Changing Grade Institute for Elementary Teachers
If you will be teaching a different grade next year, the Changing Grade Institute offers you the opportunity to preview the literacy and mathematics pacing guides, resource materials, and assessments for your new grade. On May 28, you will focus on reading and writing; on May 29, the focus is mathematics. The schedule for May 28 is 8:30 to 3:30 and for May 20, 8:30 to 12:30. The location for both days is Tollgate Elementary. Registration is available at http://www.aps.k12.co.us/instruct/pl. Click on APS Credit Opportunities. Attendance at both days is preferred. Teachers will receive a $25 per hour stipend for up to a maximum of $275. If you have any questions, please email Judy Yates at jmyates@aps.k12.co.us.
National Board Professional Teaching Standards
Last year, a cohort of APS teachers applied for funding in order to complete the National Board Certification process. They have turned in their portfolios, will be taking their test this summer and will be notified in December whether or not they were successful. Funding is again available for the 2008-09 cycle for National Board Certification. Federal funding of $1000 per candidate is available; state funding will match federal funds for an additional $1000. NBPTS candidates will pay the initial $500 and $65 processing fee. Information about the National Board Certification process is available at http:
http://www.nbpts.org. If you have immediate questions, you can contact Nancy Shakowksi at
nshakowski@nbpts.org. Federal funding applications are available through Rhonda Naylor at
rhondanaylor@comcast.net. The University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center will again host a class beginning in September. An informal APS cohort will also meet during the portfolio preparation period. For additional information, contact Linda Damon at
lndamon@aps.k12.co.us.
Summer Opportunities to Earn Credit
The professional learning Web site lists a variety of professional development opportunities scheduled for this summer. They include elementary and secondary for a multitude of content areas. Go to
http://www.aps.k12.co.us/instruct/pl. Click on APS Credit Opportunities. As announcements are received, they are added to the Web site. Check the listing often.
LDE Certificate Cohorts for 2008-09
Once again APS will have six LDE certificate cohorts. Four cohorts will be through University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center; two cohorts will be through Regis University. The schedule and location for each cohort will be posted on the Professional Learning Web site beginning May 19 at
http://www.aps.k12.co.us/instruct/pl. Click on APS Credit Opportunities. Applications will be available July 30, the first day teachers return. District support for the cohorts include tuition and texts. The three courses for each cohort focus on teaching strategies for second language learners, assessment, and language acquisition. Since these are graduate level courses, there are homework requirements in addition to classroom attendance. If you have any questions about participating in the cohorts, please contact Linda Damon at
lndamon@aps.k12.co.us.
Tune in to What the New Generation of Teachers Can Do
Millennials, born after 1978, are moving into the teaching ranks quickly replacing large numbers of Baby Boomers who are retiring. There are several implications for induction and professional learning described in NSDC’s
Tools for Schools.
1. Millennials are not as committed as earlier generations to making teaching a life-long career. Retention of new teachers may decrease.
2. Millennials expect to be praised more consistently. Plan a system of consistent rewards and acknowledgments.
3. Millennials see mentoring as a positive support - they want coaching. And, they want “a lot of immediate praise and feedback.”
4. Millennials value continuous learning and want to move ahead as quickly as possible. Include them in leadership positions and activities in your school.
5. Millennials find teams attractive and supportive. Include them in data teams, CCL groups, professional learning communities.
6. Millennials are multi-tasking, highly scheduled, individuals who may need help learning to prioritize their professional lives.
7. Millennials are techno-savvy. Use technology to differentiate professional learning opportunities.
Article 20
Article 20 of the Master Agreement funds teachers’ attendance at local, state, and national professional conferences and workshops. Each August, teachers can apply for funding to support professional learning activities that occur during August through December. In October, teachers can apply for funding to support activities that occur during January through May. Visit the Web site of your content area professional organization to obtain information about future events that might interest you. Applications for Article 20 will be available on
July 30, the first day all teachers return. The application deadline is August 12. Selection of winners is through a lottery drawing on August 19. If you have questions about Article 20, please email Linda Damon at
lndamon@aps.k12.co.us.