Professional Development

Explore professional development and training options from Alpha Omega Publications.

FREE ONLINE WEBINARS

AOP’s library of free online webinars hit on important topics affecting today’s students, teachers, and schools, including mental health, bullying, budgets, teaching practices, and much more.

Expand Your Expertise

Do you have questions regarding Ignitia? Come together as we tackle your questions in a live forum. This webinar is dedicated to answering your Ignitia questions. Everyone’s invited! Whether you are an administrator, teacher, or support staff, connect with other schools and learn together with our Ignitia experts. We look forward to working with you and encourage you to submit your questions ahead of time within the questions panel on the registration page. Registration is required to attend the session.

Date & Time: Last Thursday of the Month at 2:30 p.m. (CT) – No sessions November or December

2020 Sessions

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Do you work with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? ASD is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that affects an individual’s abilities related to social interaction, communication, sensory processing, self-regulation, and executive functioning. Join us for a special learning opportunity as Eric Ringgenberg, Education Program Director from the Autism Society of Minnesota, breaks down some of the complexity of Autism, reviews common challenges and strengths of individuals on the spectrum, and provides additional resources for further understanding of ASD.
Wednesday, January 15th at 1 p.m. Central

Hypergraphia Genius: Good Notes = Good Grades!

If your students aren’t taking notes, they’re not learning! Join us as Author and Founder of College Prep Genius, Jean Burk, discusses Hypergraphia and how it can help your students perfect the art of ‘writing to remember’ with proven techniques. Discover mind-mapping, code-words and pop-culture referencing. Show your students how to easily organize class notes to best retain valuable information for greater academic success!
Thursday, March 19th at 11 a.m. Central

Discover Ignitia’s Custom Course Creator

Take your courses to the next level with Ignitia’s Custom Course Creator and Teacher Authoring Tool! Join us for this free Professional Development webinar as Charlene Hauser, Implementation Consultant for AOP, explores how to customize courses for your students. We will cover the basics of how the Custom Course Creator tool works as well as discover how you can use it to create your own assignments and assessments in Ignitia.
Thursday, March 19th at 11 a.m. Central

Expand Your Expertise

Join us for a very special presentation as Dr. Evie Lindberg, Professor for the College of Education at Oral Roberts University, explains what researchers are saying about executive function and how to strengthen it within your students. Executive Functioning is a neuropsychological concept referring to the cognitive processes required to plan and direct activities, including task initiation and follow-through, working memory, sustained attention, skills required to complete chores and homework, inhibition of impulses, and goal-directed persistence. These skills are critical if children are to develop complex independent living and problem-solving abilities. During the presentation, Dr. Lindberg will share ways to promote executive skills at home and school.

Thursday, April 23rd at 1 p.m. Central

Supporting SEL in Your Christian Classroom

Our students are growing up in a complex and often turbulent world. It is more important than ever that we are equipping students to develop healthy skills, attitudes, and behaviors to guide them as they encounter life’s challenges. AOP in partnership with Purpose Prep, is excited to offer a comprehensive, faith based SEL curriculum, including online courses and lessons that can be used for all learners, or as an intervention resource. Join us as Daniel Budzinski, author of the Purpose Workbook and creator of Purpose Prep, shares how this unique program can serve your students in grades 6-12.
Thursday, May 7th at 11 a.m. Central

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Strategies for Students with Autism

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present unique challenges in the classroom in the areas of learning, communication, socialization, and behavior. Understanding these needs are vital for success. Join us for a special learning opportunity as Eric Ringgenberg, Education Program Director from the Autism Society of Minnesota, shares tips and provides suggestions for strategies to incorporate into your classroom.
Wednesday, October 7th at 11 a.m. Central

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The 13 Most Important Soft Skills to Teach Your Students

Do your students have what it takes to be successful? Employment experts agree that technical skills help job seekers get their foot in the door, but it’s the soft skills that get them the job -- and help them keep it. Your students’ work ethic, attitude, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a whole host of other personal attributes are the soft skills crucial for career success. How will you help your students be successful? Join us as Author and Founder of College Prep Genius, Jean Burk explains the soft skills employers covet today and uncover simple ways you can instill these skills in your students before they leave high school.
Nov 5, 2020 11:00 am, Central Time

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2019 Sessions

Preparing Students for Their Future

Are your students prepared for their future after graduation? Join us for a free webinar as Laura Goodman, Junior Achievement Vice President of Volunteer Engagement, explores how you can boost your students’ confidence and help them succeed in the areas of career and college readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. In addition, you’ll learn practical strategies you can use to help prepare or strengthen your students in these areas.

