Forward-thinking schools must develop critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, and communication skills at the same time that they deliver the big ideas of a solid liberal arts curriculum. Join teachers for high-quality, practical, and research-based professional development through methods and frameworks for education that are relevant.

 

Paving the Road to a Truly Collaborative School (PK-12)

How can schools sustain a culture that supports collaboration? During this four-day workshop, participants will engage in a number of strategies, routines, and protocols used to foster collaborative learning as a way to organize and focus on continuous improvement of staff and students. You'll leave with practical ideas for how to build trust, talk through dilemmas, engage in reflective dialogue about teaching and learning, and participate in meaningful observations. Anyone interested in maximizing the use of time and taking part in purposeful work while fostering educational equity should attend this workshop.  Instructor: Kim Mitchell, June 17-20, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ($600 per person)

Teaching for Deep Thinking and Deep Learning (PK-12)

What does it mean to teach for deep understanding? How might we make our students’ thinking visible so that we know our impact? How might portfolios serve as a tool for learning and parent communication? Learn practical ways to create lessons, units, and assessments that encourage deep understanding and meaning for all learners. Over the course, participants will engage with Harvard’s Project Zero Teaching for Understanding and Visible Thinking research; they will conclude the course with practical materials they can use on the first day of classes and throughout the year. Instructor : Jessica Mecca, June 24 - 26, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ($450 per person)

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Culturally Responsive Classroom (PK-12)

Are you looking for practical strategies to use in the classroom to build relationships, engage students, and meet the needs of diverse learners?  Do you want to explore the idea of culture and how it shows up in our classroom and in our students’ learning? In this workshop, participants will briefly explore the history of schooling as it relates to creating systems of inequity, discuss the ways in which teachers and students are “culturally” created, and identify specific strategies to create equity and community in your classrooms.  Appropriate for PK-12 classroom teachers. Instructor: Lana Bates, July 10 - 12, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ($450 per person)

Differentiating Mathematics Instruction  (K-5)

Are you looking for a framework to support effective mathematics instruction? Do you wonder if you are reaching the needs of all your students? Have you become overwhelmed while planning? Would you like to have more independent thinkers and learners? In this interactive workshop, participants will identify ways to differentiate mathematics, incorporate problem-solving activities, and design lessons to support the mathematical growth of ALL students. Instructor: Robyn Little, July 15 - 18, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ($600 per person)

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The LifeReady Summer Teaching & Learning Institute is committed to providing research-based “best practice” professional development for teachers so that all learners are prepared for a future we have not yet imagined. For more information, call Kevin Costa, the Institute’s Director, at 443-544-7130.