South Central RPDC

08/25/2026

MTDS - BTAP Year 3 - Designing for Engagement and Critical Thinking

Take your lesson design to the next level with our Designing for Engagement and Critical Thinking program, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS). This program offers continued support for early educators, those who entered the profession through alternative certification, or those navigating changes in content or grade level.

This competency-based program equips you with research and evidence-based practices to foster critical thinking and problem-solving. It also allows you to explore topics of interest for your classroom and set growth goals for both your students and yourself.

This program emphasizes key MTDS competencies such as designing learning tasks, activities, and experiences, advancing critical thinking and problem-solving, facilitating student inquiry and research, and setting growth goals. It is suggested that you have completed a Beginning Teacher Assistance program before enrolling.

Join us to enhance your teaching skills and create engaging, thought-provoking lessons for your students.

Register: bit.ly/SC_MTDSEvents

08/21/2026

Support your growth as a mentor teacher with Mastering: Foundations of Mentoring, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS).

This program provides the guidance and tools teachers need to successfully embrace their responsibilities as mentors. This competency-based program offers comprehensive support for mentor teachers, including coaching, observation, and feedback training. Participants receive consultant guidance, regional networking opportunities, and practical strategies to enhance classroom practice. The program also meets the state mentor training requirement outlined in the Missouri Mentor Guidelines and incorporates Mike Rutherford's 7 Tools to promote non-evaluative, constructive feedback from mentors to teachers.

Mastering: Foundations of Mentoring emphasizes key MTDS Competencies such as managing a classroom, being a professional, designing instruction, and reflecting on practice.

Register: bit.ly/SC_MTDSEvents

08/20/2026

Join the Instructional Coach Academy, part of the Missouri Teacher Development System (MTDS), designed to develop instructional coaches as leaders of learning. Grounded in the work of John Antonetti and other coaching frameworks, this academy equips coaches with practical tools and strategies to elevate teaching and learning through relationship-building, reflective dialogue, and systems thinking.

Participants will explore key topics such as defining their role, navigating influence, supporting teacher student relationships, fostering critical thinking and engagement, and designing systems for continuous instructional improvement. By the end of the academy, participants will have a clear, actionable coaching plan and strategies for navigating complex conversations. For the greatest impact, schools are encouraged to enroll teachers in the companion program, Teacher Academy, allowing instructional coaches and teachers to collaborate during the state meeting with John Antonetti. Register now to become a leader in instructional coaching!

bit.ly/SC_MTDSEvents

08/19/2026

We are adding to our team: School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS) Consultant

https://hr.mst.edu/careers/
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE COACH #00032897

See why working at S&T is such a rewarding career. Take a look at what some of our S&T employees have to say and explore our career offerings.

08/19/2026

Monday, September 28th
8:30am-12pm
No Cost

Paraprofessional Science of Reading Training

The Paraprofessional Science of Reading Training provides paraprofessionals an understanding of the science of reading and its practical application in supporting students' literacy development within the classroom. Participants will explore the components of reading instruction, which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Through practical examples and interactive activities, paraprofessionals will learn how these components work together to support students in becoming skilled readers. By the end of the training, paraprofessionals will leave with practical tools, instructional strategies, and a deeper understanding of the reading process, empowering them to play a vital role in helping all students grow into confident and successful readers.

Registration:

08/17/2026

🎈 Closing out today’s semifinalist announcements with our final group.

These educators continue to make meaningful contributions to their students and school communities:

• Sarah Steffens – Elementary (Grades K–4), Fort Osage R-I, Elm Grove Elementary School
• Tamara Turner MacLean – Gifted/Enrichment (Grades K–4), Ladue, Old Bonhomme Elementary
• Trista Hance – Special Education (Grades 6–12), Newburg R-II School District
• Vondra Miller – Reading (Grades K–4), Neosho School District, South Elementary

Thank you for following along as we highlight the 2027 semifinalists. Finalists will be announced at the end of this month — stay tuned. 📅✨

08/17/2026

📚 Our next group of semifinalists reflects the strong teaching happening statewide.
These educators create engaging learning environments and support meaningful growth for their students:

• Kristen McGauley – All Subjects (Grade 1), Ozark R VI, Ozark South Elementary
• Nicole Crocker – Agricultural Education (Grades 9–12), Branson Public Schools Branson High School
• Sarah Moonier – Science (Grades 9–12), Rockwood R VI, Rockwood Summit High School
• Sarah Newton – English Language Arts (Grade 7), Valley Park School District, Valley Park Middle School

Your shares and comments help expand this recognition across Missouri — feel free to join in. ✨🔁

08/17/2026

✨ Continuing our semifinalist rollout with four more educators.

Each of these teachers brings strong instruction, leadership, and a clear commitment to students:

• Emily Klein – Social Studies (Grades 10–12), Bayless, Bayless High School
• Heather Dunn – Media Production (Grades 6–12), Missouri School for the Deaf
• Jennifer Moore – Gifted Education (Grades K–5), Kirkwood R-VII, Robinson Elementary School
• Katie Huff – Special Education (9–12), Raymore Peculiar R-II, Raymore-Peculiar High School

Show your support by sharing this highlight or adding a message for these educators and their school communities. 🙌📣

08/17/2026

🎉 The 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year semifinalist announcements begin now.

Across Missouri, teachers are leading innovative classrooms, building meaningful relationships with students, and contributing to stronger school communities. Today, we’re highlighting the educators selected for this year’s semifinalist recognition — starting with these four:

• Adriana Marble – Literacy Coach (Grades K–5), Blue Springs R-IV, James Lewis Elementary
• Alazé Chowning – All Subjects (Grade 2), Richmond R-XVI, Sunrise Elementary
• Bailey Womble – Special Education (Grades K–2), School of the Osage, Heritage Elementary
• Christine Logan Hollis – Science (Grades 7–8), Kingston K-14, Kingston K-14 Middle School

Help amplify their recognition — share this post, or leave a message for these educators. 🙌✨

08/14/2026

Registration is open: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=11005&I=5353775