Welcome to the Oregon Trail REN Mentor Program. Our goal is to offer the tools, resources, and training that are needed for each district to support their beginning teachers at the highest level. We look forward to working with you as you take on the role of of a mentor. 

The collaborative nature of our program is designed to help mentors gain professional knowledge from training and resources AND from the expertise and experience of other mentors in our region. Mentoring is greatly beneficial to beginning teachers and students.

teachers who have mentors are twice as likely to stay in the profession then those who do not. 

students whose teachers had mentors gained an additional two-five months in reading and math compared to those without mentors.

A 3 hour Foundational Training in September (with a make-up training in early October).

Trainings will be in 3 locations (Hermiston/Umatilla, Pendleton, and La Grande) to meet individual scheduling needs of the mentor teachers.

Monthly 1-3 hour after school meetings (both in person and hybrid) starting in October.

Regular communication with the program lead, Beth Naughton.

***Please note that this event is for MENTORS AND MENTEES.

Welcome to the Oregon Trail REN Mentor Program. Our goal is to offer the tools, resources, and training that are needed for each district to support their beginning teachers at the highest level. We look forward to working with you as you take on the role of of a mentor. 

The collaborative nature of our program is designed to help mentors gain professional knowledge from training and resources AND from the expertise and experience of other mentors in our region. Mentoring is greatly beneficial to beginning teachers and students.

Research shows:

teachers who have mentors are twice as likely to stay in the profession then those who do not. 

students whose teachers had mentors gained an additional two-five months in reading and math compared to those without mentors.

Training commitment includes:

A 3 hour Foundational Training in September (with a make-up training in early October).

Trainings will be in 3 locations (Hermiston/Umatilla, Pendleton, and La Grande) to meet individual scheduling needs of the mentor teachers.

Monthly 1-3 hour after school meetings (both in person and hybrid) starting in October.

Regular communication with the program lead, Beth Naughton.

IMESD Board Work Session

IMESD Board Meeting

Oregon Math Leaders 2025 Conference

August 5-7, 2025 | Oregon State University, Corvallis

Mark your calendars for OML 2025, where we’ll come together to explore the theme:

Illuminating Pathways: Nurturing the Brilliance Within

What to Expect:

1. Inspiring sessions for K-12 teachers, coaches, university instructors, and math leaders.
2. Opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from educators across the state.
3. An engaging keynote speaker whose work has shaped the field of mathematics education.

Save the Date: August 5-7, 2025

Registration Opens: May 1, 2025

There is a registration fee associated with this event. For questions please contact: omlcochairs@gmail.com

Let’s gather in beautiful Corvallis, Oregon, to illuminate brilliance and transform the future of mathematics education.

Conference Details

G.R.O.W. Beginning Teacher Series

Two-Day Workshop | 9:00am – 3:00pm | 10 PDUs

Lunch on your own from 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Kick off your teaching career with clarity, confidence, and community! The G.R.O.W. Beginning Teacher Series is a two-day immersive learning experience designed to equip educators in their first three years with the essential tools and strategies to launch a successful school year.

Developed by IMESD instructional coaches, this dynamic training blends foundational learning with hands-on planning time. Across two engaging days, you’ll participate in interactive sessions, collaborative discussions, and practical workshops.

Day 1

1. Establishing Meaningful Rules & Routines
2. Building Strong Relationships
3. Designing Your Classroom with Purpose
4. Creating a Positive Classroom Environment
5. Effective Communication
6. Setting Goals for a Strong Start

Day 2

1. Lesson Planning
2. Mapping Your Instructional Calendar
3. Planning for the Unexpected: Sub Plans that Work
4. Understanding IEPs & 504s
5. Differentiation Strategies for All Learners

Embedded topics throughout both days include:

1. engagement strategies
2. digital tools
3. movement and brain breaks

By the end of this two-day experience, you’ll walk away with a personalized blueprint for success—ready to implement with confidence as the new school year begins.

Ongoing support continues throughout the year with access to instructional coach classroom visits, learning walks, and personalized coaching. Whether you’re brand new to the classroom or transitioning into a new role, G.R.O.W. offers the foundation, tools, and support to help you thrive.

