Omaha Public Schools enhances instructional coaching and access for employees

In a recent workshop held by the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education, key discussions focused on enhancing professional development for teachers and staff, particularly through the implementation of a new registration system for training programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of ongoing mentorship and professional learning, especially for new teachers, as part of the district's commitment to improving educational outcomes.

One significant topic was the integration of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior (MTSSB) framework into principal training. This framework aims to equip school leaders with the necessary tools to support their teams effectively. The discussion emphasized that principals are expected to be the lead learners in their buildings, fostering a culture of continuous improvement among their staff.

Concerns were raised regarding the capacity limits for in-person training sessions, which were set due to physical space constraints in classrooms. Participants expressed confusion over the registration process and whether the content from these sessions would be accessible later. It was clarified that while the in-person experiences would not be recorded for future viewing, the materials and resources from these sessions would be made available online for ongoing reference.

Another critical point of discussion was the need to accommodate the diverse educational backgrounds of all employees, particularly paraprofessionals. Some staff members may face challenges in accessing online training due to language barriers or limited prior education. The district is actively working to address these disparities by providing support and resources tailored to the varying needs of its workforce.

Overall, the workshop underscored the district's commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment for both educators and students. As Omaha Public Schools continues to refine its professional development offerings, the focus remains on ensuring that all staff members have the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their roles. The next steps involve further developing the registration system and enhancing accessibility to training materials for all employees.