Professional Learning Series
Explore OLAC’s latest online learning tools, including modules, webinars, videos, podcast episodes, and more to support educators as they work to embed essential leadership practices at every level of a school system. Remember, all resources are free, and you can earn credit.
2025-2026 Sessions
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Upcoming Sessions and Registration
October
14
Early Literacy for Every Learner: Engaging Families and Building Foundations
01:00pm - 02:00pm
Presenters: Samantha Giammarco, Research Associate, Systems Development and Improvement Center, University of Cincinnati and Jen Griffing, Regional Literacy Specialist, SST 9
Register: October 14 Session Details: October 14
Looking to spark early literacy in ways that truly connect? This session explores practical strategies for supporting emergent literacy through everyday moments and strong family partnerships. Learn how to create engaging, literacy-rich environments that support young children’s development and strengthen connections with families. Discover how to embed literacy learning into natural routines, encourage meaningful interactions, and make every moment count. Perfect for educators and early learning professionals, this training will leave you inspired and equipped to foster early literacy and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
OCCRRA credit is available.
October
15
What Makes a Great Principal Series
What Makes a Great Principal - Part 3
10:30am - 11:30am
Presenters: George Couros, Author & Innovative Teaching, Learning, & Leadership Consultant and Allyson Apsey, Author, Award-winning Educator & Associate, Creative Leadership Solutions
Register: October 15 Session Details: October 15
Explore what defines truly impactful school leadership in this interactive three-part series with renowned educators and authors George Couros and Allyson Apsey. Based on their compelling book What Makes a Great Principal, the sessions will dive into five essential leadership pillars: Relationship Builder, Continuous Learner, Talent Cultivator, Resource Maximizer, and Visionary.
Each session will engage participants in meaningful conversation and guided reflection using discussion prompts directly from the book—bringing the voices of students, teachers, and school leaders to the forefront.
Bonus: Register by August 28 to receive a free copy of the book.
This is part 3 of a 3-part series.
October
22
Empowering Building-level and Teacher-based Teams Series
Building Buy-In for a Data-Driven Culture
01:00pm - 02:30pm
Presenters: Jamie Campbell, Director of Teaching and Learning, Youngstown City Schools and Jessica Thomas, Assistant Principal, East Middle School, Youngstown City Schools
Register: October 22 Session Details: October 22
Sustaining a data-driven culture requires more than systems—it demands shared ownership, celebration, and commitment. This session focuses on building teacher leadership and student engagement to drive continuous improvement. Participants will explore practical strategies to keep momentum strong, foster collective efficacy, and promote student accountability through data use.
Key focus areas include:
- Strengthening teacher-led assessment teams
- Using student data binders for goal-setting and ownership
- Creating data walls to track and visualize progress
- Designing meaningful incentives that build motivation
- Embedding reflection and planning into TBT routines
This is part 3 of a 4-part series.
October
24
Building Foundations: Research and Practice for Paraeducator Support for Young Children with Extensive Support Needs
09:30am - 11:00am
Presenters: Renee Matteson, Ph.D., Ohio's Partnership for Excellence in Paraprofessional Preparation (OPEPP) and Sarah Douglas, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Michigan State University, Susan Jones, OPEPP Consultant
Register: October 24 Session Details: October 24
Drawing from a recently developed research brief authored by Dr. Douglas for OPEPP, this session will explore key insights into effective practices for supporting young children with a range of developmental and learning needs across inclusive and specialized early childhood settings. The session will also highlight OPEPP’s newly released Early Childhood Extensive Support Needs Module, offering practical strategies and resources for educators, paraeducators, and families. Leave with a deeper understanding of how to strengthen early learning environments and better support young children with complex needs through collaborative, research-informed practices.
Dr. Douglas is a co-author with Dr. Emily Sobeck for the book Supporting Paraeducators in Inclusive and Special Education Settings.
OCCRRA credit will be offered for this session.
