The Bobbie Solley Center for Excellence in Teaching (BSCET) is supported by input from experienced professionals who are working in the field of education. Utilizing the mantra, “Reaching Students, Empowering Teachers, Transforming Instruction”, the center’s mission is to develop teacher and school leaders committed to making a positive impact on student learning and fostering high student academic achievement for diverse student populations. The BSCET Board of Directors and Advisory Council provide relevant insight to the needs of public and private educators from across the state and beyond to fuel the work of the center.
Professional development activities are always free of charge for attendees and will use a variety of innovative methods, including coaching, mentoring, seminars, workshops, diversity sensitivity training and many others. Building on partnerships already established with Chester County Schools, Columbia Academy and Middle Tennessee Christian School, the center seeks to develop additional partnerships throughout West Tennessee and eventually in other regions of the state and beyond.
Please see below for upcoming professional development opportunities.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
In order to receive a certificate of completion, we kindly request that for virtual sessions your camera is enabled and that you are present for the duration of the session.
Upon completion of each session a personalized certificate is emailed to you with the session title, name of presenter(s), date, and number of professional development hours noted.
VIRTUAL SESSION:
September 25, 2025
3:15 – 4:15pm (CT)
Presenter:
Sarah Hibbett
Director, Bobbie Solley Center for Excellence in Teaching
Freed-Hardeman University
Session Description:
Discover Total Participation Techniques – simple, powerful strategies that move every student from passive observer to active thinker. Instead of relying on just a few raised hands, you’ll learn how to design lessons that invite all students to participate, process, and share their ideas. The result: a classroom culture where every voice is valued and deeper learning takes root.
Intended Audience: Anyone who leads groups of learners in any setting, at any level.
Registration Link: Meeting time has already passed
This training will be presented in two IN-PERSON sessions at Freed-Hardeman University.
(Prior to the event, an email will be sent with information regarding speaking parking and specific location of the training.)
Part 1: September 29, 2025
3:00 pm – 6:30 pm (CT)
Part 2: October 6, 2025
3:00 pm – 6:30 pm (CT)
Presenter:
James Cook, MS, CAT
Co-Occurring Disorders Specialist
Region IV Mental Health Services
Session Description:
Prepare your campus to address mental health and substance use challenges commonly experienced in higher education settings. Developed by people who have experienced mental health challenges and mental health professionals, this course teaches early intervention techniques and improves mental health literacy to help you understand, identify and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Our engaging training program will help you decrease stigma, address tough challenges, and allow your students, professors, and other school staff to show up fully in their daily lives and support those around them.
Intended Audience: Anyone who works with college students in a campus community.
Upon completion of both sessions of the training, you will receive Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education certification, valid for three years. Also, you will receive a certificate verifying 7 professional development hours.
A materials fee of $18.95 will be collected on the day of training. This fee includes the cost of your manual, which you will keep for future use. Additional details about payment options will be shared with you by email.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
The Conversation Playbook: Skills for Difficult Conversations (Session 1)
September 30, 2025
3:15 pm – 4:15pm (CT)
Presented by: Amanda Box
Box Communications
Austin, TX Intended
Session Description:
One of the most difficult things to do is speak up during an uncomfortable situation. With a strong focus on credibility, pocket phrases, and strategy for difficult conversations, participants will learn to speak up with confidence. Learning and applying good communication skills to be more tactful and diplomatic builds credibility and prepares you to meet interpersonal and work challenges head-on. These skills help you deliver positive and negative feedback, deal with difficult people, and handle uncomfortable situations like a pro.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
The Conversation Playbook: Skills for Difficult Conversations (Session 2)
October 7, 2025
3:15 pm – 4:15pm (CT)
Presented by: Amanda Box
Box Communications
Austin, TX Intended
Session Description:
Conflict doesn’t have to derail relationships or productivity. In this training, participants will learn practical strategies to prevent conflict before it escalates. Through interactive discussion and real-world examples, we’ll explore how clear communication, emotional intelligence, and credibility can reduce misunderstandings and build stronger trust. Participants will walk away with tools to anticipate challenges, address issues early, and foster a culture of respect and collaboration—turning potential conflicts into opportunities for growth.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has Already Passed
The Conversation Playbook: Skills for Difficult Conversations (Session 3)
October 14, 2025
3:15 pm – 4:15pm (CT)
Presented by: Amanda Box
Box Communications
Austin, TX Intended
Session Description:
Conflict can feel unpredictable, but it often follows recognizable patterns if you know the X’s and O’s. In this training, participants will learn how to spot early warning signs in conversations and respond before tension escalates. By developing awareness of communication cues and practicing proven strategies, you’ll lower stress, prevent unnecessary clashes, and strengthen trust. The result is greater confidence, healthier relationships, and more effective collaboration in any setting.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has Already Passed
The Conversation Playbook: Skills for Difficult Conversations (Session 4)
October 21, 2025
3:15 pm – 4:15pm (CT)
Presented by: Amanda Box
Box Communications
Austin, TX Intended
Session Description:
In this session, we will focus on the “what, when, and how” of communication in tough situations. Participants will learn a step-by-step process to prepare for and analyze difficult conversations, then apply a simple, proven structure for responding with clarity and confidence. This practical framework takes the guesswork out of high-stakes discussions and outsmarts ending a conversation with “Whatever.”
