From professional development to graduate hours, CSDGKC offers free training and opportunities to member districts
Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City recently wrapped up an impactful year of professional development with more meaningful sessions planned for 2026-27. This professional development is designed to keep school employees on the cutting edge and features opportunities for administrators, teachers and support staff. It is offered through CSD’s Professional Development Network.
More than 100 participants attended sessions such as Conscious Discipline, held last November at the Raytown School District; Messy to Meaningful Conversations, emphasizing difficult conversations and held over three dates in early 2026 at the Independence School District; and the Raymore-Peculiar School District invited the CSDGKC member districts to attend their second annual Innovation Summit, featuring innovative practices to educate our future.
The University of Central Missouri and the Lee’s Summit School District are launching Summer Stretch, scheduled for July 6-9 in Lee’s Summit. This free professional development includes four full days of training with around five options each day. Participants are welcome to attend one, two, three or four days with lunch provided.
Attendees at the Summer Stretch also have the opportunity to earn free graduate credit from the University of Central Missouri with CSDGKC funding up to the first 90 graduate credits earned. Once these 90 hours are filled, additional participants may register and attend the free professional development and individually pay for their own college credits if they desire.
The Professional Development Network will continue to support “push-in” professional development by delivering training to member districts’ schools. At these site-based events, educators are able to share their collective expertise with peers while combining resources. Schools also benefit from the local professional development since teachers spend less time away from their classrooms.
These valuable opportunities are made possible thanks to the school districts providing space and hosting the sessions. CSDGKC also recognizes the following Professional Development Network Executive Board members who are directing this critical effort:
Kristen Merrell – Lee’s Summit
Tyler Britt – Raytown
Jasmine Briedwell – Park Hill
Prissy LeMay – Grandview
Pam Boatright - Independence
Becky Nace – Kansas City
Brett Lyon – Blue Springs
Becky Kroenke – North Kansas City
Andrea Wilson – Liberty
Kristel Barr – Raymore-Peculiar