Creating a Safe and Supportive School

Establishing a safe and supportive school environment is one of the foundations in educating students. By examining the needs of your school, you can create an environment where all students can thrive. Join us as Ben Fernandez, Prevention Services Coordinator for Loudoun County Public Schools in the Washington, D.C. metro area, provides an overview of the necessary components and discusses key strategies to establish and maintain a safe and supportive school environment.

Building Spiritual Formation in Youth

Academics are undoubtedly important in the lives of our students. However, Mark 8:36 asks, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Building a solid spiritual formation in students is the most important task we have as educators. So, how can we do that effectively and how can we make it stick once they’ve moved beyond the walls of our school? Join us for a free webinar as Pastor Jason Yarbrough discusses how to allow the Holy Spirit to help us focus on our most crucial responsibility.

Pastor Yarbrough is the senior pastor of Monterey Bay Christian Center, superintendent of Real Life Christian School, and author of Building Strong Foundations.

Working Alongside Parents of Special Needs Students

Do you ever feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the idea of working with families of children impacted by special needs? Do you feel like they are falling through the cracks? This month, join us for a special learning opportunity as Jonathan and Sarah McGuire, Founders of Hope Anew, help us gain an understanding of the unique challenges faced by these families and be better equipped to work alongside them in educating their children.

How to Create an Amazing Transcript

Your students can gain an edge with one secret ingredient on your transcript. If you don’t know it, author and Fox News Contributor Jean Burk will share the answer in this incredible free workshop. Discover the insider criteria Harvard uses to judge applicants and why summer break needs to be more than just a vacation. Learn how your students can correctly build a portfolio that will impress any admissions counselor. If you have college-bound students, you cannot afford to miss this free opportunity!

5 Pillars of Raising Emotionally Intelligent Students

As educators, it’s easy to spend our energy on choosing the right curriculum or ensuring mastery of certain subjects to give our students a rich and rewarding academic education. However, we can’t forget to focus on teaching them a greater level of emotional intelligence and helping them mature spiritually as well. This workshop explores the five pillars of emotionally intelligent students and offers practical strategies to help teachers develop students who live, love, and lead well.

Rachel’s Challenge

Inspire kindness and compassion within your students. Join us for a special presentation featuring the work of Rachel’s Challenge. Based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999, Rachel’s Challenge is an organization that equips and inspires students, educators, and parents to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. Come learn how you can incorporate the message of Rachel’s Challenge into your school.

Grit, Social-Emotional Learning, and Faith

Today’s generation lives in an almost constant state of stress and anxiety. Constant connections, horrific news, terrorists, school, family breakdowns, busy schedules, cyberbullying, and high expectations all add up to a generation with so much stress that they would be committed to a mental institution if they had lived in the 1950s. How can we help as educators? In this webinar, Dr. Billie McConnell examines how grit, social-emotional learning, and faith can all come together to give students the tools not just to cope but to thrive.

End of the Year Procedures in Ignitia

Come review Ignitia best practices that will make closing out the school year simple and easy. We’ll cover everything you need to know to finish the school year successfully. A demonstration will include running reports, archiving graduating students and completed courses, and cleaning up your Ignitia site in preparation for the 2019-2020 school year.
Wednesday, May 8 at 2 p.m. (CT)

What Every Christian University Leader Wishes Every Christian School Leader Knew

Students have a lot to consider when deciding on the right college for them. Learn how you can help! Join us as Dr. Kim Boyd, Dean for the College of Education at Oral Roberts University, examines insights on what Christian school leaders should consider to create a seamless transition from high school to college for young adults.
Tuesday, May 14 at 11 a.m. (CT)

Best Practices in Using and Supplementing with Ignitia Curriculum

Are you using Ignitia to its full potential? Come join Jacob Voyce, principal at Monterey Bay Christian School in California, as he presents practical strategies for optimum utilization of Ignitia online curriculum in your school. With a master’s of education in curriculum and instruction, Voyce has over a decade of experience in individualized instructional design and implementation. Thursday, June 6 at 12 p.m. (CT)

What Can AOA Do for Your School?

