Professional Development Transcript
2016
Location: Michigan State University
I currently use the Connected Mathematics Project 3 (CMP3) curriculum in my sixth grade math classroom so I went to this training to learn more about the project. This curriculum is unlike most programs because it is inquiry-based where students explore and learn math through problem-centered lessons. This week long training allowed us to experience the curriculum like our students so we could better teach it. We examined each unit and spent time exploring important lessons within the unit. Since the role of the teacher is very different than in a traditional math class, we discussed and observed our role during the Launch, Explore, and Summarize sections in each lesson. I found this training very helpful because I have only taught CMP for one year and there are many parts of it I can improve on. This training gave me a better understanding of my role as a facilitator in the class and many tips from veteran teachers of how to successfully implement CMP3.
2016
Sex Ed Prep Workshop
Location: Eaton RESA
The Sex Ed Prep Workshop certified me to teach reproductive health to my sixth grade students. This training explained the legalities of teaching reproductive health in a public school system. The training provided examples of different activities to promote and teach students about making healthy lifestyle choices. Attending this training allowed me to be more comfortable when teaching reproductive health for the first time. I used strategies and activities I learned during the training to create a comfortable classroom environment during the lessons and our discussions.
2014-2015
Location: Ingham ISD
The Math Core training consisted of four seesions that primarily focused on teaching mathematics at the elementary level using guided math. This training provided teachers with how to setup and implement math centers in their classrooms. Guided math groups provide a way to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of the struggling learners and to push the thinking of accelerated learners. I took the knowledge I learned at this training and implemented math centers two days a week when I taught fifth grade. My students enjoyed playing the math games and I felt I could give more individual/small-group support to students who needed it. I have used math centers in my sixth grade class when I need to spend time re-teaching. In the training we also examined the effectiveness of Number Talks and I continue to try to incorporate more of these into our math discussions.
2014
MI Model for Health Workshop
Location: Eaton RESA
The Michigan Model training certified me to teach the Michigan Model for Health curriculum to K-6 classes. Michigan Model is a health curriculum that has been adopted by many of the school districts in my area. The training walked us through the different topics that are covered in the curriculum and we explored many of the lessons. Through the training I also got certified to teach about HIV/AIDS. I do feel I could have taught the curriculum without the training but knowing the goals of each lesson before teaching made it easier to teach the lesson, especially when lessons were much shorter due to timing complications.
2013
CHAMPS is a positive behavior management system used to create a positive classroom and school environment. Using the acronym of CHAMPS, teachers can explicitly teach the behavior expectations to their students for the different types of activities in their class. The focus of the four day training was to provide teachers with support and examples of how to implement and organize CHAMPS into their daily instruction and provide resources for teachers to differentiate their classroom management for specific students. This training provided me with the tools necessary to incorporate the CHAMPS model into my instruction for the past three years. The biggest takeaway from the training was the ideal ratio of positive interactions to redirecting interactions you should have with students. Although I felt I already tried to focus on the positive behaviors, I learned I still needed to do more.