STEM teachers and leaders participate in a continuous program of STEM-specific professional learning.
(AdvancED STEM Indicator ST1.9)
(AdvancED STEM Indicator ST1.9)
Professional Development inTechnology:
Long before our STEM initiative began, Spartanburg District 6 and Fairforest Elementary School were preparing to meet the needs of our 21st century learners. In 2008, all regular classrooms were outfitted with Promethean boards, and the district launched a program to provide training for every teacher in need. At that time, teachers were required to meet monthly in "cohort" groups, which were led by district trainers who were also classroom teachers. Over the next few years, our access to technology greatly improved at Fairforest Elementary, as we began to more effectively integrate technology in our classrooms. In recent years, we have shifted from a "bring your own device" system to providing a nearly 1:1 student-to-laptop ratio in our school, while learning to operate and implement our district-wide learning management system. With these advancements came the need for more teacher training. At Fairforest Elementary, we now have a full-time technology integration specialist who meets with teachers at least once a month for planning and assistance with implementing technology in the classroom. This professional learning experience is ongoing, and teachers can schedule additional times for model lessons, co-teaching, or extra help as needed. |
With these advancements came the need for more teacher training. At Fairforest Elementary, we now have a full-time technology integration specialist who meets with teachers at least once a month for planning and assistance with implementing technology in the classroom. This professional learning experience is ongoing, and teachers can schedule additional times for model lessons, co-teaching, or extra help as needed.
Artifact: PDF of Research to Practice Session, presented by reading coach and Technology Integration Specialist
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Professional Development in STEM:
When our STEM initiative began in the 2014-2015 school year, teachers at Fairforest Elementary School began training with a facilitator from the S2TEM SC Centers. This professional development also occurred on a monthly basis, with our staff being split into two STEM teams (K-2 and 3-5). During this time, our facilitator would guide us through various collaborative activities, leading discussions on how these strategies could be put to use immediately in our classrooms. We also focused on more grade level- and content area- specific activities, and our facilitator assisted us with planning more STEM-focused units for each grade level. Artifacts: STEM Teams and Schedule
When our STEM initiative began in the 2014-2015 school year, teachers at Fairforest Elementary School began training with a facilitator from the S2TEM SC Centers. This professional development also occurred on a monthly basis, with our staff being split into two STEM teams (K-2 and 3-5). During this time, our facilitator would guide us through various collaborative activities, leading discussions on how these strategies could be put to use immediately in our classrooms. We also focused on more grade level- and content area- specific activities, and our facilitator assisted us with planning more STEM-focused units for each grade level. Artifacts: STEM Teams and Schedule
Professional Development in Reading and Inquiry:
With the addition of our technology integration specialist and a full-time reading coach this year, these types of professional development are now able to take place continuously throughout the day. Our reading coach has focused her professional development on the SC College- and Career-Ready Standards for English Language Arts, helping teachers to bring more opportunities for inquiry to their students. The reading coach conducts monthly after-school training with the entire faculty, and also requires monthly coaching times (planning, model lessons, co-teaching, etc.) with each teacher. Artifacts: Literacy Coach Staff Development; February Staff Development; Literacy Coaching Agreement; Blendspace for Read to Succeed Course
With the addition of our technology integration specialist and a full-time reading coach this year, these types of professional development are now able to take place continuously throughout the day. Our reading coach has focused her professional development on the SC College- and Career-Ready Standards for English Language Arts, helping teachers to bring more opportunities for inquiry to their students. The reading coach conducts monthly after-school training with the entire faculty, and also requires monthly coaching times (planning, model lessons, co-teaching, etc.) with each teacher. Artifacts: Literacy Coach Staff Development; February Staff Development; Literacy Coaching Agreement; Blendspace for Read to Succeed Course
In addition to these in-house professional development opportunities, teachers at Fairforest Elementary School consistently make an effort to keep themselves informed and challenged as educators. In recent years, our STEM educators have participated in the following professional learning activities or programs:
Additional Professional Development:
- SCCGE Conference (“Super Duper STEM Projects for Gifted Learners,” “Project Based Learning for the Gifted child,” and “Creating a Digit-Rich Classroom for GT Learners”)
- PSSCA Conference (“School Counselor’s Role in STEM Career Development”)
- Common Core Math Training with District Math Coach
- EnlightenSC Energy-Focused Education
- SC EdTech Conference
- Energy and the Environment- A STEM Workshop for Teachers
- Muse Machine at USC Upstate ("Stem to Steam")
- Roper Mountain's Science Plus Institute (Grade 3 Earth Science)
- Lego Training ("Build to Express" and "Lego Storystarter")
- Research to Practice Institute
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