Today’s Christian schools are faced with a number of challenges, including limited teacher resources, accreditation, and individualized pacing for students. Alpha Omega Academy (AOA) may be a solution to meet your school’s needs. Join us as Julia Ellis, AOA principal, explains what our online academy can do for your school and the benefits that come with partnering with us. Monday, June 17 at 1 p.m. (CT)

Evaluating Placement Tests

Reading and evaluating placement tests can be a daunting task. Let us help you better understand what the results mean for you and your students so you can help support them in their success! Join us as Sandee Stettnichs, an educational consultant from Alpha Omega Academy, answers your questions on how to read and evaluate placement tests in Ignitia online curriculum.

Tuesday, July 9 at 11 a.m. (CT)

Working With “Attitude Germ”

Attitude germ is a condition that holds classrooms captive to the sentiments of one or two dominant personalities. Students who spread the disease gain power by demotivating others or by encouraging resistance, while followers emulate their negativity to preserve status or to avoid ridicule or rejection. Join us as Al Bandstra, a middle school teacher and author of Beyond Control: Heart-Centered Classroom Climate and Discipline, talks about this debilitating illness and offers healing practices for instigators, followers, and teachers.

Tuesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. (CT)

Beyond Control: Heart-Centered Classroom Climate and Discipline

Classroom discipline problems may be reduced through behavior management, but what can be done about the factors that drive misbehavior? Join us as Alan Bandstra, a middle school teacher and author, combines insights from motivational theory, Scripture, and 30 years of classroom experience to provide encouragement and advice on how to create a heart-centered classroom for teachers who struggle with the attitudes of wayward children.

Thursday, August 8 at 11 a.m. (CT)

Mindset and Ownership

Many students today believe that teaching is when someone else tells them what to believe or think. They view formal learning as something done to them, as opposed to what they do. The result is a generation of students who have lost the ability to explore, create, and creatively think. Join us as Dr. Billie McConnell, a leading educator with over 30 years of experience in education, examines how to restructure the minds of our students and classrooms to help students develop a growth mindset and see learning as something they own.

Monday, August 19 at 11 a.m. (CT)

The Best Kept Secret to Free College – The PSAT

Contrary to popular belief, “P” does not stand for practice. In reality, the PSAT is a scholarship qualifying test, and it can help your students get into just about any college. You won’t want to miss this opportunity as author Jean Burk, founder of College Prep Genius, convention speaker, and homeschool mom, shares the 3 little-known secrets about the PSAT and 11 steps to success. Learn how to help students get colleges begging them to enroll and pick up the tab at the same time!

Thursday, September 12 at 11 a.m. (CT)

Get a Grip!

What do current leaders and celebrities say is the most important advice they can give? How does their advice differ from the advice you would give someone? Join us as Bill Jack from Worldview Academy shares his five key necessary ideas you need to have a fulfilled, well-rounded life.

Monday, September 16 at 11 a.m. (CT)

Your Students Can Ace the SAT

Test-prep Guru, Jean Burk, will share her secrets of SAT success that have helped students from all over the world raise their test scores. Learn how to find shortcuts in test patterns and save time on all types of questions. If you have students in high school, you can’t miss this seminar about preparing them for the SAT!

Tuesday, October 1st at 1 p.m. (CT)

Considerations in Curriculum Implementation

Explore guidelines and ideas to consider when deciding on the best curriculum for not only your school, but your staff and students as well. What are the key things to consider when adopting a new curriculum? Come join Jacob Voyce, principal at Monterey Bay Christian School, as he examines what considerations are necessary to successfully implement a new curriculum program.

