Professional Learning Information Page

March Memo

 

Required Summer Training Dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to complete some of the required summer training this spring?

Staff will have the opportunity to complete some professional learning in the spring. See the grid for the specific details.

What if my role is included in the required audience (REQ) for more than one course?

If you are required to take more than one course then carefully review the dates and register for the sessions that best work for you. The majority of the professional learning offerings are offered more than one time throughout the summer.

What happens if I find out later that my assignment will change for next year?

If your assignment has changed, you should withdraw from the course connected to your current position and register for the course that aligns with your new position.

What if I am a new hire in MCPS?

Our annual New Educator Orientation (NEO) will be the week prior to Pre-Service Week for Teachers. All new teachers to the district are strongly encouraged to attend this induction and onboarding event. Teachers who attend NEO will receive Tier 2 stipend pay for those two days. New special education teachers and ESOL teachers are strongly encouraged to attend the third day of NEO. Special education teachers and ESOL teachers will receive an additional Tier 2 stipend pay for attending the third day of training. NEO will take place in person. Dates for NEO will be confirmed soon.

What if I am having difficulty with accessing PDO?

Please contact the Help Desk if you are having difficulty accessing PDO. You will need your employee ID number. The link to the webpage is The Help Desk.

How do I log into PDO to register for a training?

• Navigate to PDO at pdo.mcpsmd.org. Enter your username (ie, brownjoh) and your Outlook password.
• Search by course# or course name in the search box in the top right. Reference the Summer 2021 required training grid for course information.
• Having trouble logging in? Please contact the Help Desk and have your Employee ID number and a description of the error ready.  Note that employees on leave will not have access to PDO until they return to work.
• Also, check out this quick guide on how to access relevant staff platforms.

How do I find the Zoom link for my training?

• First, confirm via the PDO details or course description that your training is synchronous, or live.
• If it is a live training, the Zoom link will be communicated by the instructor of the training prior to the session.
• If you can’t find the link, please review any emails related to the course, including the PDO registration confirmation email. If still unable to find the link, please contact the person identified on the required training grid or contact the person identified in PDO.

What if I have questions about required Districtwide Compliance training?

Please review the Compliance Unit webpage for updated information regarding required compliance training.

What if I have questions about required Districtwide Compliance training?

If you switch to a new position, please take the training after your hire date to be paid at your new rate of pay.

If I am switching to a new position in MCPS, how do I get my new rate of pay for summer training?

If you switch to a new position, please take the training after your hire date to be paid at your new rate of pay.

What if I can’t take the required training in the summer?

There are some spring options and will be some fall options posted for the major mandatory professional learning requirements. The fall options will be shared in June. We believe it is valuable for as many staff as possible to engage in the required learning in the summer prior to working with students; especially when we are introducing new curriculum.

If I’m a new teacher to MCPS when should I take the professional learning?

If you are a new educator (MCEA level hire), do not select professional learning dates options that conflict with New Educator Orientation (NEO) 2026. NEO is a foundational learning experience designed specifically for new hires and it will be held on August 10 through August 13.