Concordia University Chicago - 2027 Spring PD Series
The 2027 Spring Professional Development Series, offered through Concordia University Chicago’s Center for Christian Education, provides educators with engaging, practical learning opportunities designed to strengthen teaching and support student growth. The five virtual sessions feature experienced educators and experts addressing timely topics, including brain development and learning environments, active literacy and comprehension, student engagement, and teaching Black history through character, community, and civics.
Sign up today by clicking on the links below! Space is limited.
2027 Spring PD Series
Session 1: Rethinking Environments to Reflect Brain Development
January 19, 2027 (4:00-5:00 PM)
Presenter - Dr. Annette VanAken
Educators will reflect on how their classroom practices and environments shape students’ developing brains to support regulation, reasoning, readiness for learning, and compassion.
Session 2: Active Literacy: Engaging Learning Strategies for Deepening Comprehension Using Picture Books
February 2, 2027 (4:00-5:00 PM)
Presenter - Dr. Kari Pawl
This interactive professional development session explores practical, engaging literacy strategies that use picture books to deepen students’ reading comprehension and critical thinking.
Session 3: Igniting Curiosity in the Age of Instant Knowledge: Engaging Every Student Through Active Learning
March 16, 2027 (4:00-5:00 PM)
Presenter - Dr. Steve Gerner
In an era of instant access to information, effective teaching moves beyond delivering content to creating active learning experiences that spark curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking, and both emotional and cognitive engagement.
Session 4: Special Education in a Nutshell
November 17, 2026 (4:00-5:00 PM)
Presenter: Dr. Kathleen Briseno
This one-hour presentation, “Special Education in a Nutshell,” introduces new teachers to the foundations of special education, including its purpose, key laws, and the range of services available to students with diverse learning needs. Participants will explore how to identify and support students with disabilities, collaborate with families and specialists, and create inclusive classroom environments.
