personnel—have the knowledge and tools to create belonging, build positive relationships, and deliver rigorous, culturally responsive instruction. The schedule below outlines differentiated learning pathways tailored to grade-level needs, alongside continued district-wide focus on literacy development and inclusive teaching strategies.

 

August 18 - Three Separate Tracks:

TK-2 Track focuses on foundational practices, including Kimochi curriculum review, restorative justice training, and an I-Ready program overview, plus a session on fostering belonging in classrooms with Ashley Blanco.

3rd-5th Grade Track emphasizes restorative practices and social-emotional learning, covering restorative practices, the Second Step program, and classroom belonging strategies from Ashley Blanco, along with Listenwise PD.

BIS (Bilingual/International Studies) Track is the most intensive, featuring multiple parallel sessions on literacy and math programs (Listenwise, Beast Math, and Amira) in the morning, split into two groups, followed by alternating afternoon sessions on restorative practices and Second Step, with an optional Kimochi session also available.

All sessions include a superintendent welcome, lunch, and closing remarks. Coffee and pastries are provided in the morning.

August 19 is designated for Classified Staff professional development in the auditorium with structured sessions and lunch, though specific topics aren't detailed in this schedule.

Ongoing Professional Development Focus:

• October 13: Concentration on Literacy and Social Emotional Instruction
• January 5: Continuation with focus on Universal Design and Teaching Strategies for English Learners

The overall theme emphasizes restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and curriculum program training across all grade levels, with a comprehensive year-long commitment to literacy development and inclusive instructional strategies.