Remote K-12 Professional Development That Feels Face-to-Face

When schools first started asking for remote professional development, I had a concern: could I deliver the same experiential, high-energy SIOP® training through a screen that I deliver in person? Could teachers really pair-share, do gallery walks, and collaborate in breakout rooms with the same intensity?

The answer - after training over 1,500 educators remotely - is yes. Our remote K-12 professional development is live, interactive, and built on the same principles as our onsite SIOP® training. It's not a webinar. It's not a pre-recorded module. It's a real-time, collaborative learning experience where teachers are engaged from start to finish.

Most remote PD is sit-and-get with a camera on. Ours isn't. Here's what makes our online K-12 professional development different:

It's live and interactive. Every session is conducted in real time on Zoom with Dr. John Kongsvik. Teachers participate in model lessons, breakout room discussions, cooperative learning activities, and real-time Q&A. If it can be done in a classroom, we've figured out how to do it on Zoom.

It's experiential. Teachers don't watch me talk about SIOP® strategies - they experience them as learners. The same pair-share, think-pair-share, sentence starters, and cooperative learning structures we teach are the structures we use during the training itself. Teachers feel what it's like to be a student in a well-designed lesson.

It's practical and immediate. Every strategy teachers learn can be used in their classroom - remote or traditional - the very next day. No adaptation needed. No extra prep time required.

We offer all of our K-12 staff development programs in a remote format:

SIOP® Training (1-day, 2-day, or 4-day) - The full SIOP® model delivered live on Zoom. Same model lessons, same strategies, same energy.

TESOL Strategies - Eight powerful TESOL strategies for teaching multilingual learners, delivered in an interactive one-day or two-day format.

Engaging Students - Practical techniques for keeping K-12 students engaged 90-100% of class time, including sentence starters, cooperative structures, and active participation strategies.

Scaffolding - The four types of scaffolding and the Gradual Release of Responsibility, with hands-on practice.

English Learner Institute (ELI) - Our flagship remote SIOP® professional development online course. Four one-day sessions covering the full framework. Next session: June 8-11, 2026.
iCOACH Peer Coaching - Structured peer observation and feedback that boosts PD implementation from 10% to 90%.

'Just... WOW. In my 10+ years in education, I can honestly say this was by far the most profound PD I've ever participated in... and it was virtual!'

'TESOL Trainers' online SIOP® training was just what we needed. We're seeing the difference in our ELLs' engagement and comprehension already.' - K-12 Administrator

'Dr. Kongsvik delivered the best PD I have ever had! I took away more strategies than I thought I would!'

Q: Is remote PD as effective as in-person training?

Yes. Our remote SIOP® training uses the same experiential approach as our onsite PD. Teachers participate in model lessons, breakout discussions, and collaborative activities in real time. Over 1,500 educators have rated our remote PD 5 stars.

Q: What technology do I need?

A computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection, webcam, and microphone. All sessions use Zoom. We recommend a laptop or desktop for the best experience.

Q: Can remote PD be customized for our school?

Absolutely. We tailor content to your calendar, grade levels, and instructional priorities.

Q: How long are remote training sessions?

Each session runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM Eastern with a 45-minute lunch break. Programs range from one day to four days.

Q: Is this the same as the SIOP® professional development online course?

Yes. Our English Learner Institute is our online SIOP® course. It covers the same content as our onsite training, delivered live and interactively via Zoom.