Friday, October 25th at 12:30 p.m. Central (CT)

Top Ten Secrets to Standardized Tests

Do you know the little-known secrets that can hinder SAT/ACT and PSAT test scores and scholarship money for your students? If not, join us as author, Jean Burk, uncovers misinformation that’s been perpetrated for years. Discover the key to beating these tests and how your students can receive life-changing, incredible scholarship money!

Thursday, November 7th at 1 p.m. Central (CT)

Where’s God in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

SEL, growth mindset, grit, anxiety, depression, and mental health are all major topics when discussing the development of our youth today, and rightly so. This generation is dealing with more issues, and in new ways, than the older generations could ever imagine. The development of social-emotional learning is critical for our youth, but where does God fit into all of this? Come join Dr. Billie J. McConnell as he discusses faith-based SEL.

Monday, November 11th at 11 a.m. Central (CT)

Free College at Your Fingertips

Can your students really make $500 an hour? Although it sounds too good to be true, it’s possible to earn this much in scholarships for college. If you have students planning to attend college, you don’t want to miss this webinar! Author, Jean Burk, will explore how your students can get into the college of their choice and how to find the scholarships to pay for it. What an amazing gift for them!

Tuesday, December 3rd at 11 a.m. Central (CT)

Ignitia Implementation Workshops

Get Ignitia up and running at your Christian school in no time! Our implementation workshops help administrators and teachers feel confident using the Ignitia curriculum to help students succeed. Both webinar and on-site training options are available, depending on the needs of educators at your school. For pricing information or to schedule your session, contact Alpha Omega Publications at 877-760-0278.

Package A: Webinar Implementation

Webinar 1: Implementation and Administrative Mode

Webinar 2: Teacher and Student Modes

  • Additional Support
  • 1-hour Implementation Follow-up Webinar
  • Unlimited Tech Support
  • Ignitia Training Resources

Package B: Webinar/1 Day Onsite Implementation

Webinar 1: Implementation and Administrative Mode

Onsite: 1 Day Teacher and Student Modes

  • Additional Support
  • 2-hour Implementation Follow-up Webinar
  • Unlimited Tech Support
  • Ignitia Training Resources

Package C: 2-Day Onsite/Onsite Implementation

Onsite: 1 Day Implementation and Administrative Mode

Onsite: 1 Day Student and Teacher Modes 2 Consecutive Days

  • Additional Support
  • 2-hour Implementation Follow-up Webinar
  • Unlimited Tech Support
  • Ignitia Training Resources

Basic Implementation Admin & Teacher Modes Webinar

3-hour Combined Administrator and Teacher/Student Implementation Webinar

  • Designed for the tech-savvy education professionals who are already using Ignitia and are well-versed in online education best practices
  • Ideal for schools that have a new administrator or new teachers who, although they have the support of current Ignitia user mentors, would benefit from implementation training

Implementation and Administrative Mode Session

This session provides an overview of Ignitia to new administrative users. The consultant facilitates a discussion to establish an implementation plan for the school. This plan includes guidelines, settings, and other administrator functions to meet their specific school needs. Included is an overview of credit recovery options, academic solutions, reporting, messaging, and feedback.

Teacher and Student Mode Session

This session provides teachers with an overview of Ignitia. Participants actively review course content, learn how to navigate the user interface, and customize learning for students. A technical overview of course customization, placement exams, and use of diagnostic tools are included.

Implementation Follow-up Webinar

After the completion of the Training Package sessions, the Implementation Follow-up Webinar should be scheduled within four months of the training date. This webinar may include a review of the Ignitia features or a Q & A for the administrator and/or the teachers. This is also a great opportunity to train any new teachers joining you midway through the school year!

Advanced Implementation Admin & Teacher Mode (2 Hours)

This workshop is designed for those who have completed Ignitia Basic Admin & Teacher Implementation Training. Delve deep into the Ignitia tools available for teachers and students to meet specific learner needs. Along the way, review batch enrollment, Prescriptive CRx and FLEX modes, the Custom Course Creator Tool, and Ignitia’s reporting features.

Course Customization Workshop (2 Hours)

In this advanced workshop, participants review the construction of course creation through a build-along session that promotes deeper conceptual understanding. Culminating in the demonstration of their original hybrid customized course, participants gain a robust knowledge of Ignitia’s tools, practical applications of the Teacher Authoring Tool, and a tangible product for immediate classroom use.

