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Allentown School District Logo

Professional Learning

The Office of Professional Learning is committed to developing the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity of educators across the Allentown School District. We design, coordinate, and support high-quality professional learning that empowers teachers, school leaders, and district staff to strengthen instructional practice, foster continuous improvement, and improve outcomes for every student.

Our Mission

The Office of Professional Learning exists to cultivate an exceptional workforce by developing the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity of every educator. Through innovative, research-based, and job-embedded professional learning, we empower educators to continuously improve their practice, inspire excellence in leadership, and accelerate student success across the Allentown School District.

Our Vision

We envision a district where every educator is a lifelong learner, every leader is equipped to inspire excellence, and every student benefits from exceptional teaching, strong leadership, and a culture of continuous growth.

Adult Learning & Learning Design

Effective professional learning is grounded in how adults learn best. We design engaging learning experiences that are collaborative, relevant, research-based, and immediately applicable so educators leave every session equipped to improve their professional practice.
"Adults are motivated to learn as they experience needs and interests that learning will satisfy."
-Malcolm S. Knowles, The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species (3rd ed., 1984, p. 31)
We believe professional learning should honor educators as experienced professionals by building on their expertise, encouraging collaboration, and providing practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to improve teaching, leadership, and student outcomes.
"Professional learning is most powerful when it is purposeful, collaborative, and immediately applicable. We believe every learning
experience should equip educators with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to make a lasting impact on students."
-Dr. Tanishia Pride, PhD, Curriculum & Instruction
Adult Professional Learning Cycle

 

Our Focus Areas

Leadership Development

We cultivate confident and effective leaders by providing learning experiences that strengthen instructional leadership, operational excellence, and strategic decision-making. Through academies, coaching, mentoring, and professional learning, we prepare current and aspiring leaders to lead with purpose and impact.

Executive Leadership Learning Academy (ELLA)

ELLA is the district's signature leadership learning experience for school and district leaders. Through collaborative learning, expert facilitation, and practical application, ELLA equips leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to advance district priorities and improve student outcomes.

New Employee & Leader Onboarding

Every great journey begins with a strong foundation. We provide comprehensive onboarding experiences that introduce new employees and leaders to the district's culture, expectations, systems, and resources, ensuring they are prepared for success from their first day.

Professional Learning Catalog

The Professional Learning Catalog offers a variety of learning opportunities throughout the year designed to support continuous professional growth. Sessions are aligned with district priorities, evidence-based practices, certification requirements, and emerging educational trends.

Conferences & External Learning

Learning extends beyond the district. We coordinate participation in conferences, institutes, and external professional learning opportunities that expose educators to innovative practices, expand professional networks, and bring new ideas back to Allentown. Participants are encouraged to share their learning to strengthen capacity across the district.

Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Innovation is essential to preparing students for the future. We support educators and leaders in exploring emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance teaching, learning, productivity, and organizational effectiveness while promoting responsible and ethical use.

Leadership Pipeline Development

Developing future leaders is a strategic investment in the success of our district. We support leadership growth through mentoring, career development, succession planning, and structured learning opportunities that prepare educators for future leadership roles in alignment with the district's commitment to talent development.

Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration strengthens learning. We build partnerships with internal departments, educational organizations, colleges and universities, and community partners to expand opportunities, leverage expertise, and provide high-quality professional learning experiences that benefit educators across the district.

Upcoming Professional Learning

Stay connected with upcoming professional learning opportunities designed to support educators and leaders throughout the school year. Visit our Professional Learning Catalog and Calendar for current offerings, registration information, and important updates.

Professional Learning Calendar

Access the district's professional learning calendar to view workshops, leadership academies, conferences, onboarding sessions, and other learning opportunities throughout the year.

Coming Soon

Resources

Explore tools and resources to support your professional growth, including:

  • Professional Learning Catalog
  • Presenter Resources
  • Conference & Travel Resources
  • Professional Learning Reflection Forms
  • Leadership Development Resources
  • AI & Innovation Resources
  • Frequently Asked Questions

When educators grow, students thrive. The Office of Professional Learning is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire excellence, strengthen leadership, and empower every educator to make a lasting impact on students.

Professional Learning Staff Directory

Have questions about our programs?

Contact: Dr. Tanishia Pride, Ph.D. - Executive Director of Professional Learning