Pre K District PD Information

Location

Martha Gaskins Early Learning Center Annex

300 Red Lane Road, Birmingham, AL 35215

Registration Information

All participants are required to register by May 31, 2026.

Registration must be completed through PowerSchool PD using registration number 344690. Participants will receive 12 CEUs if all activities are completed.

Timely registration is important to ensure accurate group assignments, session planning, and materials preparation. Lunch will be provided for all registered participants.

On-site registration will not be available.

If you need assistance with registration, please contact the district's professional development office or click on the link below for more information.

Agenda at a Glance

7:30-8:30 amMorning of Line Dancing, Exercising, Music, and Entertainment
8:30-9 amKeynote Speaker
9:15-9:55 amSession 1
10:10-10:50 amSession 2
11:05-11:45 amSession 3
11:45 am - 1:15 pmLunch
1:30-2:10 pmSession 4

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Terry Lamar

Dr. Terry Lamar

Chief of Staff, Birmingham City Schools

Dr. Terry Lamar is a passionate and visionary education leader with more than 20 years of experience. As Chief of Staff, he oversees operations, human resources, information technology, strategy and communications, student support services, and education partners. He began his career in Tuscaloosa City Schools and later served in Hoover City Schools as Chief Administrative Officer, where he led district operations, human resources, student services, transportation, PBIS, and other key initiatives. Throughout his career, Dr. Lamar has served as a physical education teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, and principal, with administrative experience in both elementary and secondary settings. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University. A proud husband, father of three, community servant, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Lamar is deeply committed to building inclusive and engaging schools where every student is empowered to thrive.

Sessions

Bring your device.

AI Policy and Cybersecurity

This session provides educators with an overview of the district's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy and essential cybersecurity expectations for staff. Participants will explore responsible and ethical uses of AI in teaching and learning, including guidance on acceptable classroom use, human oversight, academic integrity, and protecting student information when using AI tools. The session will also review district expectations regarding student data privacy, personally identifiable information (PII), and approved digital resources. In addition, teachers will learn practical cybersecurity habits that help protect classrooms, devices, and district systems from online threats. Topics will include identifying phishing emails, creating strong passwords, securing student accounts, recognizing suspicious activity, and understanding common cybersecurity risks impacting schools today. By the end of the session, participants will better understand how to safely integrate AI into instruction while maintaining a secure and responsible digital learning environment for students.

Magic School AI

This interactive session provides educators with hands-on experience using MagicSchool AI to support daily classroom instruction and streamline teacher workflows. Participants will explore a variety of educator-focused AI tools designed to assist with lesson planning, instructional differentiation, assessment creation, rubric development, parent communication, and classroom engagement. Teachers will learn practical strategies for using AI to save time while maintaining high-quality, student-centered instruction. Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to practice using MagicSchool AI tools in real classroom scenarios and create resources they can immediately implement in their classrooms. The session will also highlight responsible AI use, best practices for reviewing AI-generated content, and ways to align AI-supported instruction with district expectations and curriculum goals. By the end of the session, teachers will leave with practical tools and strategies to increase efficiency, personalize learning, and support student success.

Technology Usage in Pre K

This session focuses on developmentally appropriate technology integration in Pre K classrooms and how educators can use digital tools to enhance, rather than replace, hands-on learning and student interaction. Participants will explore when technology can effectively support early childhood instruction, including literacy development, creativity, communication, and student engagement, while also identifying moments when traditional play-based and teacher-led activities are more appropriate. The session will emphasize balancing screen time with active learning, movement, collaboration, and social-emotional development. Teachers will review best practices for selecting age-appropriate digital resources, managing screen time, and creating meaningful technology experiences for young learners. Topics will include interactive learning tools, digital citizenship foundations for early learners, classroom routines for device use, and strategies to keep students actively engaged without overreliance on technology. Participants will also discuss the role of teacher guidance and family communication in supporting healthy technology habits. By the end of the session, educators will have practical strategies for using technology intentionally and responsibly in Pre K environments while maintaining a strong focus on child development and student engagement.

VR and Interactives

This engaging session introduces educators to immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences and interactive digital learning tools designed to enhance student engagement and deepen understanding for young learners. Participants will explore how VR and interactive technologies can bring stories, science, social studies, and real-world exploration to life by allowing students to virtually visit places, experience historical events, explore nature, and interact with content in meaningful and memorable ways. The session will focus on age-appropriate applications that support curiosity, creativity, communication, and active participation in the learning process. Teachers will have the opportunity to experience hands-on demonstrations of virtual reality activities and interactive learning platforms that can be integrated into classroom instruction. Topics will include classroom management strategies for interactive technology use, aligning immersive experiences to instructional standards, promoting student collaboration, and ensuring technology is used intentionally to support learning outcomes. The session will also discuss accessibility, student safety, and best practices for balancing immersive technology with traditional instructional methods. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical ideas and resources for creating engaging, interactive learning experiences that inspire exploration and increase student engagement.

Pre and Post Assignments

The pre and post assignments for this professional development are located in Schoology. To access the assignments, click on the link below and log in to your Schoology account. If you experience any issues accessing the platform, please review the support video to ensure you are logging in correctly.

To enroll in the course, use the access code below to join:

Access Code: PKMQ-QXTR-FTVKJ

Enter the access code in Schoology to register and gain access to the assignments. Please complete both the pre and post assignments to earn the 12 CEUs.

All Pre Assignments are due 11:59 pm June 7, 2026 and all Post Assignments are due 11:59 pm June 30, 2026.

Schoology Support Video

Joining a Schoology Course with an Access Code