On February 18, the Springfield City School District hosted a district-wide Professional Development Day, offering over 25 training sessions aligned with the District’s strategic plan. The event served all 1,117 staff members, including 734 teachers and licensed staff, and 383 support staff. The professional development day reinforces SCSD’s commitment to equipping educators with the tools needed to support the district’s 7,414 students, 100% of whom qualify for free breakfast and lunch under the Federal Community Eligibility Program.
With 67.6% of students Medicaid-eligible and 3.1% (233 students) identified as homeless, SCSD recognizes the vital role of targeted, high-quality professional learning in addressing the unique challenges faced by its economically disadvantaged student population. The February 18 training day provided strategic learning opportunities designed to enhance instructional quality, strengthen student support, and incorporate technological advancements into classroom practices.
Training Designed to Address Student Needs
The professional development sessions were tailored to address key educational challenges, with a strong emphasis on literacy, intervention strategies, and behavior management. Notable trainings included:
Science of Reading Training: Required for all PreK-12 teachers and administrators, ensuring compliance with Ohio’s literacy initiatives. With only 13% of SCSD kindergarteners demonstrating readiness upon entry and 38.3% of third graders proficient in English Language Arts, this training was critical in reinforcing evidence-based reading instruction.
Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP): Provided structured strategies to support 1,237 English Learners (16.7% of the student body), equipping educators with tools to enhance language acquisition and content comprehension.
iReady Data Analysis & Intervention: Ensured educators could leverage data from Diagnostic #2 to personalize instruction for students struggling in reading and math.
Math Essential Standards: More than forty teachers in K -8 collaborated on identifying the non-negotiable standards in each grade level while ensuring vertical alignment.
Enhancing Classroom Management and Social-Emotional Learning
Recognizing above-average levels of chronic absenteeism and discipline incidents, the district provided professional learning to support positive student behavior and engagement:
Reframing Behavior Training: Attended by all K-12 paraprofessionals, reinforcing strategies for creating a positive classroom environment.
Conscious Discipline Training: Required for Clark Preschool educators, ensuring early childhood teachers foster self-regulation and conflict resolution skills in young learners.
CPI Verbal Intervention Training: Offered to building secretaries, security aides, and attendance officers, strengthening their ability to de-escalate conflicts and improve school climate.
Leveraging Technology for Future-Ready Classrooms
To ensure educators are prepared for 21st-century learning environments, SCSD provided training on emerging technology tools:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training: Introduced teachers to AI literacy, ethical concerns, and classroom applications.
Reflex Math & Frax Math Workshops: Focused on improving math fluency for K-8 students.
SHS Sound System Training: Ensured music and drama educators were proficient in using the school’s upgraded sound system.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Beyond February 18, SCSD educators will continue engaging in self-paced coursework, including Ohio’s Science of Reading initiative, required by law to be completed by June 30, 2025. The district remains committed to enhancing instructional excellence and student outcomes through ongoing professional learning.
Dr. Bob Hill, CEO of SCSD, emphasized the impact of these efforts:
“Investing in our educators means investing in our students. The February 18 professional development sessions equipped our staff with critical skills to support our diverse and economically disadvantaged student body. This initiative represents our dedication to educational equity and excellence.”
For more information on SCSD’s professional development efforts, contact the Office of Teaching, Learning, & Professional Development.