Professional Learning Series
Available free, tailored to Texas middle and high school educators
Stay up to date on the latest tools, policies, and best practices to support student success.
The Texas OnCourse Professional Learning Series provides free, high-quality digital learning opportunities focused on college and career planning. Participants can connect with colleagues and learn from expert guest speakers on counseling and advising topics. Whether you're a seasoned counselor or new to advising, this series offers valuable insights and resources to enhance your impact.
New for this year: Tiny Takes!
These concise, 30-minute sessions provide you with essential insights and resources for college and career advising. Each of the five sessions can fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, delivering practical, ready-to-use information.
Who should attend? Middle and high school educators, advisors, counselors, administrators, and higher education staff
Professional Learning Series dates:
Tuesday Webinars: Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 18, Feb. 10, Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 12
Thursday Tiny Takes: Aug. 28, Sept. 18, Oct. 23, Feb. 19, Apr. 23
Click below to view previously recorded sessions:
2024–2025 Previously Recorded Professional Learning Series
Note: If you opted out of our email list, you will not receive information about the series. Opt back in here.
Simplifying the College Application Process with ApplyTexas and My Texas Future
August 12: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2 – hour webinar
Students can now sign in to both ApplyTexas and My Texas Future with a single login – making it easier to navigate the college application process. This extended session offers key features of the applicant portal, application screener, and Counselor Suite. Find out how ApplyTexas aims to simplify the application process, reduce redundancy, and provide better support for families navigating college admissions.
89th Texas Legislative Session: Updates for Texas Students
August 28: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tiny Take – 30-minute webinar
Learn how the decisions made during the 89th Texas Legislative Session will impact Texas students and families. New updates include enhanced student financial aid initiatives, incorporation of a Free College Application Week for all Texas public college or universities, high school implementation of My Texas Future and Direct Admissions, and improvements to career and technical education across the state.
Empowering Texans with My Texas Future and Direct Admissions
September 9: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
1 – hour webinar
My Texas Future is an innovative digital platform created to propel Texans to pursue higher education. Find out how the platform is transforming the way Texans explore, plan, and access higher education opportunities across the state. Additionally, learn more about Direct Admissions, a program that streamlines the college enrollment process.
Expanding Your Knowledge of ADVi: Texas' Virtual College Advisor
September 18: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tiny Take – 30-minute webinar
Discover how ADVi, our college advising chatbot, can get your twelfth-grade students quick answers to their questions about college and career planning, connect them to scholarship opportunities, and more.
Supporting Students Through the Financial Aid Process: Tools, Tips & Teamwork
October 14: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2 – hour webinar
The ability to pay for college can feel overwhelming for students and their families. Through collaboration with peers, discover ways to ease the financial aid process and get equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to support your students. Also, gain an overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).
The Texas First Program
October 23: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tiny Take – 30-minute webinar
Get a simple, streamlined overview of the Texas First Program, including the steps counselors need to take and answers to frequently asked questions!
Fresh Tools: Insider look into the Updated Texas OnCourse Academy
November 18: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
1 – hour webinar
Texas OnCourse has enhanced the Academy! Refreshed modules and streamlined navigation make the learning experience even more efficient. Find out about the Academy updates, practical advising resources, and innovative implementation strategies to support your college and career readiness efforts.
Making Credit Count: Navigating the Texas Transfer Framework
February 10: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
1 – hour webinar
The Texas Transfer Framework allows for the seamless and transparent transfer of college credits between two-year public colleges and four-year universities. Built around the most popular degree plans, the program outlines courses that students can take for transfer credit towards a bachelor's degree. Join us for a walkthrough of the Framework with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board staff. And gain a better understanding of the field of study courses to better support students in their academic journeys.
Your Future, Your Way: Tools for Adult Learners
February 19: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tiny Take – 30-minute webinar
My Texas Future is a robust, user-friendly tool designed to help Texans explore educational pathways and training programs that align with your personal and professional goals. Join us for a quick overview of the platform and learn how My Texas Future can help advance your career.
Using Data to Drive Postsecondary Enrollment: Strategies for Counselors and District Leaders
March 10: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
1 – hour webinar
Counselors and district leaders play a pivotal role in shaping students’ postsecondary pathways – and data is one of the most powerful tools to support that work. Also, gain tips on how to use data strategically to increase college enrollment and close opportunity gaps. Find out how to analyze key indicators such as FAFSA completion, college applications, and enrollment trends to identify students who need targeted support. And learn practical strategies for implementing data-informed advising, setting campus and district-level goals, and building systems of support that guide more students to and through college.
Navigating Military Pathways
April 14: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
1 – hour webinar
Explore comprehensive guidance on military career pathways to support students considering service after high school. Gain a clear overview of enlistment options, ROTC programs, military academies, career training, and education benefits like the GI Bill. Also, learn about key application details, admissions criteria, and essential resources to help your students make informed decisions about a military career.
Guiding Student Success: Integrating the Texas OnCourse College and Career Readiness Curriculum into Your Planning
April 23: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tiny Take – 30-minute webinar
The Texas OnCourse College and Career Readiness Curriculum is a flexible set of instructional materials designed to support students as they explore postsecondary pathways. Learn how educators are using the curriculum to help students build self-awareness, explore careers, and make informed decisions through My Texas Future and Direct Admissions.
Celebrating My Texas Future Schools
May 12: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
1 – hour webinar
Student engagement and interaction with My Texas Future is increasing! Join us to spotlight campuses that are implementing activities to raise awareness and encourage adoption of the platform. Also, get an overview of the new graduation requirements set to start in the 2026–2027 academic school year.