First... of many.... trainings

Well that may be overstating it a bit... It wasn't necessarily a training that I went to... I actually got to go visit two STEM focused schools up north.
SAMI (Science and Math institute) is part of Tacoma Public Schools. It is located right next to Point Defiance Park and Zoo. They literally offer classes in the park! How cool right :) They're actual facility is a series of portables. They are a grades 9-12 school. Students apply for admission. They are closely related with the district's other school of choice which is an arts school. The school is in it's third year and will graduate it's first class next school year. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't see any project-based learning going on. Most of the classes we walked in on, could be happening on any school campus. Now to be sure, they do things differently than traditional schools, we just didn't get to see it in action. The staff talked to us about how it's been a growing experience for all of them and some people have been able to integrate multi-disciplinary projects more easily than others. One of their barriers this year, has been time. They are all teaching, all day long. They're prep period is before the school day begins... problematic. One of the best experiences they advocated for, was a three day camp experience that is the first three days of school for their students. They feel that it is instrumental to community development with their students. It was a good morning at SAMI.

ORCA (Ocean Research College Academy) is located at the port of Everett and is run through Everett Community College. It is a running start program focused on science and marine biology. The program serves juniors and seniors only and they graduate from high school with their AA in Science if they complete all the coursework. The coolest part of this program is the fact that students go out into the Puget Sound twice a month to collect samples for their larger research project. Students really enjoy the small school feel of this program. They only serve about 80 people. The professors are called by their first name, and everyone is really there to help everyone else succeed. This school also hosts an overnight camp to start the school year. Again, I didn't see any project based learning during the classes I sat in on. I did however see a demonstration by students on their research projects. The lab facility was pretty cool and students felt comfortable using the equipment. Students were really invested in the opportunity they were being given. They enjoyed the close community. It was a great day up in Everett.

Additionally on this trip, I got to meet one of my new co-workers, the math teacher. I also learned that I am the only staff member teaching 6 of our eight subjects. Everyone else is single subject. I got to know my new principal a bit better as well as a gal from the curriculum dept. at district office. Finally, we were also joined by a woman contracted through ESD 112 because she is the region's STEM person. It was a great trip overall. Oh one of the coolest things I learned is that our students will each be equipped with a laptop for 1 to 1 learning. SOO COOL! I don't know all the details on how that will work yet, but I can just imagine the possibilities... WAY less paper, and way more opportunity for quick access to information. We will also have a new learning management software similar to perhaps Blackboard for those that used it in college. I can drag and drop paperwork and assignment for my class. I can upload instructional videos for students... The possibilities seem endless :). I am excited for our first whole staff gathering occuring next Saturday :)

Traing, Training, and more Training

I was sent the professional development calendar for the launch of iTech. Whew! I am so glad that I am not getting married, buying a house, having a baby, or taking summer courses this year! I will likely be a very busy gal. This is great news though because we're literally taking a program off the ground and turning it into something amazing (I hope :) I am glad that the district is supporting the time and resources needed to make it a successful launch.

One cool training is actually taking place in California! I haven't ever really been there (just traveled through it). I will be attending the AVID Summer Institute (Achievement Via Individual Determination). July 8-11. I'm not sure what I am going to do being away from Peyton (and Chris) for 4 days! I haven't even left her for a day! It should be a great training. The only thing that I really know about the program is that it is designed to help students (usually first generation college bound) learn successful strategies for study skills, note taking, and organization. I know there is also a classroom component to that in how to conduct lessons in a manner that helps students get the most out of it... well I guess this is why I'm being trained... since I really don't know....

The other trainings may take me to San Diego or even North Carolina, but only a couple of iTech staff members will attend those trainings. The rest will be here locally at district office.

This is going to be so cool! I'll keep you posted as it unfolds...

Good While it Lasted...

Today I had to turn down the coaching position for Summer School. I was sent the professional development schedule of trainings for iTech and it will be pretty busy. The SMA staff are pretty strict on their 'no conflicting dates' policy and I get that, so I regretfully turned down that opportunity.

It would have been great for it to work out, because being a coach would have been an amazing leadership role at the district level. That is certainly something I could use more of. However, I do feel like my new position at iTech will afford me many opportunities in the coming years.

So alas, no summer school, I hope someone else gets the opportunity that really deserves it. I also hope that I can take up the chance somewhere down the road...