October
29
Empowering Secondary Schools & Principals as Literacy Champions (Grades 4-12)
09:00am - 10:30am
Presenters: Roger Howard, Adolescent Literacy Specialist, SST 3 and Jodi Snyder, Urban Literacy Specialist, SST 3
Register: October 29 Session Details: October 29
Literacy is more than a skill—it’s the foundation of all learning. In this session, principals and others leading secondary (grades 4-12) literacy will discover how to lead with impact by becoming true “lead learners” in their buildings. Explore proven strategies, practical tools, and real-world examples that support the schoolwide implementation of evidence-based literacy practices. Whether you're building momentum or refining your approach, this session equips you with the knowledge and confidence to drive meaningful literacy growth in every classroom.
November
06
Instructional Leadership in Action: Building Confidence, Growth, and Impact
09:00am - 10:30am
Presenters: Jennifer Schwanke, Deputy Superintendent, Dublin City Schools
Register: November 06 Session Details: November 06
Instructional leadership is challenging—and confidence doesn’t always come easy. This session equips school leaders with practical strategies to grow their instructional expertise, support high-quality teaching, and lead with clarity across content areas. Learn how to evaluate instruction effectively, celebrate progress, and foster a reflective leadership mindset. Participants will explore how to tap into the strengths of their teams, access valuable tools and resources, and build a culture of continuous learning. Walk away with actionable insights to boost your confidence, elevate instructional practice, and drive meaningful growth for both teachers and students.
November
12
Empowering Building-level and Teacher-based Teams Series
TBT-to-BLT Communication & Action Planning for Sustained Success
01:00pm - 02:30pm
Presenters: Jamie Campbell, Director of Teaching and Learning, Youngstown City Schools and Jessica Thomas, Assistant Principal, East Middle School, Youngstown City Schools
Register: November 12 Session Details: November 12
Sustained school improvement depends on strong communication and alignment between Teacher-Based Teams (TBTs) and Building Leadership Teams (BLTs). This session focuses on strategies to foster two-way communication, build coherent layers of support, and translate data into actionable, schoolwide goals. Participants will explore how to reflect on progress, plan intentionally, and ensure that team efforts lead to lasting impact.
Key focus areas include:
- Strengthening TBT–BLT communication
- Building layered supports for ongoing improvement
- Using reflection and assessment team input to guide planning
- Creating clear, schoolwide goals that drive sustainable success
This is part 4 of a 4-part series.
November
13
Power Up Your Leadership: OLAC Assessments in Action
09:00am - 10:30am
Presenters: OLAC Leadership Team
Register: November 13 Session Details: November 13
Join Ohio educators for an engaging session on using OLAC’s assessment tools to strengthen leadership and drive improvement. Explore how the self- and team-assessments align with Ohio’s Leadership Development Framework to uncover strengths, identify needs, and guide collaborative action. Participants will learn how to use these tools to inform decision-making, support team development, and promote continuous growth at the district, building, and classroom levels. Walk away with practical strategies to implement the assessments and foster sustained instructional excellence. Ideal for leaders looking to deepen their impact and build capacity through strategic, data-informed practices.
December
05
Strengthening Partnerships: Collaboration Skills for Early Childhood Educators Supporting Paraeducators
09:30am - 11:00am
Presenters: Renee Matteson, Ph.D., Ohio's Partnership for Excellence in Paraprofessional Preparation (OPEPP) and Emily Sobeck Ph.D., Franciscan University of Steubenville
Register: December 05 Session Details: December 05
Effective collaboration between early childhood educators and paraeducators is essential for creating cohesive, inclusive, and specialized learning environments. In this session, explore resources and strategies that strengthen professional partnerships. Drawing from the OPEPP-developed content on this subject matter and Dr. Sobeck’s book, Supporting Paraeducators in Inclusive and Special Education Settings, the session will explore key communication strategies, role clarity, and team-based planning practices. Gain practical, research-informed approaches for building respectful, productive relationships with paraeducators across diverse early childhood settings. If you're leading an early childhood team or working within one, this session offers concrete supports to improve collaboration and ultimately enhance outcomes for young children.
OCCRRA credit will be offered for this session.
