Technology Support Guides for Staff
Accounts and Logins
- Phone Upgrade
- Active Directory and Okta Multifactor
- Payroll and Timesheets
- Email access and forwarding
- Productivity Tools: Google Apps and Microsoft 365
- Managed Apple IDs (MAIDs)
- Adding Printers at Home
- VPN Access
Phone Upgrade
Active Directory and Okta Multifactor
- Computer Access - Log in to any district computer
- Campus, Schoology and other instructional tools
- Google Drive and Microsoft Office tools
- Email (Microsoft Office and Gmail)
In general, most staff accounts follow the pattern: e # # # # # #. Most student accounts follow the pattern: s # # # # # #.
To learn more about Active directory or reset your password, click here or contact the Technology Services team at (651) 603-4357
To look up or reset a student's Active Directory password, log in to the SPPS Teacher Activities page. Watch this short video walk through to learn more.

Okta is the chosen security provider for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for SPPS staff, tied to Active Directory login. To learn more about up your Okta account, click here.
Payroll and Timesheets
Email access and forwarding
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Each staff member also has a Gmail account associated with their Google Drive account.
Because many Google Drive files are shared on a regular basis, staff should set an email forwarding rule from Gmail to Outlook. This way, staff only need to check one email account and are notified if colleagues or students share files. Click here for a tutorial on how to forward email from Google to Outlook.
Productivity Tools: Google Apps and Microsoft 365
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- Open your SPPS Google Drive account and upload/convert the files to Google. Moving forward, access the file from your Google Drive, not your desktop. For a tutorial, click here. This is the recommended solution for any staff who primarily uses Google Apps.
- Open Microsoft OneDrive and upload the files. Moving forward, access the file from Office 365 via an internet browser, not your computer desktop. For a tutorial, click here. This is the recommended solution for any staff who needs specific functionality or formatting only provided from Microsoft.
Managed Apple IDs (MAIDs)
Managed Apple IDs (MAIDs) are special, district-created and district-owned accounts that provide access to Apple services, while protecting the privacy of students and ensuring that students can only access features of the iPad that are district-approved. Managed Apple IDs are designed to access key iCloud services that are typically used in an education setting, as well as privacy features built specifically for schools.
To sign in with your Managed Apple ID, go to Settings and sign in using your @stpaul.k12.mn.us email address.
By signing into your Managed Apple ID, you'll have access to 200GB of Cloud storage. You'll also be able to create, share, and collaborate live on projects using Apple apps. Students and teachers can share files and folders in iCloud Drive. You can share photos with students and colleagues in a shared album. Signing in with district MAIDs is also essential for staff and students using Apple Classroom.
Use the links below to learn how to sign into your Managed Apple ID on your iPad and MacBook
- SPPS Managed Apple ID Guide
- Video Tutorial: Sign into your MAID on iPad
- Video Tutorial: Sign into your MAID on MacBook
Adding Printers at Home
VPN Access
Reasons for needing VPN ACCESS
- Most SPPS applications are available outside SPPS network. A small number of applications are only available when connected to SPPS network. These include Peoplesoft, Finance Only, Local File Shares and Tririga.
- VPN is needed to Access :
- Peoplesoft, Finance Only (eprocurement)
- Department Shares/Net Shares (does not include Office 365 and Google Drive sharing)
- Tririga
- SRS Repoting
- Custom websites
- VPN is not needed to Access:
- Peoplesoft, HR/Payroll
- Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Files on OneDrive
- Google SPPS Apps
- Schoology
- Campus
- iOS Apps
- PDExpress
- VPN is needed to Access :
- Please submit a ticket at servicedesk.spps.org.
- VPN Access template
- The user will receive a Text Message when the Duo/VPN account is created. Please wait for an appointment with a Field Technician before clicking on the text message link. Link is valid for 10 days. A Field Technician will schedule an appointment with the user once an account is created.
USING VPN
- Have your phone ready, with DUO set up
- Open Cisco Anyconnect
Type vpn.spps.org
- Click Connect
- Sign in with your Active Directory account (used for computer, Campus, PDExpress password)
- On your phone your will receive a text message from Duo Approve the sign-in request on the DUO mobile app as shown below:
- Verify your connection to VPN. You should receive a message like the one shown below:
IT Support
- Technology Services Service Desk Support
- Internet Filtering and App Requests
- Technology Services Field Technicians
Technology Services Service Desk Support
Internet Filtering and App Requests
Technology Services Field Technicians
- Building administrators and other media support staff work in collaboration with Field Techs to lead technical events such as student or staff device deployments.
- Staff should submit a service ticket based on the type of technology support needed.
Resources for Educators
- Infinite Campus
- Clever
- Seesaw (Pre-K through Grade 5)
- Schoology (Grades 5 through 12)
- Apple iPad and Macbook Resources
- Behavior Referrals
- Google Meet
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in SPPS
Infinite Campus