***If you have any questions regarding the schedule please email ayla.olson@imesd.k12.or.us

Rooted in best practices, this training opportunity will grow beginning teachers through their first three years of teaching. This will include in-person gatherings, classroom visits, and learning walks. Additional supports; such as one-on-one coaching and coaching cycles can also be requested throughout the year. The G.R.O.W. Series is designed by the IMESD instructional coaches with the vision of helping you GROW as a beginning teacher: 

G- set GOALS for your year and celebrate your successes

R - REVIEW your classroom management plan, teaching and learning strategies

O-ORGANIZE your classroom space and communication tools

W- WORKSHOP and collaborate with other beginning teachers

Gen.AI Toolkit Beta Test

ODE is working with regional hubs across the state to test drive a generative AI toolkit for school and classroom use. This session will provide attendees with a preview of the toolkit and gather your feedback on needed improvements before the toolkit launches state-wide later this year.

Tools for Teachers

This hands-on, exploratory workshop will explore various tools designed to support educators in areas such as lesson planning, assessments, content creation, differentiation, communication, and feedback/grading.

Canva keeps getting better—and so can your designs! In this hands-on, two-hour workshop, we’ll explore Canva’s newest features, including Magic Studio AI tools, Canva Sheets and Charts, Coding, and new layouts. Whether you're creating classroom resources, student projects, or professional presentations, you’ll leave inspired and ready to make the most of what Canva has to offer. Bring your device and your creativity—plenty of time is built in to explore and try things out!

FOT- Freshman on Track Teams

This training is designed to support incoming freshmen by providing targeted interventions and strategies aimed at improving their success in high school. As part of this program, F.O.T. teams will be trained in the collaborative inquiry process, enabling them to identify and address the unique needs of your school. Teams will also learn to adopt a strengths-based model that emphasizes advancing the agency of every learner in the system and empowers students, families, and educators. Teams are made up of classroom teachers, interventionists, instructional coaches, counselors, and administrators.

Foundational Days

1. Team Architecture & Roles
2. Historical Data Analysis
3. Best Practice (Behavior, Attendance, Instruction)
4. Inquiry Blue Print & Quarterly Action Plan

Currently Participating High-Schools

1. Ukiah
2. Ione
3. Nixyaawii
4. Elgin
5. Stanfield
6. McLoughlin
7. Weston-McEwen
8. Irrigon
9. Riverside
10. Baker
11. La Grande

INVITE ONLY TRAINING:

Recognizing the importance of mentoring, many school systems provide first‑year teachers with building‑based mentors to guide them through their inaugural professional experience. Research shows that when teacher‑mentors undergo specialized training, they significantly improve novice‑teacher retention rates and classroom performance.

Course Description

Kickstart your mentorship journey with this foundational training designed to equip mentor teachers and administrators with the essential tools, evidence‑based strategies, and practical frameworks needed to launch a sustainable mentorship program.

Brief Summary

During this session, attendees will explore why mentorship is crucial for new‑teacher retention and growth, develop a clear year‑long mentorship plan, and practice adult‑learning strategies such as andragogy and cognitive coaching. Mentors and administrators will learn to build trust through active listening and goal‑setting, navigate multiple resources, and explore different sustainable mentorship models. Participants will also be introduced to a comprehensive toolkit featuring discussion tools, tracking methods, and other supplemental resources, providing them with a solid foundation for becoming confident and effective mentors.

SIOP Overview Training

Description: Sheltered Instruction Strategies will guide participants through the 8 components of the SIOP model and most of the 30 features. The training will support content teachers for sheltering instruction for English Learners and engaging ALL learners. 

Join us for an engaging and practical workshop designed for all educators, Making an IMPACT on Student Learning. This session will explore high-impact, research-backed strategies proven to boost student achievement and engagement across grade levels and content areas. Participants will gain access to valuable resources, experience hands-on application of effective engagement techniques, and collaborate with fellow educators to share ideas and best practices. Whether you're looking to refine your instructional approach or energize your classroom, this workshop offers tools and insights to help you make a lasting impact.