February
06
Building Your Dream Team Through Meaningful Hiring Practices
09:00am - 10:30am
Presenters: Carrie Sanchez, Asst. Superintendent of Leadership & Learning, North Point ESC
Register: February 06 Session Details: February 06
Build your dream team with smarter hiring strategies. In this session, school leaders will explore best practices for attracting, selecting, and onboarding top talent. Learn how to craft compelling job descriptions, expand your candidate pool, and design a structured, fair interview process that assesses both skill and fit. Discover ways to engage key stakeholders, build buy-in, and create a more inclusive hiring experience. Finally, dive into onboarding essentials that set new hires up for success from day one. Walk away with actionable strategies to improve recruitment, reduce turnover, and cultivate a cohesive, high-performing team that drives student success.
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Series at a Glance and Recordings
From Good to Great: The Journey Behind OLAC’s 2024 Outstanding District of the Year
August 6, 9-10:30 a.m., Pat Adkins, Superintendent, Port Clinton City Schools and Kelly Croy, Director of Innovation & Instruction, Port Clinton City Schools
Empowering Building-level and Teacher-based Teams Series
1-2:30 p.m. (all sessions), Jamie Campbell, Director of Teaching and Learning, Youngstown City Schools and Jessica Thomas, Assistant Principal, East Middle School, Youngstown City Schools
- August 21 - Part 1: Strengthening Teacher-Based Teams to Drive a Data-Informed Culture
- September 11 - Part 2: How Do We Know What’s Working?
- October 22 - Part 3: Building Buy-In for a Data-Driven Culture
- November 12 - Part 4: TBT-to-BLT Communication & Action Planning for Sustained Success
Shared Leadership: Trust, Teamwork, and Transformation
September 4, 9-10:30 a.m., Jennifer Schwanke, Deputy Superintendent, Dublin City Schools
Navigating EVAAS for Goal Setting & Intentional Planning
September 8, 9-10:30 a.m., Carrie Sanchez, Asst. Superintendent of Leadership & Learning, North Point ESC
What Makes a Great Principal Series
10:30-11:30 a.m. (all sessions), George Couros, Author & Innovative Teaching, Learning, & Leadership Consultant and Allyson Apsey, Author, Award-winning Educator & Associate, Creative Leadership Solutions
- September 17 - What Makes a Great Principal: Part 1
- October 1 - What Makes a Great Principal: Part 2
- October 15 - What Makes a Great Principal: Part 3
Become an OLAC Facilitator - Fall 2025
September 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., OLAC Leadership Team
Discover the ALL Ohio Literacy Library
September 23, 1-2 p.m., Samantha Giammarco, Research Associate, Systems Development and Improvement Center, University of Cincinnati and Renee Mattson, OPEPP Coordinator, Systems Development and Improvement Center, University of Cincinnati
Empowering Elementary Schools & Principals as Literacy Champions (Grades K-5)
September 24, 9-10:30 a.m., Roger Howard, Adolescent Literacy Specialist, SST 3 and Jodi Snyder, Urban Literacy Specialist, SST 3
Strategies for Implementing and Tracking the College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness Measure (CCWMR)
September 25, 9-10:30 a.m., Robb Gonda, Director of College and Career Success, ESC of Central Ohio
Powering Up Teams through Purposeful Dialogue & Problem Solving
October 9, 9-10:30 a.m., Betsy Apolito, Director, SST Region 10
Empowering Secondary Schools & Principals as Literacy Champions (Grades 4-12)
October 9, 9-10:30 a.m., Roger Howard, Adolescent Literacy Specialist, SST 3 and Jodi Snyder, Urban Literacy Specialist, SST 3
Early Literacy for Every Learner: Engaging Families and Building Foundations
October 14, 1-2 p.m., Samantha Giammarco, Research Associate, Systems Development and Improvement Center, University of Cincinnati and Jen Griffing, Regional Literacy Specialist, SST 9
Instructional Leadership in Action: Building Confidence, Growth, and Impact
November 6, 9-10:30 a.m., Jennifer Schwanke, Deputy Superintendent, Dublin City Schools
Power Up Your Leadership: OLAC Assessments in Action
November 13, 9-10 a.m., OLAC Team
Building Your Dream Team Through Meaningful Hiring Practices
February 6, 9-10:30 a.m., Carrie Sanchez, Asst. Superintendent of Leadership & Learning, North Point ESC
Watch Recordings from Previous Years
Questions?
Contact Mike Trego, Elizabeth Lolli, Jim Gay, or Mark Neal.