Clever

Clever is a single sign-on platform that simplifies access to educational applications for students and teachers. Because Clever is linked to Infinite Campus, students can easily log into a variety of learning tools using a single log in. This streamlines the login process and provides a more seamless learning experience.
Learn more about how to log in and use Clever in the classroom, and explore helpful tips and user guides here.
Seesaw (Pre-K through Grade 5)
Seesaw is the primary method of digital instruction and workflow for SPPS students in Pre-K through grade 5. Within Seesaw, teachers can post activities, work in their Seesaw classes, and communicate with families.
Looking for inspiration? Seesaw’s teacher resources are ready-to-use resources to support student learning, parent connection, and fresh inspiration.
Want to boost your Seesaw skills in support of teaching and learning? SPPS offers three asynchronous learning opportunities. Register on PowerSchool using the links below:
- Getting Started with Seesaw (Professional Learning section #91239)
- Using Seesaw for Instruction (Professional Learning section #91260)
- Seesaw Pioneer (Professional Learning section #91243)
Check out Seesaw's Help Center for searchable, organized answers to questions about all things Seesaw. For issues with logins, rosters, or other technical elements, please submit a Seesaw Service Ticket.
Schoology (Grades 5 through 12)

Schoology is the Learning Management System used by teachers and students in grades 5-12. Schoology allows for creating, organizing and delivering content for courses.
Teachers can monitor and assess assignment completion and provide feedback. Students can interact with course requirements and conveniently access course information. Schoology also allows guardians to view their child’s progress in order to provide support at home
New to Schoology?
- Take the asynchronous Schoology Onboarding Course (Professional Learning section #91377) for a variety of modules covering many different aspects of using Schoology for instruction
- Check out the Getting Started Guide for SPPS educators
Explore the resources below to learn more about Schoology!
- Schoology/Campus Grade Sync information page
- Instructional Design Guidelines for Schoology - this deck shares helpful guidelines for designing, organizing, and adding materials to your Schoology course.
- Accessible Course Design- this guide provides practical tips for enhancing accessibility and usability within your Schoology courses. Implementing these strategies creates a more effective learning environment for everyone.
- Google Drive Assignments Help Guide - explore how to use the Google Drive Assignments app to assign Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Slideshows, and Drawings within Schoology.
- Schoology's Instructor Resource Page - answers to common questions about using Schoology.
For issues with logins, rosters, or other technical elements, please submit a Schoology Service Ticket.
Apple iPad and Macbook Resources