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
VIRTUAL SESSION:
October 23, 2025
3:15 – 4:15 pm (CT)
Presenter:
Meridith Myers
Session Description:
This one-hour session will help teachers make sense of how the TCAP assessment, the Instructional Practice Guide (IPG), and their high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) connect. Together, we will unpack the key expectations in each, identify areas of overlap, and highlight where gaps often appear. Teachers will leave with practical strategies for aligning lesson design and instruction so students are prepared to meet standards, succeed on TCAP, and grow as readers and writers.
Intended Audience: ELA teachers in grades 3-10.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
VIRTUAL SESSION:
October 30, 2025
3:15 – 4:15 pm (CT)
Presenter:
Dr. Michael Pigg
Session Description:
In this session, participants will examine ways that academic feedback practices can both positively and negatively impact student learning. Join us as we consider how to deliver accurate, motivating, and actionable feedback to our students, as well as teach students to give meaningful feedback to one another.
Intended Audience: All educators.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
*The Conversation Playbook: Skills for Difficult Conversations
Virtual Sessions ~ NO COST to you
We encourage you to register for and attend all four sessions in this series. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to join every session, we still hope you’ll take part in as many of these inspiring hours of professional learning as you can.
Reminder: Every session has its own registration link.
Presented by: Amanda Box
Box Communications
Austin, TX Intended
Audience: EVERYONE If you’re a human who interacts with other humans—you’re invited to attend these FREE, VIRTUAL, HIGH-QUALITY professional learning opportunities focused on conflict resolution.
This series is designed to equip educators with knowledge and strategies to better understand and support students with dyslexia at every stage of their learning journey. These sessions provide practical tools and insights to help educators meet the needs of students with dyslexia from early childhood through the upper grades.
VIRTUAL SESSION:
November 6, 2025
3:15 – 4:15 pm (CT)
Presenter:
Kailey Milam
Session Description:
Gain a foundational understanding of dyslexia, including its characteristics, myths, and the impact it has on student learning.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
This series is designed to equip educators with knowledge and strategies to better understand and support students with dyslexia at every stage of their learning journey. These sessions provide practical tools and insights to help educators meet the needs of students with dyslexia from early childhood through the upper grades.
VIRTUAL SESSION:
November 13, 2025
3:15 – 4:15 pm (CT)
Session Description:
Explore developmentally appropriate practices and early intervention strategies to help young learners build essential literacy skills.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
VIRTUAL SESSION:
November 18, 2025
3:15 – 4:15 pm (CT)
Presenter:
Dr. Michael Pigg
Session Description:
In this session, participants will examine ways in which the language of our math instruction and feedback can have a significant positive or negative impact on students’ mindsets toward mathematical learning.
Intended Audience: 3rd-12th grade math educators.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
This series is designed to equip educators with knowledge and strategies to better understand and support students with dyslexia at every stage of their learning journey. These sessions provide practical tools and insights to help educators meet the needs of students with dyslexia from early childhood through the upper grades.
VIRTUAL SESSION:
November 20, 2025
3:15 – 4:15 pm (CT)
Session Description:
Learn evidence-based instructional approaches and classroom supports to foster reading success and confidence in older students.
Registration Link: Meeting Time has already passed
