Professional development encompasses a broad range of specific, structured training and advanced learning opportunities designed to improve teachers' knowledge so that they can gain experience, and demonstrate their skills and effectiveness professionally speaking.
5 Key Principles of Effective PD
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To guarantee the efficacy of our professional development sessions, we will adopt the five essential principles outlined in the Teaching the Teachers Effective Professional Development Report (Gulamhussein, A. 2013). Here's our strategy for integrating these principles into the professional development sessions tailored for Science/ STEM teachers.
How will you foster collaboration?
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To ensure the successful implementation of our program, it's crucial to engage administrators, as they play a pivotal role in providing the necessary support and advocacy for program acceptance. Our STEM/Science program team, consisting of collaborators and coaches, will convene twice weekly. During these sessions, we will collaboratively brainstorm weekly ideas, analyze strategies, and discuss the program's implementation to ensure its effectiveness. This proactive approach will foster alignment with administrative goals and enhance the overall impact of our initiative.
Who will lead what components?
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For the successful execution of the program, we have assembled a dedicated team, each with specific roles crucial to its success.
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Firstly, we have the STEM Team at the district level, responsible for overseeing the program across various schools, alongside the school administrative staff. Their primary duty is to monitor the program's implementation, ensuring alignment with overarching educational objectives.
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Secondly, we have the coaches, tasked with supporting teachers by modeling best practices and equipping them with essential tools for both planning and material acquisition necessary for program implementation. Their guidance will empower teachers to navigate challenges effectively and deliver high-quality instruction.
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Lastly, we have the teachers themselves, serving as the vanguard of the program. They will spearhead its execution, taking charge of planning, implementation, and evaluation. Their enthusiasm and dedication will be instrumental in bringing the program to life and driving its ongoing success.
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The primary audience for the program will be the pioneering teachers of the STEM/Science initiative. These educators will be at the forefront of innovation, and entrusted with implementing the program effectively. Through tailored professional development sessions, they will have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and strategies essential for successful program implementation. Additionally, they will receive guidance on managing the technology and resources integral to the program's delivery, ensuring they have the necessary skills to navigate the dynamic educational landscape effectively.
Instructional Design of your PL
Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG): "To cultivate a generation of young scientists who confidently engage in hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, fostering a deep understanding of scientific concepts and igniting a lifelong passion for inquiry and discovery."
Profesional Learning Outline
6 months
Resources
The resources needed to launch the STEM program in elementary school are primarily educational technology equipment, laboratory equipment, materials to create interactive learning modules, training resources to support teachers, and assessment tools to evaluate student progress. who enter the program. In addition, STEM program guides and different activities will be needed so that teachers can have a variety of activities when implementing the program.
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References:
Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the Teachers Effective Professional Development in an Era of High Stakes Accountability. Center for Public Education. Retrieved from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/system/files/2013-176_ProfessionalDevelopment.pdf
Teachers’ Essential Guide to Coding in the Classroom | Common Sense Education. (2023, December 12). Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/teachers-essential-guide-to-coding-in-the-classroom
Western Engineering Outreach. (2018). Crystal Suncatchers: A Geometry lesson
plan. Retrieved from https://www.eng.uwo.ca/outreach/files/STEM-Home/Week-18/w1835Crystal-Suncatchers.pdf