The beauty of learning science is figuring out why and how things happen. Sensemaking is the engine that drives that process, but it doesn't happen automatically. It requires classrooms where students draw on their own observations and prior knowledge, collaborate to build shared understanding, and have space to revise their thinking over time. In this session, K-12 science educators and leaders will experience what student-centered science instruction centered on sensemaking looks and feels like, then examine their own classroom practices to identify where sensemaking is thriving and where it might be getting cut short. You'll leave with concrete strategies for designing discussions, questions, and evaluating tasks that move students to be active sense-makers, along with time to apply those strategies to upcoming lessons with grade-band colleagues from across the region.

Join fellow K–12 social studies educators for a monthly virtual professional networking hour designed to connect, collaborate, and share best practices. The Social Studies Cadre provides a dedicated space to discuss emerging curriculum strategies, exchange high-impact classroom resources, and build a supportive community of practice across schools and districts. Come ready to share insights, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen your instructional leadership.

A year-long professional learning community designed to equip new special education teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to serve students with disabilities while meeting compliance requirements and fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments.

Format:
4 – 2-hour sessions held virtually
4 – full-day sessions held in-person
Register for all cadre dates at once
In person: 9/2/26, 12/3/26, 2/4/27, 4/1/27
Virtual: 10/1/26, 11/4/26, 1/7/27, 3/4/27
Contact susan.hall@ckec.org with questions.

Beyond the Basics: ASD Cadre
Every Student Can Learn: Systematic Instruction for Meaningful Progress

Learn how systematic instruction can support skill development, engagement, and long-term academic success. In this session, you will understand the key components of systematic instruction, see how systematic instruction supports skill development, explore strategies to increase engagement and participation, and learn ways to promote independence and long-term success.

Participants will receive a 2 hour PD/EILA credit certificate.
This session continues in the Beyond the Basics: ASD Cadre. Participation in all cadre sessions is encouraged but not required.

For any questions, contact erica.price@ckec.org.

As AI shows up in classrooms, planning periods, and district conversations, the question isn't whether to engage with it, but how to do it well. The AI Empowered Teacher Cadre is a standing community for educators who want to build real skill with AI tools and collaboratively figure out what responsible and effective use looks like in K-12 schools.

This cadre will meet monthly on the third Thursday to build AI literacy and skills, think together, integrate AI into instruction, and streamline workflows. An hour of PD credit will be provided for each session attended.

This day is for all CKEC Crisis Response Team leads and other school/district team members who wish to join. The day will be focused on strategies, best practices, table top exercises, rehearsals, networking, and planning. CKEC Regional Crisis Response Team members are encouraged to bring others from their district/school teams to this meeting. Cadre meeting dates: August 31, 2026 (Harrodsburg); January 11, 2027 (Lexington). 6 hours of EILA.

Scientists write to make sense of the world by observing, hypothesizing, arguing from evidence, and explaining. This one-hour session explores simple writing routines that strengthen scientific reasoning, build precise academic language, and make student thinking visible. Designed for K-12 science and aligned with phenomena based instruction, these strategies fit into everyday lessons and take minutes, not class periods. Leave with tools you can use in your classroom tomorrow. Format: Virtual (Zoom) - 1 hour of PD credit provided - Zoom link sent prior to the session.