Videos of Canvas Trainings

On August 30, you were provided a menu of options to increase your proficiency in Canvas. Attached are links to three of the trainings available. Each video is less than 30 minutes, and we hope you are able to take advantage of the opportunities for learning and reflection they provide.

Leveraging Canvas to Increase Engagement

You’ve mastered the basics of Canvas — now you want to step up your game. This course will review the basics but go deeper with each so you can see how using the same tool in different ways can help scaffold learning and also build up to higher-order thinking skills and promote more engagement with your students.

Instructors: Leah Boon and Melissa Morris


Student Centered Voice and Choice

Learn how to make the shift of instruction to a student-centered approach where the role of the learner moves from receiver of learning to active participant.  You will learn about a variety of digital learning tools to enhance learning in Canvas. All of these tools promote the 4Cs for students: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. 

Instructors: Lisa Meredith and Bekki Tucker


Equity with Canvas

Easy, readily applicable Canvas features you can use right now to make your classes more engaging and equitable, your grading easier and more accurate, and your life more fulfilling! (OK, at least a little less stressful?)

Instructor: Christie McCormick

Why Should I Teach Controversial Subjects in the Classroom?

Where does Bend La Pine stand on teaching controversial subjects? 

Are you covered?

One-in-four teachers reported being told by school officials to limit their speech about race or racism (Rand Corporation, 2022). The following post takes us through Bend La Pine’s commitment to critical thinking and protecting your work as a educator.

Why should I teach topics that are controversial subjects in my classroom? 

  • Because I align my teaching to state and district standards.
  • Because I believe in teaching my students to think critically.
  • Because I am interested in and value the perspectives of all demographic groups.
  • Are you an ally?
  • Are you an abolitionist? 

Does Bend La Pine support teaching controversial subjects? 

  • Yes, when the lesson align teaching with State and District standards
    • All core subject areas have standards that address argumentation and critical thinking.  Sample 
  • Yes, if your material selection is in scope with the following Board policy on materials/resource selection in your classroom.
  • Additionally Bend La Pine has take this Equity Stance
    • Bend La Pine “…honors the different political beliefs, social values, and lived experiences our students, families, and staff bring to our classrooms and district. Our equity stance intentionally invites different values and viewpoints, as long as they do not promote racism, hate, or discrimination.”

LEAD Cohort Guidance

The LEAD cohort has developed a checklist that can help you prepare the climate and culture of your classroom for difficult conversations. No one, including our students, like to be brought into a difficult conversation that they are unprepared (cognitively or psychologically) to be discussing. Each of us bring our unique and personal experience to the classroom. Each experience has value that has led us to hold our values. This Preparation Checklist can help to honor everyone’s voice.