KPI Events

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We invite you to join KSBRC on Tuesday, October 20th at 3:30 PM (CDT) for a conversation with leaders from the Louisiana Department of Education about Let Teachers Teach, a teacher-driven initiative designed to remove unnecessary barriers so teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning.

Launched in 2024, the initiative brought together more than two dozen Louisiana educators to identify practices, requirements, and classroom challenges that were making it more difficult for teachers to do their jobs effectively. Their work resulted in 18 recommendations addressing professional learning, required trainings, student behavior and discipline, non-academic responsibilities, curriculum and instruction, and lesson planning. Those recommendations have since helped shape changes in Louisiana law, state board policy, and Department of Education guidance. Louisiana Department of Education

During the webinar, participants will hear how Louisiana gathered teacher input, translated that feedback into specific recommendations, and moved from recommendations to implementation. The discussion will also give Kansas superintendents and school board members an opportunity to consider a similar question in their own districts: What requirements, policies, or practices could be reconsidered so teachers can spend more time focused on teaching and student learning?

Panelists:

Ashley Townsend serves as Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs at the Louisiana Department of Education. During her time with LDOE, she has coordinated efforts across divisions to respond to legislative acts and state board initiatives through student-centered policy development aimed at improving educational outcomes for Louisiana students. Townsend is a National Board Certified Teacher with 19 years of classroom teaching experience across subject areas and grade levels in both Louisiana and Alabama.

Dr. Jenna Chiasson serves the Louisiana Department of Education as Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. During her tenure in this role, Dr. Chiasson led support for educators and families through the pandemic that minimized learning loss and, in some subjects, led to student growth, as measured by NAEP. She has collaborated with policy makers, industry partners, and education leaders to transform early literacy instruction across almost 200 school systems.

Prior to joining the Department, Dr. Chiasson began her career as a high school English teacher in Louisiana. She served as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for Jefferson Parish Schools, the largest public school system in Louisiana. In this role, Dr. Chiasson led the district-wide adoption of high quality instructional materials, standardized a model for school level teacher coaches, and built sustainable practices in teacher-led professional development. Dr. Chiasson also previously served in other school system roles in St. John the Baptist Parish, leading work in curriculum and instruction, professional development, and school improvement.

Dr. Chiasson earned a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Nicholls State University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Reading Specialist from Nicholls State University, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of New Orleans.

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Join us on Tuesday, November 10th at 12:00 PM (CST) for a webinar with Donald Berner, Kansas Attorney specializing in Employment & Labor law.

This webinar will explore how school boards and district leaders can enter negotiations with a clear understanding of their priorities, communicate effectively, identify areas of common ground, and work through difficult issues while keeping student learning and academic achievement at the center of the conversation.

Teacher negotiated agreements can be challenging for school boards and district leaders, particularly when priorities, expectations, and perspectives differ. The discussion will focus on practical tools, real-world experience, and collaborative approaches that can help school boards, administrators, and teachers move toward solutions that support effective teaching, responsible stewardship of district resources.

The goal is not simply to reach an agreement, but to build a collaborative process that strengthens relationships, supports teachers, and creates the conditions for lasting improvements in academic achievement.

Panelist:

Don Berner has more than 25 years of experience providing advice and counsel to employers on a wide range of matters involving the employment relationship. Don is known for his vast experience in dealing with labor law matters involving employer/union relationships. His years of experience and practical problem-solving skills provide him the ability to negotiate collective bargaining agreements on behalf of his clients that ensure workforce stability, effective relationships with labor, operational flexibility, and the ability to meet productivity and profitability goals.

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