Certified Professional Growth Program

PXU is excited to share our Certified Professional Learning Program. The program was developed to support researched-based best practices and will center around five Phoenix Union Professional Practices (PUPPs). These practices combined with the ongoing efforts to support technical integration, restorative practices, and our diverse portfolio of schools will provide certified staff with a variety of differentiated professional learning opportunities resulting in a PG credit. Many of the learning experiences will be enhanced using a hybrid delivery model with both in-person and digital learning. Only course listed in the PG Course Catalog are eligible PXU PG credit. 

Current Offerings

PUPP 1: Assessment Literacy 

Assessment Literacy I is designed to give teachers an introduction to the area of assessment literacy, how to create a balanced assessment plan, and its impact on teaching and learning.

Assessment Literacy: Advanced is geared toward educators that are continuing to deepen their understanding of the assessment process, data-driven decisions, and building a balanced assessment environment. Participants must be able to establish consistent use of the varying types of assessments and articulate their impact on instruction.

 PUPP 2: Building a Classroom Community 

Building a Classroom Community I is designed to introduce staff to tools and techniques used to create an environment that cultivates a mutual commitment to active learning trough mindset and facilitation.

Building a Classroom Community: Advanced is geared toward educators that have established a positive classroom environment and are looking to enhance their relationship building and willful student engagement with the learning process. Participants must be able to articulate positive class facilitation practices already in place within their classrooms.

PUPP 3: Classroom Collaboration 

Classroom Collaboration I is designed to introduce the teacher to student-based collaboration and facilitation protocols that will promote meaningful learning outcomes.

Classroom Collaboration: Advanced is geared toward educators that are continuing to deepen their understanding of student-based collaboration. Participants must be able to demonstrate reliable use of the varying classroom-based collaborative opportunities.

PUPP 4: The Digital Classroom 

The Digital Classroom I is designed to introduce staff to tools and techniques used to extend the learning environment beyond the traditional classroom through the embedment of technology tools and their alignment to digital citizenship.

Digital Classroom: Advanced is geared toward staff continuing to extend their understanding of blended learning and problem solving using the digital environment. Participants must be able to demonstrate the different types of technology integration and how they are best used in the classroom to support content learning.

PUPP 5: Purposeful Planning 

Purposeful Planning I is designed to give teachers an introduction to the instructional design process with a focus on planning and alignment of actions and standards with classroom facilitation to provide students a variety of opportunities to maximize learning.

Purposeful Planning: Advanced is geared toward facilitators who are refining and reflecting on the planning process as a way to enhance student engagement while emphasizing content aligned delivery.  Participants must be able to articulate the planning and alignment process via lesson planning.

AVID Pathway Module Training

Learn about the AVID program and how to use active, student-centered strategies to enhance learning using instructional best practices and WICOR strategies. This differentiated course offers modules for all levels of exposure to AVID and will help support your school’s goal of having 70% of the staff AVID trained as part of the AVID certification requirements.

Brain Learning for the 21st Century Classroom

Explore current research in Neuroscience explaining why student choice can have a powerful impact on learning and memory. Expand your understanding of the hierarchy of knowledge from Brain Compatible Learning, Elements of Instructional Differentiation, and Dimensions of Formative Assessment. Learn strategies for nurturing development though choice that will assist in planning and providing students appropriate entries into the curriculum, increase student engagement, and provide a means to attached learning to their interest.

Introduction to the Gifted Learner

This introductory class builds background knowledge about gifted education, gifted learners, identification processes, and state/national standards. During this course, participants will begin exploring the unique characteristics and needs of gifted learners as well as the needs of twice-exceptional learners - those identified as gifted and diagnosed with conditions such as ADHD and autism.

Increasing Novelty and Complexity for Gifted Learners

Which strategies do you employ to increase novelty and complexity if a differentiated classroom? Learn from Gifted Facilitators how they design, implement, and assess high-impact learning experiences and share your knowledge and experience. Participants will practice and walk-away with research-based strategies, such as tiered instruction, to engage and support continuous learning for on-level, advanced, and twice-exceptional gifted learners.

The Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Academy

MIE is designed for those educators who are interested in using Microsoft 365 tools to enhance student engagement and integration of technology in the classroom. The goal is to provide teachers exposure to the many Microsoft technologies and resources that support student-centered learning based on authentic problems.

National Board Pre-Candidacy Class*

NBCT Pre-Candidacy class provides an opportunity to explore the National Board Professional Teaching Standards and the process of becoming Board-certified.  National Board candidates will engage in reflection about their practice, accomplishments, and professional goals. As a result of pursuing National Board Certification, educators often feel a renewed passion for their profession and a renewed commitment to the work. After engaging in this course, the participants will be positioned to make the decision about when to pursue National Board Certification and the commitment and benefits of the process.

*This course is a 30 hour/ 2 PG credit experience.

Restorative Justice Foundations and Practices

Explore the foundations and practices of Restorative Justice. Participants will develop a working understanding of restorative justice and will learn about community-building activities, restorative conversations, implicit bias, and how they translate to the classroom and school community.

Certified Professional Growth Catalog

For more information, please contact Katie Hansen