Texas AFT
Bridges Institute for Professional Development
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to providing professional development and educational resources to Texas educators. #OurWorkIsPowerful
Texas AFT is the state affiliate of the 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers and the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO.
Texas AFT’s Bridges Institute for Professional Development provides a wide variety of high-quality professional development and special programs. We serve members of Texas AFT and our public education community at large.
Upcoming Events
For questions or assistance with registering for one of our upcoming events, please call toll free at 1-800-222-3827 or email us.
Mindfulness Essentials: Guided Meditation
The Mindfulness Essentials Series will include a weekly, 30-minute practice session with guided meditation.
Each session will occur on Mondays from 6:15-6:45 PM for seven weeks.
These sessions will be hosted on the following days:
Sept. 20, 2021
Sept. 27, 2021
Oct. 4, 2021
Oct. 11, 2021
Oct. 18, 2021
Oct. 25, 2021
Nov. 1, 2021
There is a separate zoom link for these sessions. Please register here: bit.ly/mindfulnessaft
This session is hosted by Northside AFT Professional Development. Participants will learn how to:
-Implement research-based solutions that move instruction away from the deficit model
-Build hidden talents of students to support learning through engaging activities
-Advocate through various mediums for classrooms where students with challenges feel safe and respected
This session will be held via Zoom on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 AM-12 PM. Register at: forms.gle/q3b4uEWgpJNK5ab37
National Board Certification Information Session
Texas AFT prepares teachers interested in obtaining a National Board Certification by providing virtual courses that delve into the National Board Standards and certification process.
What’s In It For Me?
Through House Bill 3, the Texas Legislature has created the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) to recognize and reward excellent teachers. National Board-Certified Teachers (NBCT) are eligible to earn a recognized designation, making them eligible for yearly compensation (NBCTs in Title 1 schools receive a minimum of $2000 annually or $1000 annually for other schools.) TEA will also reimburse the total cost of perusing Board Certification.
Program
Introduction to National Board Certification will prepare participants for the National Board Certification journey. Participants will complete this course over several weeks at their own pace (asynchronous learning). A facilitator will be available to provide individual support as needed throughout the course.
Kick-Off Meeting
Interested teachers must attend a live virtual meeting, including a program overview, course exploration, and Q&A Session:
Wednesday, October 27th, from 6-7 PM
Register:
bit.ly/oct27aft
National Board Teacher Certification: Information Session
Texas AFT prepares teachers interested in obtaining a National Board Certification by providing virtual courses that delve into the National Board Standards and certification process.
What’s In It For Me?
Through House Bill 3, the Texas Legislature has created the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) to recognize and reward excellent teachers. National Board-Certified Teachers (NBCT) are eligible to earn a recognized designation, making them eligible for yearly compensation (NBCTs in Title 1 schools receive a minimum of $2000 annually or $1000 annually for other schools.) TEA will also reimburse the total cost of perusing Board Certification.
Program
Introduction to National Board Certification will prepare participants for the National Board Certification journey. Participants will complete this course over several weeks at their own pace (asynchronous learning). A facilitator will be available to provide individual support as needed throughout the course.
Kick-Off Meeting
Interested teachers must attend a live virtual meeting, including a program overview, course exploration, and Q&A Session. Two opportunities will be provided for participants to attend the live meeting:
Wednesday, October 27th, from 6-7 PM
Register:
bit.ly/oct27aft
Past Events
We encourage you to watch recordings of our previous webinars. Contact us for questions and/or for additional resources.
Mindfulness Essentials: Instructive Webinars
Mindfulness Essentials is the perfect introduction to mindfulness with a focus on experiential practices. The Bridges Institute is offering six sessions, each from 6:00-7:30 PM. The following topics will be covered:
Sept. 15, 2021: Understanding your brain’s sympathetic nervous system for protection and bringing mindfulness into the day
Sept. 22, 2021: Training attention and focus through hearing and exploring body sensations and finding a good night’s rest
Sept. 29, 2021: Sitting with Open Awareness and walking and moving mindfully.
Oct. 6, 2021: Understanding how the past influences the present moment and being with physical pain
Oct. 13, 2021: Understanding emotions and learning how to calm difficult emotions
Oct. 20, 2021: Understanding cognitive distortions and learning to speak to yourself in more realistic ways to calm your mind
CPE credit will be issued for each hour of participation. Register here: bit.ly/mindfulaft
This session is hosted by Northside AFT Professional Development. Participants will learn how to:
-Implement research-based solutions that move instruction away from the deficit model
-Build hidden talents of students to support learning through engaging activities
-Advocate through various mediums for classrooms where students with challenges feel safe and respected
This session will be held via Zoom on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 AM-12 PM. Register at: forms.gle/q3b4uEWgpJNK5ab37
Mindfulness Essentials: Guided Meditation
The Mindfulness Essentials Series will include a weekly, 30-minute practice session with guided meditation.
Each session will occur on Mondays from 6:15-6:45 PM for seven weeks.
These sessions will be hosted on the following days:
Sept. 20, 2021
Sept. 27, 2021
Oct. 4, 2021
Oct. 11, 2021
Oct. 18, 2021
Oct. 25, 2021
Nov. 1, 2021
There is a separate zoom link for these sessions. Please register here: bit.ly/mindfulnessaft
Click here for recordings of past webinars.
Share My Lesson
Share My Lesson is designed by educators for educators. We at Texas AFT, along with the award-winning Share My Lesson, are your one-stop destinations for high-quality, educator-developed, and educator-vetted resources for use in your new classroom.
Texas AFT Bridges Institute for Professional Development
912 South Highway 183, Suite 100-A | Austin, TX 78741 | 800-222-3827