Central Regional Professional Development Center

08/25/2026

👋 How are we doing, paras? We hope this weekly series helps you in some way! 🫶 Have a Bright Idea you'd like to share?💡Let us know in a comment below, and we just might use it in the future! 💁

Here is this week's Bright Ideas for Busy Paras: Stay Organized and Prepared.

08/20/2026

The Transformational Leadership Cohort sessions are specifically designed for leaders with at least three years of experience as a building principal. Participants will actively engage and network with other building principals to grow as highly effective principals. Join our 2026-27 Cohort and make your own professional learning a priority! Enroll at bit.ly/MLDS4-2627.

08/20/2026

🧠 BRAIN BREAKS SO YOUR BRAIN DOESN’T BREAK! 🧠

Here are 4 quick, controlled brain breaks to try this week that won't turn your room into total chaos:
Password 🤫: Write a secret vocabulary word on the board behind a volunteer. The class gives 1-word clues until the volunteer guesses it!
Rhythm Clap 🎶: Clap a quick pattern. Students must listen and mirror the exact tempo back to you. Increase the difficulty to test their focus!
Rainbow Stretch 🌈: Have everyone stand up, lean side to side, and "paint" giant imaginary rainbows in the air to get a good side-stretch.
Desert Island 🏝️: Give them a scenario ("You're stranded on an island!") and call out 3 random items. Give them 60 seconds to debate with a neighbor which item is best.

💡Pro-Tip for No Chaos: Top teachers recommend using the "Freeze for 3 seconds" rule at the end of every break. Call out "Freeze, 3, 2, 1, back in your spot, silent, ready" to instantly reset the room energy.

👇 TEACHERS: Which brain break is your absolute go-to? Do your kids prefer high-energy movement or quiet, mental games? Let’s swap ideas in the comments!

08/18/2026

💪 Want to level up your students' independence today? Use visual supports! 🎲🧩

Paras, we know how often directions have to be repeated. Visuals bridge that gap and build confident, independent learners. Try adding these to your routine:
🗓 Schedules: Lowers anxiety by showing what comes next.
📊 Graphic Organizers: Breaks down big writing or reading tasks.
🃏Cue Cards: Gives quick, silent reminders for behavior or steps.
🖼 Picture Prompts: Helps students express needs and understand tasks.

What is your absolute favorite visual support to use in the classroom? Let us know in the comments!👇

08/17/2026

Congrats to all!

📚 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

Congrats to all!

✨ 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

Congrats to all!

🎉 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. 🙌✨

08/17/2026

Congratulations to Richmond R-XVI School District’s Alaze Chowning for being named a semi-finalist for Missouri’s Teacher of the Year! We are so proud to have you represent the Central Region!

🎉 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. 🙌✨

08/13/2026

🌟Strong classrooms start with strong routines! 🗓

When teachers take the time to establish clear expectations and consistent routines, students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. From morning greetings to classroom transitions, routines help create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Thank you to all educators who invest time in building routines that set students up for success. 🌟

08/12/2026

😎 Our Special Education Compliance Consultant, Julie Harris, working with new Special Education educators at K**b Noster Schools today! 😍