NTN plans Election Day math training for school support staff

National Training Network will host two virtual professional learning sessions on Nov. 3 for paraprofessionals and educators who support multilingual learners in math. The offerings aim to fill a gap in role-specific math development as schools look for ways to improve student outcomes.

Why it matters: - Paraprofessionals and educators who support multilingual learners help students access mathematics and reinforce classroom instruction. - Role-specific math professional development is often hard to find for those staff members. - The need is pressing: 39% of fourth-grade students scored at or above NAEP Proficient in mathematics on the 2024 Nation’s Report Card.

What happened: - National Training Network said it will offer two live, virtual professional learning sessions on Nov. 3. - One session is for elementary paraprofessionals supporting multiplication instruction in grades 3-5. - The other is for K-12 educators supporting ELL/MLL students in mathematics. - Schools can use Election Day, when it is designated as a teacher workday, professional learning day or student holiday in some districts, as a training opportunity. - The sessions are scheduled for educators who want practical strategies they can use immediately with students.

The details: - Both sessions focus on applied math support, not general professional development. - Participants will receive documentation for 3 CTLE credit hours in states where NTN is an approved continuing education provider, including New York and North Carolina. - On-demand options will be available after Election Day for schools that do not have Nov. 3 as a professional learning day or for educators who cannot attend live. - NTN says schools and districts can learn more about registration through the company’s announcement. - Nicole Powers, CEO of NTN, is available for interviews.

Between the lines: - The announcement reflects a broader shift from one-size-fits-all staff training toward role-specific learning. - NTN is positioning paraprofessionals and multilingual-learner support staff as part of the strategy to improve math achievement, not just classroom teachers. - The timing around Election Day gives districts a built-in staff development window without adding an extra instructional day.

What's next: - Schools and districts can register for the Nov. 3 sessions. - NTN will make recorded or on-demand options available after the live event. - The company is expected to continue promoting math-focused professional learning for support staff and multilingual learner educators.

The bottom line: - NTN is using Election Day to turn a common school calendar break into targeted math training for staff who often get overlooked in professional development.