Learning Opportunities for Support Professionals

Transcription

1 Learning Opportunities for Support Professionals The Office of Human Resources and Development is offering the following Supporting Services training for the school year. Note: The numbers in parentheses next to each listing refer to the core competencies addressed by that particular training. Register for classes using Professional Development Online (PDO). Here s how: 1. Go to the MCPS home page on the Internet at 2. Type PDO in the white search box on the upper right side of the screen, and click on the magnifying glass icon. 3. On the next screen, click on Professional Development Online (PDO). This will bring you to the PDO site. 4. You will now be at the Welcome screen. Enter your user name and password and click on Login. Use the same user name and password you use to log into Outlook. 5. On the PDO Home Page, look for the Search box in the bottom left part of the screen. Type a key word or words from the training title you want into the Search box OR type in the Course Number in the Search box. You do not need to do both. Click on Search. You may have to scroll down a little to see the Search button. 6. A list of course titles will appear. When you find the course you are looking for, click on View All Sections in the box to the right of the title you want. 7. On the next screen, you will see a list of available sections. Click on the SectionTitle of one or more sections to see more information, such as the class location. Click on BACK in the upper left of the screen to go back to the course listing to view the other sections. 8. To the left of each section, you will see a Register button if seats are available. Click on the Register button. The next screen will show you the section for which you registered. Click on Next. The final screen confirms your registration. 9. For assistance, click on the HELP tab in the upper right corner of the screen, or call the Help Desk at If you have questions about the training listed in this document, contact Linda Gray at Linda_B_Gray@mcpsmd.org Page 1 of 8

2 SUPPORTING THE SEVEN CORE COMPETENCIES Title Date and Time Location Description Business English Grammar (2,5,7) Oct 6, 9 am to 4pm Feb 9, 9 am to 4 pm May 10, 9 am to 4 pm Build skills to project a professional image, on paper and orally, by using appropriate language without errors in grammar, usage, and punctuation. This class is a prerequisite to Proofreading and Effective Writing. This is a one day class for office workers. Course #50702 Calming the Angry Customer (1, 3, 4, 5) Apr 5, 9:30 to 11:30 am Like it or not, your career may ultimately depend on how people feel about you. Difficult customers can deflate your self-confidence and take a toll on your sanity. This workshop offers opportunities to develop the steady selfcontrol that customers respond to with respect. Course #85313 The Challenging Customer (1, 3, 4, 5) Dec 3, 1 to 4 pm Apr 14, 1 to 4 pm This course will provide employees with a better understanding of the importance of their role as helpers to the public as well as develop skills and techniques for resolving confrontational situations with internal and external customers. Couse #50704 Communicating Services Across Cultural Lines Oct 22, 1 to 4 pm Mar 9, 1 to 4 pm Participants will explore the impact of diversity on customer service delivery, including communication styles and relationship building across cultures. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn and practice communication skills and develop a strategic plan for adapting and incorporating cross-cultural customer service into their school or office. Course #54219 Creative Problem Solving for the Supervisor (4, 5, 7) Nov 11, 1 to 4 pm Mar 23, 1 to 4 pm This class is designed to help participants discover and reduce personal and environmental barriers to being more creative at work and in problem solving situations. Through facilitator-led discussions and exercises, participants will learn the principles of basic creativity as well as techniques for effective problem solving. Course #50708 Delivering Customer Service Excellence Mar 28, 9:30 to 11:30 am Delivering Unbeatable Customer Service Oct 13, 9 am to noon Feb 11, 9 am to noon Enhance your skills in developing and maintaining relationships with customers on the telephone. Communicate professionalism to increase customer satisfaction. Course #50711 Effective Writing (2-day class) (2,3,5) Jan 14 & 21, 9 am to 4 pm Apr 4 & 14, 9 am to 4 pm Learn a systematic approach to producing top quality results in a time efficient manner. This class is for office workers who have completed Business English Grammar and Proofreading and are expected to write memos, articles, or reports. This is a 2-day course. Course #50713 Getting Organized (2,6,7) Oct 28, 9 am to noon Feb 23, 9 am to noon May 24, 9 am to noon This half-day workshop helps you organize and prioritize for greater workplace efficiency. The workshop is full of ideas for organizing your work area and your paperwork and working on the "right" things. Course #51496 Page 2 of 8

