Professional learning is not only a huge investment for a school district, it’s also a great opportunity for teachers to grow in their profession. Because it’s such a critical part of improving the educational experience for our students, we are looking at how to make it most effective for our teachers. In the first two parts of this series, we covered issues with professional learning and how to make learning more timely for teachers. In this third part of the series, we’ll focus on the implementation portion of any professional learning. We hope to answer the question of how teachers can practice and implement the new strategy in the most effective way.
Professional Learning That Works Part Three: Practice Opportunities for Teachers
Professional Learning That Works Part Two: Timely Learning
We often hear educational experts harp on teachers that times have changed, tools of changed, and students have changed. The conclusion drawn is that teachers and classrooms also need to change. While I agree with the sentiment in some ways, I find it ironic that many of those people who are preaching this from the mountain tops also never really model that behavior.
The sit-and-get full-day workshop is the traditional professional learning model that, in many ways, is much like the traditional classroom. We know that adults don't necessarily learn best in this format, but it’s what we see most of the time.
By now, you are likely fully immersed in the new year. Between diving into the curriculum, getting to know your students, and decorating your classroom, there’s a lot to accomplish as you kick off another great year. But the start of a new school year isn’t just about your students learning—it’s a great time for you to learn something new as well!
We’ve got you covered with engaging professional development to help you improve student outcomes all year long using the dynamic MimioStudio™ classroom software. For a limited time, you can earn your MimioStudio Educator or Expert certification for over 30% off the regular price. From now until October 31, 2019, you can earn six PD hours at the educator level for only $99 or 14 PD hours at the expert level for just $199!
As summer break comes to a close, you’re likely gearing up to get back into your classroom. We’ve got you covered with tips to help you take learning to the next level for your students this year.
Topics: Professional Development for Teachers, tips for teachers
Ah, July—by now, summer is in full swing! This time of year hopefully means getting some well-deserved rest and relaxation, and having fun somewhere in the mix. If you have children, it might mean spending time at the park, pool, on vacation, or being the taxi driver to various camps throughout the summer. For educators, summer might involve continued education workshops, graduate classes for recertification, reworking curriculum, or catching up on some reading.
You have no doubt let your parents know about the dreaded summer slide: That time when students can lose progress during the summer months. And I'm sure you have also let them know the importance of practicing those skills over the summer so students can start off the new school year ready and raring to go.
But what about us teachers? What should we make sure doesn’t take the proverbial slide over the break? And are there some things we should let slide away into the summer abyss?
Topics: Professional Development for Teachers, Training, tips for teachers
As the school year comes to an end, you (and your students!) might be feeling ready to wind down and get summer started. But the year isn’t over just yet! Keep your students engaged and learning until the last day with our collection of themed lesson content for June:
Topics: Professional Development for Teachers, tips for teachers
For some, the month of May signifies that another school year is just about ready to wrap up. As educators and students alike look forward to what summer brings, this can be a challenging time to continue engaging students as their interests and motivations may be a bit more unfocused.
Need some inspiration to engage your students this month? Here is our collection of themed lesson content for May:
Topics: Professional Development for Teachers, tips for teachers
Spring is finally in full swing! Depending on where you live, maybe it doesn't quite feel like spring yet—better yet, maybe it already feels like summer where you are. Regardless of the weather outside, spring is a great time for dusting off old lessons as well as creating new ones.