6-8 District PD Information

AI in Middle Schools, led by EdFarm instructors, is a hands-on professional learning session designed specifically for grades 6–8 educators to explore how artificial intelligence can support teaching, learning, and student engagement in the middle school classroom. Participants will examine practical ways to use AI for lesson planning, student creativity, differentiation, critical thinking, and classroom workflow while maintaining responsible and ethical use. The session will also help educators understand how to guide students in using AI as a learning support rather than a replacement for original thinking. By the end of the session, middle school teachers will leave with practical strategies, resources, and confidence to integrate AI thoughtfully and effectively into instruction.

AI Prompting and MagicSchool AI, led by EdFarm, is an engaging, hands-on professional learning session designed to help educators harness the power of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching and learning. Participants will explore the fundamentals of effective AI prompting and learn how to create clear, strategic prompts that generate meaningful instructional support, lesson ideas, differentiated activities, assessments, and communication tools. The session will also provide guided exploration of MagicSchool AI, highlighting practical classroom applications that save time, streamline instructional planning, and support student engagement. Whether educators are new to AI or already exploring its possibilities, this session offers practical strategies and real-world examples that can be immediately implemented in the classroom. Participants will gain a stronger understanding of responsible and ethical AI use while building confidence in using AI as a tool to support, not replace, effective teaching practices. By the end of the session, educators will leave empowered with new skills, resources, and ideas to integrate AI thoughtfully and effectively into their daily workflow.

Participants will engage with Gizmos to support hands-on learning in science and mathematics through interactive simulations and inquiry-based activities. Teachers will explore strategies for increasing student engagement, reinforcing key concepts, and promoting critical thinking through virtual investigations.

Participants will learn how to use Magma Math to strengthen mathematical reasoning, collaborative learning, and standards-based instruction in middle grades mathematics. The session will highlight real-time formative assessment tools, student discourse strategies, and data-informed instructional decisions.

Teachers will explore how Newsela can support literacy and content-area instruction through engaging, differentiated informational texts. The session will focus on building reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and student discussion using standards-aligned resources across content areas.

Schoology GEMS is a hands-on, interactive professional learning experience designed to help educators unlock the hidden power of Schoology and transform their digital classrooms one gem at a time. Whether you are a novice user just getting started or an advanced user looking to refine and elevate your course design, this session will provide practical strategies to personalize learning, streamline navigation, improve communication, and increase student engagement. Participants will discover simple yet powerful features that help students stay organized, connected, and successful while creating a more efficient and engaging learning environment for teachers. Each "Gem" is easy to implement, classroom-ready, and intentionally designed to make your Schoology course more polished, interactive, and impactful. Through guided exploration and hands-on practice, educators will leave with actionable ideas and tools they can immediately apply to their courses. By the end of the session, participants will feel more confident using Schoology to create organized, student-centered digital learning experiences that truly shine.

6-8 Social Studies teachers will explore the Cengage social studies curriculum with a focus on standards alignment, lesson design, and instructional pacing. Participants will examine strategies that support literacy, inquiry, and student engagement in history, civics, geography, and economics.