April 24-25 – Ethical Educators – with Terry Gladfelter & Nathan Arnold
July 8-9 – Ethical Educators – with Terry Gladfelter & Nathan Arnold
June 22-23 - PEI Legal Lab - with Nathan Arnold, Esq.
Navigate the legal pitfalls that can besiege Iowa teachers in an increasingly complex landscape. Learn the history and application of modern education law. Be equipped to use the law to protect your careers. Some of the topics to be covered are 1st amendment rights, social media, special education, reporting obligations, contracts, assault, electronic issues, FMLA, workers comp, and a host of other issues. Bring your questions and join us in this thought-provoking, interactive, 2-day legal seminar.
July 28 – 29 – Navigating Student Behaviors & Motivations, Through A Trauma-Informed Lens – with Barb Ranck
Experienced educators have likely observed declining attention spans and rising disruptive behavior among students, alongside increased workloads and diminished support from administration or parents. How can educators effectively manage classroom interactions and advocate for themselves in such challenging circumstances? This program offers insights to these important questions, using models and language to identifying stress triggers, describing predictable behaviors, and offering solutions for healthier outcomes. It will include interactive scenarios and offer an understanding through a trauma-informed lens.
AI for Educators [Book Study]
On Demand!
“Artificial Intelligence may change the world more than the iPhone, the internet, or even electricity. It’s bound to change education. (It already has.) But how?” Join this learning opportunity to learn how AI can transform your professional growth but also your teaching. “We can use AI to empower teaching and learning. And it can start today.” The book can be purchased on Amazon.
Generative AI in the Classroom: Practical Use of Gemini [Basics]- On Demand!
On Demand!
This course explores how Gemini can act as a powerful teaching assistant. We will focus on "Practical Use"—meaning less theory and more immediate application. You will learn to automate administrative tasks (like lesson planning and grading rubrics), create custom learning materials for diverse student needs, and guide students in using AI ethically. By the end of this course, you will have a "Digital Teaching Kit" ready for immediate classroom implementation.
Using AI Tools in the PreK-12 Classroom- On Demand!
On Demand!
This course is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate AI tools in their PreK-12 classrooms. Over the course of four modules, participants will learn how to effectively use AI tools to enhance student learning and engagement, streamline administrative tasks, and improve overall classroom management.
Using Gemini (AI) in the Classroom: Improving Instruction with Generative AI and Custom Gems- On Demand!
On Demand!
This course is designed to equip PreK-12 educators with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to integrate generative AI, specifically Gemini and its Custom Gems feature, into their instructional practice. Participants will move beyond basic querying/prompts to master advanced prompt engineering, ethical considerations, and the creation of personalized AI assistants (Gems) that streamline administrative tasks, differentiate content, and enhance student engagement. You’ll leave this course with new ideas culminating in a final comprehensive instructional action plan.
PEI License Renewal Credit Class Scholarships – Up to $1000 Available
Apply now! PEIF is offering $30 scholarships for educators attending PEI's in-house Professional Development Classes. These scholarships are intended to help classroom teachers expand their professional skills and knowledge in areas of ethics, classroom management, dyslexia, leadership, financial literacy, and STEM.
To apply for a scholarship, please submit a paragraph to info@peiowa.org describing the workshop you wish to attend and the direct benefits you expect this opportunity to bring to you and to your students.
Scholarship awards will be applied directly to the Professional Development class specified in the application (limit one per person per year).