Professional Growth
OT Professional Development for Educators
How to support students in your classroom using OT strategies
Presented by AIU Occupational Therapists
Discover practical OT strategies that help students build independence, improve participation, and thrive in the classroom. Our workshops, led by experienced school-based therapists, provide hands-on approaches you can apply right away.
- No cost to attend
- Act 48 credits may be earned
- Strategies align with MTSS Tier 1 supports
- Location may be virtual or on site
- All sessions are customizable to fit your needs
- Additional topics are available upon request
Explore the possibilities! Please email Jill Smolenski at jill.smolenski@aiu3.net for more information and to schedule your session.
In-Person Opportunity
The OT team has selected this event as an in-person training opportunity. There are two dates available. Act 48 credits may be earned, and there is no cost to attend. Please register below or email Jill Smolenski at jill.smolenski@aiu3.net for more information
Sensory Smarts: Understanding and Supporting Students’ Needs in the Educational Setting
Step into your students’ shoes and experience the world through a sensory lens. In this interactive, engaging session, we’ll explore how sensory processing impacts learning, behavior, and engagement in the classroom. From wiggly bodies to sensitive ears, we’ll uncover the why behind students’ sensory needs and provide practical, easy-to-implement strategies to create a sensory-friendly learning environment. Whether you’re navigating sensory-seekers, avoiders, or in-betweeners, this session will help you build a toolkit of sensory smarts to support focus, regulation, and academic success for all learners. Get ready for hands-on activities, real-world solutions, and a fresh perspective on sensory processing!
Date: Wednesday, November 19 or Friday, March 6
Location: AIU Central Office
Get Active! Designing Playful Fine Motor Activities, Games, and Centers for the Elementary Classroom
Get ready to put your hands to work! This session will introduce you to a world of hands-on, interactive activities designed to build students’ fine motor skills while keeping them engaged and excited. Whether your students are struggling with writing, cutting, or zipping up their jackets, this workshop will equip you with fun, playful strategies to help develop those essential skills. From sensory-friendly games to creative challenges, you’ll learn how to make fine motor practice a dynamic and enjoyable part of your classroom routine. It’s time to get students moving their hands and brains—because when fine motor skills are strong, learning soars!
Write on! Empowering Students with Handwriting Support
Get ready for a fun and interactive session where teachers will discover practical strategies and tools to help students conquer writing struggles in the classroom. We will dive into the key strategies, techniques, and tools that help students develop legible, confident handwriting. Through hands-on activities, exciting resources, and expert insights, you’ll be ready to overcome handwriting hurdles and inspire every student to excel on their writing journey!
Level Up Learning: Executive Function Hacks for Teachers
Get ready to power up your teaching game! In this hands-on session, we’ll explore fun and effective ways to boost students’ executive function skills—the brain’s ultimate control center for focus, organization, and self-regulation. Students need strategies to level up their ability to plan, manage time, and stay on task. You’ll walk away with classroom-ready hacks, engaging activities, and simple routines that make executive function fun and accessible for all learners.