Part two of two

Students can’t succeed unless their teachers are well prepared and well supplied with the tools, processes and systems they need to lay a groundwork for educational achievement.

According to Dr. Terri Cooper, RSU 21 superintendent, those are critical investments.

Tammy Wells photo

“Successful teachers yield successful students,” said Dr. Cooper. “By providing our educators not only the basic tools, but enhanced opportunities for professional training and access to well-respected national experts, we are thereby providing our students with a better education.”

This year, those opportunities are significant.

Professional development opportunities

Prior to the beginning of school, RSU 21 hosted a seminar that included six education and behavior experts on topics ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion; social and emotional learning; and being your best self at work. Many of the seminar presenters will be returning throughout the year. For example, literacy expert Teri Marsh will visit five times this year.

Focus on literacy

Another aspect of this continued education related to literacy involves teachers who have volunteered to undergo training and, in return, open their classes to other teachers to share what they have learned.

“The Literacy Learning Lab provides a stronger lever of support, ensuring that it is strongly rooted,” said Anita Bernhardt, assistant superintendent. “It transforms the process from individual instruction to a collaborative experience, and that takes training to a whole other level.”

On-demand training

Furthermore, the new human resources management system will soon provide on-line training. Modules in the platform are being developed later this year, and teachers and educational technicians will be able to access them at their convenience. Furthermore, a roster of surveys offers support and gives them helpful information about how they can improve.

“I’m so energized by the opportunities we are offering our teachers this year, and I am certain they will embrace them, utilize them and improve from them,” said Cooper. In the end, our students will be the beneficiaries of these changes, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Ann Ewing is a copy writer, media relations specialist for KDK Consulting Group. She can be reached at 615-419-3753.