Office of Professional Learning and High-Quality Instructional Materials

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Professional Learning

Professional learning is the foundation of educator growth and student success. We provide comprehensive and continuous professional learning opportunities and resources that foster communication across MSDE divisions and local education agencies; encourage collaboration; assess impact; and support sustainability.

We recognize school and school system leaders as catalysts for change and we are committed to delivering high-quality professional learning that meets their needs. We offer training, coaching, and networking opportunities designed to support educational leaders in cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within their schools and districts.

Through a comprehensive system of support grounded in Learning Forward's Standards for Professional Learning, we strive to empower all Maryland educators to deepen their knowledge, enhance their practice, and improve student outcomes.


High-Quality Instructional Materials

Instructional materials are of utmost importance in ensuring equitable learning experiences for Maryland students. Students deserve the opportunity to engage with rigorous content that builds a strong foundation for their educational journey and empowers them with essential learning skills. The design of quality instructional materials offers students engagement with worthy and complex texts, tasks, and learning experiences which foster critical thinking abilities, language development, and amplify student voice and agency. Additionally, these materials prioritize the affirmation of students’ cultural and linguistic identities, attending to inclusive learning communities that connect education to their real-world experiences.


Digital Learning/School Library Media

The Digital Learning and School Library Media Branch (DLSLM) supports and partners with educators to empower and prepare learners for success in a technologically advanced world.

Digital learning, a transformative element in modern education, uses digital tools to facilitate teaching and learning. It expands the reach and accessibility of educational content, enabling personalized learning experiences that can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of students. The integration of digital tools and resources into classroom instruction is not just a trend, but a necessity to support and enhance student learning experiences. DLSLM spearheads initiatives to enhance digital literacy, provide equitable access to educational technology, and support educators in leveraging digital tools to create engaging and effective learning environments. By offering comprehensive professional development, cutting-edge resources, and tailored support, DLSLM ensures that schools are prepared to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century learners.

The DLSLM Branch is a champion of school library media centers, which serve as equitable, welcoming, and flexible spaces that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all essential for college and career success. The Branch takes the lead in developing and implementing library media programs, ensuring their alignment with state educational standards and equipping them with a rich array of digital and print resources. Moreover, it plays a vital role in educating the broader community about the pivotal role of libraries in education and their significance as knowledge and learning hubs within the school community. By providing professional development opportunities and guidance on best practices, the Branch empowers school library media specialists to cultivate literacy and a passion for reading.





Contact:

Dr. Elise Brown
Executive Director of Professional Learning and HQIM, Office of Teaching and Learning
Office: (410) 767-0503
elise.brown@maryland.gov

Sue Baile
Operational Coordinator, Office of Teaching and Learning
Office: (410) 767-0279
sue.baile@maryland.gov