3 Managing Your Time: Maximizing Your Potential (2,6,7) Nov 4, 10 am to noon May 26, 10 am to noon This interactive workshop will provide an overview of many of the core issues related to time management. In this workshop, we will examine: your time management goals; obstacles to effective time management; time management strategies; and prioritizing. Course #53676 Punctuation According to the MCPS Editorial Style Guide Oct 21, 9 am to 4 pm Feb 24, 9 am to 4 pm May 25, 9 am to 4 pm URSC, Room F Review the rules of punctuation using the MCPS Editorial Style Guide as the reference. This class is an excellent opportunity to brush up on an essential writing skill. Course # (2,5) Proofreading (2,5) Mar 3, 9 am to 4pm June 2, 9 am to 4 pm Supplement basic knowledge of grammar and punctuation learned in Business English Grammar. Learn practical methods for proofreading and editing to improve skills and reduce errors. For supporting services employees who have completed Business English Grammar. Completion of this class is a prerequisite for Effective Writing. Course #50736 Providing Services to County Residents Dec 2, 1 to 4 pm Apr 21, 1 to 4 pm This class addresses the front-line employee who ultimately determines the quality level of customer service in our schools and offices. The goal is to make sure that all points of customer contact- those moments of truth - occur in the best way possible. Course #85294 Punctuation According to the MCPS Editorial Style Guide Feb 24, 9 am to 4 pm May 5, 9 am to 4 pm Review the rules of punctuation using the MCPS Editorial Style Guide as the reference. This class is an excellent opportunity to brush up on an essential writing skill. Course # (2,5) School Finance Workshop for Aspiring Financial Agents (2, 3) Mar 23, 9 am to noon June 21, 9 am to noon This class will deliver an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the school financial agent and basic management of funds. Who are school financial agents? School financial agents are principals, school business administrators, school financial specialists, elementary school administrative secretaries, and any assistant principals or other support professionals involved in the handling/management of Independent Activity Funds. Course # Time Management Through Self- Management (2, 6, 7) Dec 10, 9 am to 4 pm Apr 7, 9 am to 4 pm Managing Time would be easy in a perfect environment, but what about the imperfect? This class gives you practical techniques for controlling time and making it manageable. Course # Workplace Etiquette and Professionalism Feb 17, 10 am to noon May 17, 10 am to noon June 1, 10 am to noon Examine the behaviors that demonstrate professionalism in any workplace and the rules of etiquette that foster positive workplace relationships. Course # (3,4,5) Page 3 of 8

4 Writing for Business Dec 10, 9 am to noon May 19, 9 am to noon, Suite 102, Suite 102 This class helps participants learn and practice critical writing tips and techniques appropriate to any mode of communication ( , letter, etc.). Emphasis is placed on using clear, concise language to meet the needs of readers. Course #85300 Writing for Leaders (24 hours over 8 evenings) Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec 8 and 15 4:30 to 7:30 pm 45 W. Gude, Maple Room Writing well is an essential skill for all MCPS leaders. Writing for Leaders is a 24-hour course designed to help leaders learn the writing process and identify helpful tools that work best for them. In order to complete the course, participants will produce writing samples that reflect the types of writing required in their respective positions. Each participant will receive one-on-one assistance in meeting the standards for each type of document assigned. Course # SUPERVISORY TRAINING 7 Habits of Highly Effective Supervisors The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Supervisors - Successful supervisors share many common traits such as a positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic. This presentation will provide an overview of these and other characteristics important to employee engagement, productivity, & retention, and outline several strategies for integrating these traits into your management style. Course # Becoming a Skilled Coach Apr 18, 9:30 to 11:30 am Being a coach is different from being a supervisor or manager. To be a good coach, you have to have people who want to be coached by you. In this session, we ll review ways you can earn the kind of respect you need from you employees, in order to have the most successful coaching relationships. Course #85314 Coaching Difficult Employee Performance May 17, 9:30 to 11:30 am All organizations at some point will have in their employ, workers who are dissatisfied, disaffected and difficult to work with. Addressing these employees is challenging both to co-workers and managers. The goal of this workshop is to provide insight into approaches managers can utilize, designed to reduce negative impact on an organization and generate a win-win outcome for both the manager and the employee. For managers and supervisors. Course #85315 Future Leaders Series: Preparing for Promotion (An 8-hour course over 4 mornings) Dec 7, 14, 21, and Jan 11 The purpose of this series of four 2-hour sessions is to provide participants with an opportunity to explore supervisory opportunities within MCPS, examine what is expected of MCPS leaders and supervisors, learn how managers and supervisors got where they are, sharpen interview skills, learn how to create effective resumes and cover letters, and how to use MCPS Careers successfully. Course #64469 Page 4 of 8

