Excellent posts and meaningful synthesis of the course readings.
Michael,
I agree with job embedded professional development being beneficial to mentor, mentee and classroom students. When mentors are proficient, involved, and display a passion for their profession it creates a firm foundation for leadership. You state that you will use a multi-faceted professional development approach. Do you plan to offer teachers a choice in their professional development? Your technology initiative will provide social studies teachers with support and also give them a voice. I plan to visit the “a-z teacher stuff” site and recommend to colleagues. Have you thought about grant opportunities?
Walesca,I agree with job embedded professional development being beneficial to mentor, mentee and classroom students. When mentors are proficient, involved, and display a passion for their profession it creates a firm foundation for leadership. You state that you will use a multi-faceted professional development approach. Do you plan to offer teachers a choice in their professional development? Your technology initiative will provide social studies teachers with support and also give them a voice. I plan to visit the “a-z teacher stuff” site and recommend to colleagues. Have you thought about grant opportunities?
I have used all of the professional development strategies you’ve listed, and I’m especially fond of Edmodo! I’m still using Edmodo to create connections and teach digital citizenship to elementary students. Right now, I’m connecting students in WV with students in GA. The students are beyond excited and so are the collaborating teachers. I’m anxious to hear about your results regarding teacher use of Edmodo for collaboration. I’ve tried some teacher groups, but often they see it as something extra. I believe it will take some creativity and ideas that are relevant to specific teaching areas. I agree that support, best practices or tested strategies, and the necessary tools are crucial for professional development success. Do you have any specific grants in mind that will help with your TI (Edmodo)?
Adam,
Excellent description of effective professional development strategies for your specific context. You’ve described an environment that depicts the teacher playing a vital role in identifying the needs that will impact student learning and behavior. I use the vocabulary method you’ve mentioned, and it is very effective. But, I’ve never had the personal defense pd that you’ve described. Personally, I’m thankful for teachers (like you) that are willing and passionate about working with students in Transitional High Schools. I’m really looking forward to reading more about your ipad initiative! Great resource (free educational apps), I’ve used Science360. Great plan to use a technology integration specialist that is willing to provide “free” pd sessions!
Mary Jo Walmart has a small grants up to $2500.00 here is the link http://foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/local-giving.
ReplyDeleteLast year they gave me $5000.00 for Project HOP2E- Help Our People 2 Eat its a mobile food pantry that travels throught out the county. With it we developed a data base that tracks all the food pantries and the families they serve. So with the grant I wrote in a technology peace to cover the cost of training and laptop with Windows 8, Microsoft products.
http://www.teachinglikeits2999.com/2011/05/idont-have-ipads-writing-ipadtechnology.html
ReplyDeleteHere is another link we use when looking for grant language.
Excellent recommendations! Thank you for sharing these ideas with the members of this blog.
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