Training & Professional Development

Training is not required for using the SOAR^® Curriculum, but it is encouraged for schools or districts adopting SOAR^® with 3 or more teachers. Training options include:

• • Online, via Zoom: Eight steps to get started 

• • Live, in-person: Optimize SOAR principles + curriculum in YOUR environment

• • Live, in-person: Customized professional development sessions hosted by the authors of SOAR^®

Online, via Zoom:
Eight steps to get started

By far, our most popular training option for new adoptions, this session is 90-minutes long and answers the following questions:

• How do I log in?
• Materials and supplies: what is included? Is anything more needed? 
• How do I use the curriculum to match my (or my school’s) desired outcomes? 
• What are some different ways I can use the materials to deliver instruction?
• How do I pace lessons?
• What is the most efficient way to plan lessons?
• What are some of the strategies my students will learn?
• How do I assess progress?

This session will accommodate your specific objectives and parameters for delivering the curriculum, such as schedule, use of technology, etc. When scheduling your training session, you will be asked some questions to ensure your trainer is aware of these details.

• Online session with a SOAR- certified trainer: $1,975
• Online session with SOAR author, Susan Kruger Winter, M.Ed.: $3,875

Live, in-person:
Optimize SOAR principles + curriculum in YOUR environment

This training is for districts/schools with specialized initiatives. In-person training sessions cover all of the questions listed above, but are fully customized to demonstrate how the SOAR Curriculum materials and learning principles can be used to meet specific objectives and parameters. 

All sessions include:

• Pre-consultation, to ensure this customized session meets your school or district’s needs.
• For each participant, supplies for all demonstrated strategies.
• Customized pacing guide for your school/district.

Live, in-person training options*:

• • Training for teachers (3-6 hours, up to 25 teachers): $4950 + travel expenses
    • + Parent session: +$649
    • Each additional 10 people: +$225

• • Training for teachers + student-workshop (one day, up to: 9 hours, 25 teachers, 35 students): $5750 +travel expenses
    • + Parent session: +$649
    • Each additional 10 people: +$225

*Requires purchase of curriculum license

Live, in-person:
Customized professional development sessions hosted by the authors of SOAR

As experts in brain-based learning and literacy, SOAR authors Susan Kruger Winter and Brian Winter are often invited to speak about a wide variety of topics that do not necessarily require use of the SOAR curriculum. 

Topics have included:

• Optimal Learning Strategies Across the Curriculum
• “Shortcuts” to Help Special Education Get Ahead!
• The Eight Problems with Traditional Writing Instruction… and How to Fix Them
• All Educators SHOULD Be Reading Specialists… and Can Be… in Less Than Three Hours

These customized professional development sessions are typically within the same range as the live, in-person sessions listed above, but contact us to share your specific needs and get a confirmed quote.