5 Delegating Effectively May 16, 9:30 to 11:30 am Effective delegation is one of the well-known secrets of successful supervision. Yet, for many supervisors, effective delegation means re-examining common preconceptions such as "if I want something done right, I have to do it myself," or "granting subordinates additional responsibility will threaten my authority." Successful delegation comes with knowing how to set up control and feedback systems that are appropriate to the task. Course #85317 Fundamentals of Supervision (2- day course) Nov 6 and 13, 9 am to 4 pm Apr 12 and 26, 9 am to 4 pm This 2-day course will present the following modules: Being a Supervisor, Increasing Personal Effectiveness, Improving Work Group Effectiveness, Increased Performance, Building the Team, Making Decisions and Solving Problems, Moving with the Times, Influencing and Managing Change, and Creating an Atmosphere of Public Service. Couse #85290 Giving and Receiving Feedback (4 hours) (2, 3,4,5) Nov 18, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Mar 10, 8:30 am to 12:30pm June 7, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Learning to give and receive feedback at work is an essential skill for individuals looking to grow professionally, build successful relationships with coworkers, and accomplish their goals. Direct communication is a right and a responsibility that we should all share, no matter our role or position. Learn strategies for better communication and coping skills for handling difficult situations in both giving and receiving information. Course #53756 Keeping a Cool Head: A Manager s Guide to Controlling Emotions Under Pressure Sept 16, 10 am to noon Mar 16, 9 to 11 am EOB Lobby Level Auditorium, 101 Monroe St., Rockville Management and Leadership: The Fundamentals Apr 14, 9:30 to 11:30 am Leaders, managers and supervisors wear many hats. Effective managers may have a predominant style, but they are still able to adapt that style when the need arises. In this workshop we discuss ways to wear those many hats effectively, and offer guidance about how to choose a management style that will work in the varied situations that you encounter. Course #85318 Managing Negativity in the Workplace Apr 12, 9:30 to 11:30 am "It won't work." "We've already tried that." "I can't do that." Sound familiar? In organizations, negativity increases friction, lowers morale and reduces productivity. In employees, it leads to lack of motivation, diminished achievement and even illness. An organization doesn't have to accept negativity in the workplace. This workshop provides supervisors with the insights and tools to deal effectively with negativism. Course #85320 Managing Staff through Change and Stress Mar 21, 9:30 to 11:30 am In a world where change is the rule, a set of personal strategies is essential for surviving the stresses related to the chaos in our lives. Many managers and supervisors shy away from the difficulties of managing change because of the people side of chaos. Yet, studies show that leaders must deal with "that personal stuff" to get results. Course #85321 Page 5 of 8

6 Project Management (A 2-day course) (2, 6, 7) Transitioning from Staff Member to Supervisor (2, 3, 4, 5 ) Mar 15 and 29 9 am to 4 pm This 2-day course immerses you in the skills you need to finish every project on time and on budget. The course will introduce you to industry proven tools and techniques of successful project management. Couse #85293 Mar 17, 1 to 4 pm Apr 28, 1 to 4 pm This class is designed to help new supervisors become acquainted with the challenges of their new role, and learn how to build credibility, delegate work, become familiar with the legal considerations for supervisors, and manage time and priorities. Course #85299 CREATING A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT Building the Culture of RESPECT (3 hours) (3,4,5) Oct 27, 9 am to noon Mar 9, 9 am to noon The first purpose of this class is to support the MCPS Culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Compact by cultivating awareness of the attitudes, emotions, and behaviors that create barriers to a culture of respect. The second is to provide self-management and interpersonal skills training that will lead to more openness, more effective communication, greater collaboration, and better management of differences in the workplace. Course #85271 Respecting Race and Culture in the Workplace (1,3,4) Nov 19, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Mar 17, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm June 8, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm This combination conversation/workshop will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions, receive answers, and build skills to work more effectively with our diverse workforce. Course #85658 Interpersonal Communications for the Professional Nov 19, 9 am to 4 pm Mar 24, 9 am to 4 pm This course will provide participants with insights and communication skills that will enhance their working relationships. Course #85292 Positive Communication: Managing Conflict (3,4,5) Dec 16, 9 am to noon May 18, 9 am to noon Conflict is a natural part of life. It can happen with neighbors, family, or coworkers. In this workshop, participants will learn positive communication skills for addressing and resolving conflict. The objectives for this course are: Understand different approaches to conflict; learn and practice active listening skills; learn strategies for effectively communicating your message; know how to manage the emotions that conflict triggers; and practice brainstorming solutions to resolve conflict. Course #53659 Resolving Conflict in the Workplace (3, 4, 5) May 24, 9:30 to 11:30 am Page 6 of 8

