CEU Requirements: Online Options

The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) sets the requirements for renewing teaching licenses. Tier 4 teachers must complete 125 clock hours (CEUs) every five years. The CEUs must be approved by a local continuing education committee. In addition to the general clock hour requirements, PELSB mandates eight (8) specific PD topics that all licensed educators must complete.

NPAS provides annual, in-person PD for the following seven requirements:

1. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
2. Accommodations and Modifications
3. Mental Health
4. Suicide Prevention
5. Reading Preparation
6. English Language Learners (ELL)
7. Cultural Competency

An online PD option is available for the remaining requirement:

8. American Indian History and Culture (MDE: 1-hour course)

What is the procedure for taking the online PD option?

Step 1: Click the PD topic links to register for the required course.
Step 2: Complete the course and download the certificate of completion (CEU).
Step 3: Upload the certificate to Frontline (My File Library).
Step 4: Submit the CEU Request Form on Frontline (with the certificate documentation).

Note: NPAS compensates certified staff members $16.70 per hour after completing and submitting these requirements.

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New G.Classroom Recording Tool

Google Classroom recently added a recording tool for teachers and students to capture up to five minutes of audio, video, or screencasts within assignments and comments. Recordings save automatically to Google Drive, simplifying the process of video feedback or tutorials. Read more about the Google Classroom update or watch this video.

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New Tab: Unpaid Chromebook Fee

To help families stay current on school accounts, MS and HS students with unpaid Chromebook fees will see an "Attention Needed" reminder when opening a new tab. While Infinite Campus sends automated emails on Tuesdays and Sundays, those messages can sometimes be missed. This new feature provides another reminder and includes direct links to the annual fee information, agreement form, and Campus Portal for online payments. We hope this helps students prompt their parents to settle balances, which helps reduce the need for costly paper mailings.

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PrintNet: Multiple Files... One Job

Streamline your next PrintNet (CEC Copy Center) order by merging your files. Instead of submitting separate print jobs for each document, upload multiple files in one job if they have the same paper and finishing needs.

You can choose to have the files as one collated packet or non-collated single-sheet stacks of handouts. This saves time by reducing the number of jobs to submit and ensures your materials are delivered as intended. For detailed instructions, review the PrintNet TIP Sheet.

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Google Forms: Automatic Closing

Google Forms now supports automatic closing based on a date, time, or response limit. This update helps teachers automate quiz deadlines and allows clerical staff to cap event registrations automatically. These tools remove the need to manually stop accepting responses. View the screenshot and official update for more information.

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Use Brisk for Your Next Kahoot!

Brisk Teaching now integrates directly with Kahoot! to streamline your lesson prep. Simply use the "Create" menu, select "Quiz," and choose "Kahoot" to instantly transform any resource into an interactive game. This update eliminates manual data entry, making reviews more efficient. Watch this video tutorial or read the Brisk newsletter for details.

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Snow Days & Google Meet Skills

When Blended Learning Days are infrequent, we tend to forget our Google Meet skills or become unaware of new features. Secondary teachers should prepare for inclement weather by testing their microphones, speakers, and cameras in a Google Meet session. Restart your device at least once a week to keep it updated and running smoothly. Familiarize yourself with the Google Meet "Host Controls" and practice sharing your screen during live demonstrations. It is also beneficial to go over online expectations with students before the snow arrives. Refer to the Google Meet TIP Sheet for additional information.

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Instructional Tech Request Form

How do I request instructional technology or online subscriptions? 

All new technology requests start with the Instructional Technology Request Form. The process allows classroom teachers to request technology or an online subscription that supports instruction and student learning. It's important to note that instructional technology subscriptions are paid through classroom, department, or building funds. District technology funds are reserved for district-wide systems, such as Infinite Campus or classroom computers.

Step 1: Complete the Instructional Technology Request Form... click the [Submit] button.
Step 2: Your Principal and the Director of Technology Integration will receive your request.
Step 3: Initiate a discussion about the request if you feel further explanation is needed.
Step 4: Your Principal and the Director of Technology Integration will review the request.
Step 5: Allow at least 14-days for an approval/denial decision to be communicated.

Please note the following:

• School budgets are set in the spring. Instructional Technology Request Forms must be submitted by April 15th to be considered for the following school year.
  
  
• Individual classroom subscriptions must be approved by your principal before purchasing with a personal credit card. After approval, the reimbursement form must be submitted and processed through your school office.

It is important to follow this process, so we know how many accounts are being used. If we only have a few subscriptions for an online resource, it often costs less to stay with individual classroom accounts. If several subscriptions are added in multiple schools, there may be a point where it is more affordable to get a school or district subscription. The funding source would remain the same, but the return on investment (ROI) would be more cost effective.

To access the Instructional Technology Request Form:

1. Go to the Staff Resources page
2. Scroll to the bottom and click the Staff Documents & Forms button

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Two Truths & AI: Game

As generative AI evolves, teaching students to distinguish between authentic and synthetic media is essential. Common Sense Media’s "Two Truths and AI" game helps K–12 students build these "AI detective" skills through an engaging, interactive format. With tailored versions for elementary and secondary levels, the game challenges students to spot AI-generated images by analyzing visual clues and inconsistencies. It serves as a perfect bell-ringer to spark critical discussions about digital footprints and information literacy. Try Two Truths and AI today to help your students navigate our complex digital world responsibly! 

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50 FREE Graphic Organizers

Visual organizers are essential for helping students clarify thinking and process complex info. Matt Miller from Ditch That Textbook offers an incredible collection of digital templates ready for immediate classroom use. These Google Slides and Canva resources cover everything from Venn diagrams to plot maps, allowing students to manipulate digital elements to show what they know. Matt’s materials are practical and classroom-tested, making them a perfect addition to your instructional toolkit. Explore these free resources today to enhance student engagement and streamline your lesson planning!

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