Diagnostics That Deliver: Placement Testing/Mini Lessons (2 Hours)

In this advanced training, participants review how to use Ignitia placement tests to ensure individual student placement and develop a custom course of mini-lessons that assist students with meeting grade-level expectations. The session also reviews the updated reporting features in Ignitia to ensure schools are pulling reports that provide information they need to track progress of individual students and the school at large.

Ignitia Renewal (2 Hours)

This workshop is designed for schools that have been using Ignitia for at least one full year. Throughout the renewal training, participants review Ignitia with a focus on new product features and enhancements. The remainder of the training is customized to focus on the specific needs of the staff and administration at the school.

Customized 2-Hour Workshop (2 Hours)

An experienced implementation consultant provides expertise and support to school staff based on the identified implementation needs. The customized webinar may include facilitating a needs assessment, data analysis, problem-solving, site and district goal setting, implementation systems relating to Ignitia, and education leader coaching.

Additional Workshop Hour(s) (1 Hour)

If you want your team to benefit from additional training beyond the scheduled workshop time, please call 877-760-0278 to make that arrangement. The extra time must be scheduled in 1-hour increments, paired with a currently scheduled Ignitia Implementation workshop, and held continuously.

On-site PD Workshops

Because we share your commitment to Christian education, Alpha Omega Publications offers a series of half or full day professional development and training options to support your school, teachers, and students. Contact Alpha Omega Publications at 877-760-0278 for pricing information or to schedule your session.

Custom Professional Development Workshop

AOP would be honored to develop and present a customized professional development workshop specifically tailored for your Christian school! Our professional development team will work with you in a pre-workshop call or webinar to design a customized session on a wide variety of education topics and trends that can enhance your team’s skills and knowledge and meet the needs and interests of your staff. Customized workshops are available via 2 or 4-hour webinars, 1 or 2-day onsite workshops, or a combination of both.

Exploring Blended Learning Models

Blended learning is one of the fastest-growing and most successful instructional models for delivering flexible learning options to today’s learners. In this one-day workshop, we define blended learning, reflect upon current practices, and introduce concrete strategies for implementing various models along the blended spectrum into the classroom. Join us to discover the five models of blended learning and determine which one is the best for your classroom.

Deconstructing Bloom's Taxonomy for Use in the 21st Century Classroom

Bloom’s Taxonomy of Education Objectives has been a foundation for planning effective instruction since 1956. When written well, instructional goals and objectives assist educators in identifying course content, organizing instruction, and helping students achieve course expectations. In this half-day workshop, we review the hierarchy of educational objectives, identify ways to incorporate Bloom’s Taxonomy into the lesson planning process, and create educational objectives that challenge students to move from the most basic cognitive skills toward learning that is more complex.

Implementing Differentiated Instruction for Mastery Learning

Successful differentiated instruction provides a range of approaches to learning to make it relevant for all students. The approach modifies the learning plan without differentiating expectations, which allows academically diverse learners to achieve success. This workshop provides educators with the tools they need to embrace differences among students and develop multiple options for learning. Throughout the day, we examine strategies that allow students to absorb information, make sense of ideas, and express what they learn so all students are actively participating in and mastering learning.

Empowering Digital Leadership and Maximizing Its Potential in Education

Students today are “digital natives” in search of ways to connect the relevance of school and life using common technology elements. In this one-day workshop, we develop a strategy for incorporating technology into the classroom and discuss ways to help your digital learners make the connections that unlock their educational potential by giving them the opportunities to communicate, collaborate, and express themselves through technology.

Additional Workshop Topics Available

  • Fortifying Students’ 21st Century Skills
  • Inspiring Student Success through Individualization
  • Connecting Real World Experiences with CTE
  • Enchancing Teaching and Learning with Custom Content
  • Implementing Online Teaching Best Practices
  • Utilizing Social Media to Heighten Community Engagement
  • Encouraging Creativity in the Classroom
  • And More!

Call 877-760-0278 to speak with an educational consultant!