On Tuesday, June 2, S&S CISD hosted its inaugural Summer Showcase at S&S Middle School, offering staff a district-led professional development opportunity designed to support ongoing learning and collaboration. The event brought together educators from across the district for a full day of collaborative professional learning led by their colleagues.
The Showcase featured sessions led by district administrators and teachers, including Superintendent Dr. Jeff Russell; Director of Student Services Lance Johnson; Technology Director Tracey Cox; principals Karen Lombard (middle school) and Mark Pelzel (elementary); assistant principals Kristy Colvin (elementary) and Amanda Reed (middle school); and Middle School Nurse Jozel Benson. Also presenting were 2nd grade teachers Bailey Bishop, Natalie DeMoure, Christa Hilliard, and Jami Waldrum; ECSE Teacher Kristina Bruce; District Librarian Jessica Campbell; Theatre Teacher Channon Gibson; English Teacher Michael Keith; 8th Grade Math Teacher Jacqueline Miller; 5th Grade Science Teacher Caitlyn Tynes; ISS Teacher Shannon Wilburn; and 8th Grade Science Teacher Michael Zinski.
Sessions covered a wide range of instructional and professional topics, including strategies for technology integration in the classroom, hands on learning in math, and approaches to connecting assessment data to instruction. Additional sessions focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence in today’s classroom, building and analyzing assessments, and using digital tools such as Canva and Epic! to enhance instruction. Presenters also addressed school culture development, student engagement strategies, trauma informed practices, and how adverse childhood experiences can shape students’ learning and behavior. Other sessions highlighted school nurse practices beyond basic care, sustaining staff who support students, and creative instructional approaches such as teaching with a “twist of tech.”
This year marks the launch of a new initiative in S&S CISD, allowing educators to complete required training within the district rather than seeking training outside of the district. The Summer Showcase is expected to become an annual component of S&S CISD’s professional development program.
