Professional Development Hub

Empowering Future Problem-Solvers: West Michigan Design Prize 2026–27

Join us for a professional development session focused on the West Michigan Design Prize and the Design Thinking process. This experience will prepare Grades 4–12 educators to guide students through a real-world, project-based learning challenge that builds creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

The West Michigan Design Prize is a regional collaboration that connects schools with ISD support, colleges, and industry partners. Educators will learn how to integrate design thinking into their instruction and support students as they move through a full design cycle during the 2026–27 school year.

Session highlights include:
• Overview of the West Michigan Design Prize structure and timeline
• Hands-on design thinking practice through a rapid design sprint
• Strategies for classroom integration and student mentorship
• Collaboration with regional educators, colleges, and industry partners
• Support for student creativity, agency, and real-world problem-solving

Additional benefits:
• Mentorship support from ISD consultants and regional partners
• Professional learning network across West Michigan
• Connections to core curriculum
• Opportunities for college and industry collaboration
• Earn 10 SCECH credits

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Register at: bit.ly/26CUR0609
Registration closes June 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Questions? Contact Lindsay Lane, Innovative Learning Consultant at [email protected]

Announcing the School Year 2026-27 Place-Based Educators Institute! This annual educator professional development program supports K-12 teachers throughout the Great Lakes Basin to learn about, and begin implementing, GLSI's model of Place-Based Stewardship Education with their students and communities.

This program blends peer community support and collaboration, practical implementation resources and strategies, and year-round mentorship from GLSI's institute facilitators - former classroom teachers and school principals with deep place-based teaching and project design expertise!

Learn more and apply below. Limited cost-free slots available - applications reviewed on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity!

Grant funding support for this program is provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and NOAA Great Lakes B-WET.

Kent ISD 2026-2027 Professional Learning Lineup is officially open for registration.

We are committed to providing high-quality professional development that respects your time and your teaching style. Our upcoming schedule offers a variety of formats to ensure you can find the right fit for your professional goals.

Learning formats for the 2026-2027 school year:

In-Person: Traditional workshops and collaborative networking.

Virtual Learning: Interactive, live sessions held online.

Podcasts: Professional growth content designed for on-the-go listening.

Asynchronous: Flexible, self-paced modules you can complete at any time.

Browse the plan and find a course that fits your schedule! https://kentisd-cdn.fxbrt.com/downloads/pd_hub/2024-2025_pl_plan_1.png

Check out my favorite math consultants in action…Kent ISDs Kelli VanSetters (president) and Sammi TenHave (Secretary) have active roles with MCTM to make sure all educators in Kent county’s voices are heard.

Teachers and Parents…looking for a fun night out? Bring your kids, bring your neighbors, help us spread the word and share with your students families.

Join the Kent ISD EdTech team for a free community movie night featuring The Mitchells vs. the Machines, a funny and heartfelt story about family and technology. Adults will receive conversation starters to spark meaningful discussions about AI with the kids in their lives. Bring your kids, share it with neighbors, and make it a night out (Kent County only)! PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: https://iamed.tech/mvm26 Professional Development Hub

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week!

Kent ISD PD Hub is proud to celebrate the educators serving students and schools across Kent County and West Michigan. Your dedication, leadership, and care help create meaningful learning experiences every day.

Thank you for the impact you make in our classrooms, districts, and communities.
Kent ISD PD Hub is proud to celebrate the educators serving students and schools across Kent County and West Michigan. Your dedication, leadership, and care help create meaningful learning experiences every day.

Still time to sign up!

What if every student in your classroom could get a personalized learning experience?

Find out at the Kent ISD AI Summit 2026. Sara Rothenthaler & Ally Brown from Rockford Public Schools will be presenting their breakout session, "Unlock Your Teacher Superpowers: Integrating MagicSchool AI."

Event Details:
Date: April 27, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Kent ISD
Cost: $50.
Note: Dinner is included (breakfast burrito bar).

Whether you’re curious or already experimenting, this evening is a collaborative, low-pressure space for sense-making.

Register now: https://iamed.tech/aisummit-reg26

Happy Earth Day!

Calling all educators! Whether you’re looking for a quick classroom activity or a month-long project, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of Earth Day resources to help your students connect with our planet.

Our 2026 Guide includes:
Michigan Climate Education Teacher’s Guide
NSTA Lesson Plans & Science Films
52 Ways to Celebrate from Michigan EGLE
Interactive "TurnItAround" student art activities
DIY "48 Days of Blue" campaign ideas

Check out the full resource list here: https://bit.ly/KentISDEarth26

What if you had a teaching assistant built specifically around your curriculum?

Find out at the Kent ISD AI Summit 2026. Brianne Daye from Kentwood Public Schools will be presenting her breakout session, "The AI Co-Pilot: Crafting Custom Gems and Utilizing ."

Event Details:
Date: April 27, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Kent ISD
Cost: $50.
Note: Dinner is included (breakfast burrito bar).

Whether you’re curious or already experimenting, this evening is a collaborative, low-pressure space for sense-making.

Register now: https://iamed.tech/aisummit-reg26