Workshop Times:

9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Lunch on your own

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Earn: 5 PDUs or 5 clock hours towards credit

HD Weddel, former high school principal and long-time administrator, will share strategies for administrators in building a culture of instructional excellence in schools. The training will include the prioritization of tasks for administrators that impact teacher growth and ultimately result in increased academic achievement and success for students.

Presenter: H.D. Weddel, 2014 Oregon Principal of the Year, National Wrestling Hall of Fame 

Meet HD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9c33K7Fay4

Lunch Included

New to Sora? IMESD provides access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks through the Sora app – and this session is designed specifically for those who haven't had a chance to explore it yet. Join us for a friendly and informative introduction to Sora. We'll walk you through the simple steps of setting up the app, browsing the collection, borrowing titles, and even discovering hidden gems. It's easier than you think to access a wealth of reading and listening material. Come see what you've been missing!

Tired of searching endlessly for files in your Google Drive? This session will equip you with the strategies to transform your Drive into a well-organized and efficient asset! This focused 60-minute session dives deep into the art of Google Drive organization, providing you with actionable techniques to conquer digital clutter and establish a system that truly works for you. Learn how to move beyond simply storing files and start leveraging Google Drive as a powerful tool to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow.

IMESD Board Meeting

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
8. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

IMESD Board Meeting

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
8. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

IMESD Board Meeting

This is a time when representatives from each of the OTREN partner districts come together to evaluate, plan, and inform the work of the Oregon Trail REN for the 2025/2026 School Year and beyond.

The mission of our REN is improve professional support for Oregon's public educators with an emphasis on local context to ensure training is responsive to the local strengths and needs of each region.

Our AIM is: By June 2027, 80% of educators will apply learnings from their participation in Oregon Trail Regional Educator Network Programming to improve their practice, grow professionally, and positively impact student learning.

Lunch is provided

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
8. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

IMESD Board Meeting

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
8. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
8. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

This is a time when representatives from each of the OTREN partner districts come together to evaluate, plan, and inform the work of the Oregon Trail REN for the 2025/2026 School Year and beyond.

The mission of our REN is improve professional support for Oregon's public educators with an emphasis on local context to ensure training is responsive to the local strengths and needs of each region.

Our AIM is: By June 2027, 80% of educators will apply learnings from their participation in Oregon Trail Regional Educator Network Programming to improve their practice, grow professionally, and positively impact student learning.

Lunch is provided

IMESD Board Meeting

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
8. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

IMESD Board Meeting

This is a time when representatives from each of the OTREN partner districts come together to evaluate, plan, and inform the work of the Oregon Trail REN for the 2025/2026 School Year and beyond.

The mission of our REN is improve professional support for Oregon's public educators with an emphasis on local context to ensure training is responsive to the local strengths and needs of each region.

Our AIM is: By June 2027, 80% of educators will apply learnings from their participation in Oregon Trail Regional Educator Network Programming to improve their practice, grow professionally, and positively impact student learning.

Lunch is provided

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
8. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

IMESD Board Meeting

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. March: AI for Visual Learning
8. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
9. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

IMESD Board Meeting

This is a time when representatives from each of the OTREN partner districts come together to evaluate, plan, and inform the work of the Oregon Trail REN for the 2025/2026 School Year and beyond.

The mission of our REN is improve professional support for Oregon's public educators with an emphasis on local context to ensure training is responsive to the local strengths and needs of each region.

Our AIM is: By June 2027, 80% of educators will apply learnings from their participation in Oregon Trail Regional Educator Network Programming to improve their practice, grow professionally, and positively impact student learning.

Lunch is provided

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals

🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders

🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI

🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

1. September: Teaching AI Literacy: Helping Students Think Critically About AI
2. October: AI for Lesson Planning: Work Smarter, Not Harder
3. November: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
4. December: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
5. January: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
6. February: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
7. April: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
8. May: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

IMESD Board Meeting

IMESD Board Meeting

IMESD Board Work Session