Spotlight on Summer Professional Development: Teachers Embracing Growth and Innovation
As educators, staying at the forefront of educational trends and methodologies is key to ensuring our students thrive in an ever-changing world. This summer, three outstanding teachers from our school seized incredible opportunities to enhance their skills, deepen their knowledge, and bring fresh perspectives back to the classroom.
Amanda Leasher: Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Education
Amanda Leasher attended the AI Educators Conference in Iron Mountain, where she explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education. The workshop provided insights into how AI can support creativity, simplify content creation, and help educators navigate complex situations. Amanda returned with resources to integrate AI into daily teaching, enhancing both student learning and her own professional efficiency. Her enthusiasm for the future of AI promises exciting developments for her students.
Cierra Nielsen: Advocating for Computer Science Education
Cierra Nielsen’s passion for student opportunities led her to the Computer Science Discoveries Conference, where she was introduced to a free coding curriculum tailored for grades 6-9. The program, supported by workshops throughout the year, equips teachers to guide students into the world of computer science—a field brimming with career potential.
“This program is awesome and something I believe our school needs,” Cierra shared. “Many students don’t even know this area exists, but it’s critical to their futures. I’d love to see computer science integrated more deeply into our curriculum.”
Her experience underscores the importance of equipping students with skills in technology and problem-solving, preparing them for an increasingly digital world.
Therese Hubbell: A Summer of Deep Learning and Connection
Therese Hubbell embarked on a transformative summer of professional development, attending multiple workshops and institutes that reflect her dedication to innovative education.
The Literacy Center Summer Institute at Central Michigan University (June 25-26, 2024): Over two days, Therese explored workshops on diverse topics, including AI in education, digital storytelling, Indigenous texts in literacy instruction, and strategies for inclusive classrooms. Each session provided tools to enrich literacy experiences for students while fostering critical thinking and inclusivity.
Impact Retreat 2024 (July 8-12, 2024): Traveling to San Francisco and Napa, Therese connected with teachers nationwide. The retreat emphasized building community and exchanging ideas to inspire collaborative solutions for classroom challenges.
Henry Ford Museum Educator in Residence: Therese collaborated with educators to align current classroom issues with the Model I Learning Framework, emphasizing innovation and historical connection.
Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute: She capped off her summer by delving into American history, exploring ways to link past events with present-day learning to create engaging, interdisciplinary lessons.
Therese’s diverse experiences have equipped her with tools to create a more inclusive, thoughtful, and dynamic classroom environment.
A Commitment to Excellence
The dedication of Therese, Amanda, and Cierra exemplifies the commitment our educators have to continuous growth. Their efforts this summer not only enrich their own professional practices but also promise exciting opportunities for our students in the coming school year.
Thank you to these teachers for your commitment to innovation and for inspiring us all to think big!