Saint Paul Public schools utilizes Apple devices for educators and students. Students in grades Pre-K to 12 have access to an Apple iPad, and educators use MacBooks and iPads. Saint Paul is fortunate to have a Andy Leiser, a dedicated Apple Professional Learning Specialist, on staff. Contact Andy at aleiser@apple.com for support with all things Apple
SPPS iPads are being updated for the 2024-2025 School year! Learn more about the new iPads:
Looking for ideas? The Apple Education Community is a one-million-person strong online hub for educators using Apple tools and resources in the classroom. From ready-to-use lessons to teacher Q&A, the Education Community is the best way to tap into the profound expertise of Apple Educators from around the world. Browse, ask, share, download, and come back for more. You are guaranteed to find oodles of useful supports!
Ready to learn more? Consider the Apple Teacher program for Mac and iPad. This free program is available for those looking to deepen their understanding and capabilities using Apple tools. Learn, earn badges, and achieve your Apple Teacher certification in the Apple Learning Center.
Behavior Referrals
Office Discipline Referral (ODR) Forms are used to document lost instructional time. All Office Discipline Referrals (ODR) form submissions are now electronic. Staff must be on SPPS Wifi to submit an ODR form.
- is handled in the classroom setting using the continuum of classroom interventions and consequences supported by the SW discipline plan
- is NOT documented on an ODR form and student is NOT sent out of classroom/learning environment
- is handled outside the classroom setting using the continuum of support, both interventions and disciplinary responses, used by behavior support staff and administrators
- results in lost instructional time and is documented on the SPPS Office Discipline Referral form
- is submitted as an ODR form by instructional staff and documented in Infinite Campus
- Learn more about when to submit an ODR, and get answers to commonly asked questions on the Behavior Referral website.
- Check out this one-pager for step by step instructions for how to complete an ODR.
- Submit a service ticket for access issues.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a powerful tool to connect educators with SPPS students, and for students to see each other while engaging in an online space. Students and families are able to utilize Google Meet features in a controlled setting through our SPPS Google workspace accounts.
Explore the guide below to learn more about using Google Meet:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in SPPS
Artificial Intelligence (AI) information:
For information about our district's AI approach and helpful AI resources, please visit the Generative AI section of the Technology Services website.
Be sure to check out the AI Best Practices Guide for SPPS Educators!
AI Professional Learning Opportunities
Expand your AI knowledge with three new asynchronous AI courses. Earn a digital certificate, accumulate clock hours, and gain an hour towards your “S” licensure requirement.
Click here to learn more and get registered.
AI Tools Available to SPPS Staff:
Google Gemini
Google Gemini, an AI assistant included in our Google Workspace for Education Plus subscription, offers powerful capabilities to support educators. When logged in with your @stpaul.k12.mn.us account, you benefit from enhanced data security and privacy compared to other AI tools, including robust compliance with FERPA, COPPA, and HIPAA.
You can leverage Google Gemini to:
- Draft lesson plans and generate ideas: Get a head start on curriculum development and brainstorming new approaches.
- Relevel texts: Easily adapt reading materials to suit various student reading levels.
- Create communication templates: Streamline your outreach with parents, colleagues, or students.
- And much more!
Check out this video tutorial to learn more about using Gemini in SPPS:
Need some ideas of where to start with Gemini? Explore the 100+ Ways to Use Google Gemini and Notebook LM in Education slide deck.
Notebook LM
NotebookLM's unique power comes from analyzing only the content you provide. It allows you to upload sources like PDFs, Google Docs, websites, and even YouTube videos. This "source-grounded" approach means NotebookLM focuses entirely on your uploaded materials, reducing the risk of misinformation often found in other AI tools. When logged in with your @stpaul.k12.mn.us account, your interactions and data within NotebookLM remain private and secure .
You can leverage Google NotebookLM to:
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Engage with standards: Explore how your materials meet specific curriculum benchmarks.
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Differentiate learning: Adapt texts for various reading levels, generate vocabulary, or simplify explanations.
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Develop assessments: Create quiz questions, essay prompts, or rubrics from your content.
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Synthesize research: Combine documents to identify themes, summarize findings, and make connections.
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And much more! Generate study guides, brainstorm activities, or even turn articles into audio overviews.
Check out this video tutorial to learn more about using Notebook LM in SPPS:
Need some ideas of where to start with Notebook LM? Explore the 100+ Ways to Use Google Gemini and Notebook LM in Education slide deck.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence features are available on staff MacBooks operating on MacOS Sequoia 15.1 and above. These features include Writing Tools, and Photo Cleanup.
You can leverage Apple Intelligence's tools to:
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Enhance Writing: Use Writing Tools to proofread, rewrite, and summarize text across various applications. Easily adjust tone, refine wording, and condense lengthy documents, saving valuable time on communications and assignments. Learn more about Writing Tools.
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Refine Photos: The Clean Up tool in Photos allows you to easily remove distracting objects or blur faces in images, helping you create professional-looking visuals while respecting privacy, especially useful for school events and publications. Watch the short tutorial video below to see Photo Clean Up in Action:
Seesaw
Seesaw integrates teacher-focused AI tools designed to enrich learning experiences and save educators valuable time. These built-in features prioritize a safe and effective environment for elementary classrooms.
You can leverage Seesaw's AI capabilities to:
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Assess Reading Fluency: Automatically analyze student reading recordings to provide quick insights into accuracy and words per minute, helping you pinpoint areas for support. Learn more about Seesaw's Reading Fluency Assessment Tool.
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Support Early Readers with "Read with Me": Offer passages with synchronized audio and word-by-word highlighting, making texts accessible and fostering reading independence for all learners. Learn more about Seesaw's Read with Me Tool.
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Generate Formative Assessment Question ideas: Quickly create auto-graded multiple-choice or true/false questions tailored to your content, streamlining the assessment creation process. Learn more about Seesaw's AI Question Assistant.
Schoology
Schoology's AI content creation tool, PowerBuddy is available for SPPS educators! PowerBuddy is integrated into Schoology, offering a suite of generative AI tools to help you create academic content and classroom activities, saving valuable time. You can leverage PowerBuddy to:
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Generate Assignments & Discussions: Quickly draft assignments, discussion prompts, and model texts tailored to your content and grade level.
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Develop Lesson Materials: Get a head start on passages, stories, or other instructional content, then easily customize them to fit your specific needs.
Watch a quick video tutorial to learn how to leverage PowerBuddy and get a jump start on a variety of teacher tasks!