7 Stressing the Positive Dec 1, 9 am to noon Learn techniques for creatively managing stress to enhance work and personal competencies and thereby increase job productivity and satisfaction. A half-day class for all support professionals. Course # Today s Diverse Workplace (1, 3, 4) Apr 21, 9 am to noon May 12, 9 am to noon This course is designed to help participants understand their roles in creating a work environment in which differences are viewed as assets. Communication and style differences will be addressed as well as the ways bias, assumptions, and stereotypes can interfere with an employee's ability to participate fully in a diverse workforce. Course #50739 CAREER PLANNING Career Assessment: Planning for the Future (3,5) Oct 14, 9 am to noon Feb 18, 9 am to noon Apr 19, 9 am to noon Are you unsure if you are in the best career? Looking for a new job or just want to know what you can do? Take the assessment test and find out. During the presentation you will learn how to identify your skills and jobs where those skills are valued. The assessment test will help assess your skills, talents and abilities so that you can learn what next steps are best for you. Course #53747 Developing a Professional Portfolio (2,3) Oct 29, 9 am to noon Feb 25, 9 am to noon Apr 6, 9 am to noon Participants will use the seven competencies of our new Supporting Services Professional Growth System to organize and archive a variety of artifacts that demonstrate professional growth and accomplishment. A half-day class for all support professionals. Course #50712 Future Leaders Series: Preparing for Promotion (An 8-hour course over 4 mornings) Dec 7, 14, 21, and Jan 11 The purpose of this series of four 2-hour sessions is to provide participants with an opportunity to explore supervisory opportunities within MCPS, examine what is expected of MCPS leaders and supervisors, learn how managers and supervisors got where they are, sharpen interview skills, learn how to create effective resumes and cover letters, and how to use MCPS Careers successfully. Course #64469 Getting the Job: Preparing for a Successful Interview (2, 3, 5) Mar 22, 5 to 7 pm 45 West Gude Dr., Café 45 Page 7 of 8

8 Understanding Financial Aid (3, 5) Jan 28, 9 am to noon Feb 10, 9 am to noon Do you or a member of your family need money to attend college? This workshop will explain the process to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will also learn which type of grants, scholarships and loans you may qualify for when completing the FAFSA. You will have an opportunity to complete the FAFSA online at this training. Bring your latest tax return and permanent resident number (if applicable) to complete the FAFSA online. If you are interested in discovering about college financial aid for an immediate family member (i.e. your child) you must bring to the course their social security number or permanent resident number, their date of birth, and their latest tax returns to complete the on-line FAFSA forms. Course #53748 There s More! Paraeducators will find opportunities specifically for them on PDO by typing the word para in the title field and selecting Find Courses. IDAs can access their classes by logging in to PDO and typing IDA in the title field and then selecting Find Courses. To find classes that will improve your skills in reading, writing, and speaking English, type Workplace English in the title field and select Find Courses. Coming soon. Computer training listings will be coming out in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on your . If we have to change a location or cancel a class we will notify you through MCPS Outlook. Always check Outlook the night before a class. Core Competencies Our Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS) is based on seven core competencies. These core competencies form the foundation for the continuing work of the SSPGS and reflect the high level of skills and commitment to excellence that is expected of all supporting services personnel. Core Competency 1: Commitment to Students Core Competency 2: Knowledge of Job Core Competency 3: Professionalism Core Competency 4: Interpersonal Core Competency 5: Communication Core Competency 6: Organization Core Competency 7: Problem Solving Don t be a no-show. It is unfair to fellow employees. By holding a slot you will not use, you deprive someone else of the chance to attend. If your plans change and you are unable to attend training, drop the class immediately. Here s how: on the PDO Home Page, look at My Courses in the box on the right. You will see all the classes for which you are registered. To the left of each title is an Actions button. Click on the drop down menu. One of the choices is Withdraw. Click on Withdraw. You will receive an automatic confirming your withdrawal from the class. When you register for training, be sure to check with your supervisor if you plan to attend training that will take place during work hours. Page 8 of 8