Computer Teacher, Teach Thy Self!

Problem:

Many teachers would like to learn about emerging technologies that would enhance their curriculum and utilize the available technology. However, oftentimes teachers are unable to make long-term commitments to attend in-service classes even for just week.

The Proposal:

For Me

To allow me to develop an ongoing professional development program that would start at 3:00-4:00 every Monday (excluding staff meeting Mondays). Each class would be micro-sessions focusing on one tool that teachers can walk out using that day. In return, I would request the district grant me 2 in-service hours per class (one for preparation and one for the actual delivery). 

For the Teachers

Allow the teachers a different method of approval for in-service. Instead of signing up and seeking approval for one 15-30 hour class, allow them to sign up for the Valhalla Teacher Development Academy. Teachers then can log class hours with me until a certain amount of credit hours has been achieved.

• 5 classes would equal ½ inservice credit
• 10 classes would equal 1 inservice credit
• 15 Classes would equal 1½ inservice credit and so on

In the event that administration would like the ability to regulate the approvals the following can be instituted: Approval for 10 classes of the Valhalla Teacher Development Academy, or 15 classes and so on. I could then issue a certificate every time a class or a certain amount of classes has been completed.

The benefit to the label: The Teacher Development Academy is that is flexible and each building can host its own if desired.

My goal in presenting this concept is making professional development attractive and easy to attend. I have taught many in-service classes, some for the Purchase Teacher center, and while it is a great experience many of our teachers do not attend because of time and financial constraints. I believe this “one class/ one hour” at a time approach is the most flexible and will send the message to our teachers that we care for their development and are willing to meet them half way. As a staff developer I find that the more accessible and intuitive the training, the more likely teachers will become invested in ongoing professional development.

I was recently accepted into the Google Teacher Academy which will be taking place in two weeks. One of the expectations that Google has of the attendees is to bring the training back home to the teachers of the district.  The creation of theTeacher Development Academy  would be an ideal way to ensure the delivery of valuable tools and it opens the door for all teachers to become involved in our ongoing development either as instructors or learners.  In the end, districts that support teachers to become engaged in ongoing professional development are also investing in student achievement.

The Sample Classes offerings: