Earlier this month, over 400 educators came together for an energizing 3-day ISANA-wide Professional Development event to kick off preparations for the 2025–26 school year! Here are just a few highlights: 📌 A warm and motivating welcome from Nadia Shaiq (Chief Executive Officer), Raul Alarcon (Chief Academic Officer), and Dr. Rob J. Thrash IV (Director of Pupil Services). 📌 Introduction to our ISANA-wide learning goals, also known as our Big 3, by Raúl Alarcón (Chief Academic Officer), and members of the Academic Team. The goals include School Climate, Academic Excellence, and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. 📌 Launch of our new partnership with Literacy Partners led by Raúl Alarcón (Chief Academic Officer) and Diana Macias (Director of Curriculum & Instruction). 📌 Equity-minded and accommodations-focused sessions highlighted that supporting students with disabilities is central to ISANA’s mission, led by Ifeyinwa Njubigbo, Ed.D (Director of Special Education) and SPED Team. 📌 A sneak peek into this year’s student musical, NEWSIES Jr., from April T. Thomas (Director of Visual and Performing Arts). 📌 An incredible session on Culturally Responsive & Sustaining Pedagogy with Dr. Tyisha Noise (LACOE) and Ann-Marisa Wada (Founder of Rooted Foundations). 📌 Expanded Learning educators participated in professional development focused on building proficiency in grant compliance, lesson planning, operations, and safety procedures, led by Dr. Autrilla Gillis (Director of Expanded Learning). 📌 Live CPR certification class led by Beverly Thompson (Operations Coordinator). 📌 Our team also took part in a live CPR certification class, and we wrapped it all up with some fun giveaways to celebrate everyone's hard work! Engaging, hands-on workshops and unconference sessions organized by our amazing ISANA Academic Team and facilitated by school leaders, staff, and representatives. 🔵 i-Ready Classroom Mathematics 🔵 Teaching Strategies for Creative Curriculum, TK Focused 🔵 Rethinking Homework: Alternatives that Build Mastery 🔵 The Power of Play: Let’s Talk Learning Through Joy Each day ended with fun giveaways to celebrate everyone’s hard work! We’re proud of the incredible energy and dedication our educators bring to our students every day—and this was just the beginning. Here's to an amazing school year!