OTIS for Educators has rolled out a fresh lineup of online professional development courses for July 2025. Thus, continuing its mission to support educators with flexible, high-quality online training. Here’s some of what’s available and also what educators can expect for PD in July:

Online PD for AI in the classroom

1. Best Practices for Using AI to Support Differentiation

Join us for this course where we will explore effective strategies for using AI tools to create personalized and differentiated student learning experiences. We will take a look at several AI platforms where you can take your current content/curriculum and generate differentiated resources to enhance student engagement and achievement! 

2. Bias In AI

What is bias in artificial intelligence, and why does it occur? In this session, we will explore the different types of biases that can exist in AI, provide some examples, and explore how to use AI in a responsible manner. You will leave with an understanding of why this topic matters and its implications for teaching and instruction. Plus, we’ll learn how to identify AI biases and how to mitigate them. 

3. AI Panel Discussion 

In this AI Panel, Alaskan educators will join us to discuss how they are using AI in their classrooms and/or districts. Each panelist brings their honest take on using AI. We ask that in preparation for this session, everyone should keep an open mind and get their questions ready!

Online PD for teaching strategies

1. Teaching with Heart: Literacy Tools and Strategies that Empower SEL

Social emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. Utilizing digital resources with purposeful literacy lessons provides opportunities for teachers and students to develop self-awareness, support mindfulness, cope with anxiety and stress, and encourage responsible decision making. Learn how to creatively incorporate SEL in daily and weekly lesson plans

2. Low-Prep, High Impact: Strategies That Stick in Any Classroom

Teachers need tools that are easy, effective, and ready to use. In this session, explore low-prep strategies that spark engagement, thinking, and collaboration across grades K–12. You’ll see how Lumio can turn everyday lessons into interactive, student-centered learning—with a big impact and minimal effort. Walk away with ideas that you can use tomorrow.

3. The Art of Argumentation: Starting a School Debate Team 

Ready to help your students develop critical thinking and communication skills? This course is the perfect starting point! We’ll guide you through the essential strategies for starting and running a successful debate team at your school. Learn how to teach your students the fundamentals of argument structure, research, and persuasive speaking. We’ll also provide tips on organizing practices, hosting debates, and fostering a positive, inclusive team environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your approach, this course will give you the tools to inspire confident, thoughtful debaters in your school!

4.  Literacy Unleashed: Connecting Students to the Power of Words

This session will explore the challenges educators face today with student engagement, academic vocabulary, and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Learn how you can empower students through vocabulary acquisition and comprehension by connecting them to diverse texts, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging authentic expression. We’ll also discuss practical strategies and actionable approaches to help students overcome these challenges and inspire them to become confident, engaged learners.

More online PD for teaching strategies on OTIS

1. Doodlin’ with Dearybury: Unlocking the Power of the Doodle

Unlock the transformative potential of doodling in this engaging session with Jed Dearybury. Doodling isn’t just for artists — it’s a scientifically proven method of learning that enhances comprehension and retention for learners of all ages and abilities. Join us as we explore the whimsical world of doodling and discover how this simple, yet powerful technique can empower you to become a better thinker, learner, and creator.

2. Unlocking Student Potential: Designing UDL Informed Choice Boards

Choice boards can be used to provide students with a variety of options to practice a topic or as a smorgasbord of activities that are approved by their teacher. What if we could design choice boards to provide all students with opportunities to demonstrate understanding of lesson content? This session will focus on how to design and implement choice boards that align with principles of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Leave feeling confident in supporting all your students!

3. The Administrator’s Guide to the Science of Reading

Join us for this session where we will look at the science of reading, as districts nationwide are making significant shifts in their curriculum and instruction. You will learn the main tenets, the critical reasons behind this instructional transition, the dos and don’ts for classroom instruction, and practical guidance on implementing evidence-based classroom practices. Learn what to prioritize and what to avoid to effectively lead your school community through this practice.

PD for edtech tools

1. Creating & Retaining Educational Content with Microlearning

Microlearning is one of the hottest trends in today’s classroom! With microlearning, teachers can provide bite-sized information, interactive infographics, and short guided activities to reinforce understanding. In this session, we will discuss the benefits of microlearning and learn how to utilize AI, Lumio, and other platforms to create microlearning lessons.

2. Music Lab: The Intersection of Tech & Creativity

Whether students are brand new to coding or have taken several computer science courses, Music Lab provides students an innovative opportunity to explore the intersection of technology and creativity. Designed for students in grades 2-12, this engaging, cross-curricular activity offers a unique learning modality for students to hone their coding skills while composing their own songs. During this session, we will explore how coding music can not only amplify students’ individual creative voices, but the voices of their communities

3. My PowerBuddy and Me!

What teacher couldn’t use a little assistance now and then? Why not have a little extra help for each student? Do you need parents to be more involved in their child’s academics? PowerBuddy is the AI assistant available in PowerSchool that can provide teachers with quick and effective lessons. These lessons are personalized and can even be used as a guide for students to aid them as they learn. Join us for this course as we explore all the amazing possibilities for teachers, students, and parents alike with PowerBuddy!

4. Creating AR Experiences with MergeEDU

Join us to learn about the latest app release from Merge EDU, Merge Creator. Design your very own AR experience with Merge Creator which allows you to scan, upload & edit 3D objects and add multimedia labels! Together with the Merge Cube, you and your students can create your very own AR experience to share and learn with others. Create and scan art or science projects, bring mathematics to life, or design any number of exciting classroom possibilities!

5. From Clues to Careers: The Educational Power of Play and Unlocking Learning Through Hidden Lessons Inside Escape Rooms

Discover how escape rooms offer more than just fun—they’re a blueprint for 21st-century learning. This session explores how immersive storytelling, gamification, and collaborative puzzles help students build critical skills in project management, teamwork, and career exploration. We’ll discuss how technology and narrative design can engage learners, improve retention, and connect artistic expression with STEM-based thinking. Join two-time international award winner Graeme Deishl as we unlock the full potential of escape rooms in education—and explore how to bring this future-forward learning model into your classroom.

An overall look at OTIS for educators

Visit the online PD course calendar for a complete list of courses for July. Furthermore, with OTIS for educators, you’ll always get: