April 5 - PD update
Professional Development
Check out the March 25th PD Update for registration information for WTU PD Courses - including NEW & FREE courses - info on the Voting Rights Lesson Plan Competition, and much more. CLICK HERE.
LEARN MORE HERE.
WTU WELLNESS SERIES WITH KAISER PERMANENTE
REGISTER HERE for one or all sessions: https://forms.gle/FP45vPqLSWQqTxqo9
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Check out THIS FLYER for graduate programs are being offered with outreach tuition...which means there are not in-state or out-of-state tuition rates. This makes these graduate degrees a very reasonable financial option for DCPS professionals wanting to obtain advanced training in the specialty areas offered...Autism, Early Childhood Special Education, and Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms.
THERE IS STILL TIME REGISTER FOR THESE UPCOMING COURSES
Registration Fee: $150
Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching and Learning
Instructor: JoAnn Cornish; 9am-1pm; Saturdays: May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
This core course addresses the fundamental aspects of teaching and learning that are relevant for teachers in all grade levels and subject areas. It examines best practices for establishing and maintaining classroom management and maximizing use of learning time. Participants also study questioning and feedback skills, the role of homework, interactive guided instruction strategies and scaffolding techniques. This course is recommended as the primary offering for all educators. It is frequently used as the basis for mentoring and peer assistance. Participants may earn 45 PLU’s or 3 graduate credits from Trinity University. RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_foundations
Hispanic Culture and Spanish Language II
Instructor: Louis Blount; 9am-1pm; Saturdays: April 10th, April 24th; May 1st; May 8th; May 22nd
This intense course is designed for school personnel in D.C. Public Schools to converse in Spanish beyond the basic level with Hispanic students and parents. Emphasis will be on acquiring an advanced understanding of the Spanish language through grammatical structures used in Spanish conversation, mastering listening concepts for communicating with native Spanish speakers, writing basic communicative texts for parents, and reading in the target language to communicate educational matters to parents. Mastery of these advanced skills and learned vocabulary will be immediately used in communicating with Spanish-speaking members of school communities. In addition, the participant will have an appreciation of important cultural and social events in the Hispanic cultures in the local community. Prerequisite: Hispanic Culture and Spanish Language I, previous Spanish or professor’s permission. Register here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_-_hispanic_culture_ii
WTU PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ABROAD
There is still time to sign up for the WTU Professional Learning trip to Morocco either this July 2021 or next summer 2022, based on travel guidance. Check out the itinerary here:
https://geeo.org/tour/wtumorocco/
Once you sign up, you will receive an invitation to attend our next travel group meeting on Monday, March 29 @ 5pm.
REGISTER NOW FOR THESE FREE PD WORKSHOPS
Flagway/Math Literacy PD (Monday, April 12 @ 4:30-6:30pm)
Instructor: Raphael Bonhomme
Be a part of a community of DC educators who are transforming the way math instruction is delivered to students!!! "The goal of The Flagway™ Game is to create environments where students can practice and celebrate learning math. There are many ways to create a cultural context in which mathematics emerges naturally from students’ experience. One method used by the YPP and the Algebra Project is to create mathematically rich games and experiences." Find more info here: http://www.typp.org/flagway. Participants will receive 3 PLU’s per session. RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_flagway_coaching_sessions
Outdoor Classrooms Series with the Nature Lab (Next Session: Saturday 4/10)
Please join the Nature Lab to share resources, best practices and lesson plans that leverage outdoor spaces and create a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to learning using the outdoors.
RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/MakShacEnQ9ytPxj9
Strategies for Student Success
Strategies for Student Success includes activities that require reflection on daily practice, debate over research and current practices, utilizing modeling, and experiential learning. The following modules will be offered in this series:
The Trio: Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based, and Project-Based Learning (3/20)
Students with Challenges (4/9)
Participants will receive 4 PLU’s for each session.
RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_strategies_section_2
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Instructor: Dr. Casey Collins
4-6pm; Monday 4/26 and Wednesday 4/28
Research suggests that students from diverse cultures may need to be engaged differently in ways that support their self-efficacy, esteem and their learning. In this 2-part session, we will establish the connection between culture and learning, and explore research-based strategies, such as cultural competency, high expectations and critical consciousness. Participants will receive 8 PLU’s for attending the two-part sessions. Register* for April 26 & 28: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_culturally_responsive_pedagogy_20210322
WTU TECH TOOL TUESDAYS
ALL WTU LEAP LEADERS:
Please fill out this survey to assist in collecting data regarding LEAP for Ashely Kearney, a 2nd-year WTU Teacher Leader.
March 25 - Professional Development Update
We invite you to check out these exciting Professional Development and Learning opportunities.
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATE IN ANTI-RACIST ADMINISTRATION AND SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Application Deadline: April 9, 2021
Summer 2021 - DCPS/WTU Cohort
Among today’s greatest challenges in Washington DC, as well as elsewhere in the United States, is the need to create more equitable, antiracist schools. The failure to meet this need for all of our children - regardless of racial, cultural, economic, or linguistic background - widens the gap between those who thrive and those who struggle.
American University’s new, 18-credit post-master’s graduate certificate in Anti-Racist Administration and School Leadership (ARASL) prepares anti-racist education leaders with the required content and knowledge, as well as the necessary mindset shift, to dismantle racist practices and policies in classrooms, schools, and districts. Course instructors will be working with AU’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center and are guided by the work of Dr. Ibram Kendi framework for anti-racism.
For the first time, a DCPS/WTU cohort is being formed to provide an avenue for our educator community to pursue targeted professional growth. A maximum of ten spots will form this cohort - students will take classes together from Summer 2021 through Summer 2022. Upon completion of this course work, students can pursue internships right here in DCPS; the goal the successful passing of the School Leadership Licensure Assessment (SLLA) and certification as an administrator in Washington, DC.
FREEDOM SUMMER VOTING RIGHTS COMPETITION
WTU WELLNESS SERIES WITH KAISER PERMANENTE
REGISTER HERE for one or all sessions: https://forms.gle/FP45vPqLSWQqTxqo9
Date & Time |
Virtual Session Title |
PLU |
March 31 @7-8pm |
WTU Family Dance Party |
No PLU’s but there will be raffles! |
April 19 and 21; 5-7pm |
8 Hour Mental Health Certification for Athletic Trainers and Related Service Providers |
8.0 |
April 28 @ 7-8pm |
WTU Family Dance Party |
No PLU’s but there will be raffles! |
May 5 @ 6-7pm |
Creating a Plan to Thrive, Part 1 |
1.0 |
May 12 @ 6-7pm |
Creating a Plan to Thrive, Part 2 |
1.0 |
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Check out THIS FLYER for graduate programs are being offered with outreach tuition which means there are not in-state or out-of-state tuition rates. This makes these graduate degrees a very reasonable financial option for DCPS professionals wanting to obtain advanced training in the specialty areas offered...Autism, Early Childhood Special Education, and Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms.
THERE IS STILL TIME REGISTER FOR THESE UPCOMING COURSES OFFERED FROM THE WTU.
Registration Fee: $150 for WTU members.
CALLING ALL LIBRARIANS: CREATING AND MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL LIBRARY PROGRAM
9am-1pm; Saturdays: March 27; April 10 & 24; May 8
This course explores the visions and best practices for school library media programs to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information and that the library is a creative and intellectual learning hub. School library media specialists empower students to be critical readers, thinkers, and researchers as well as knowledgeable consumers and creators of information. The school librarian works with the entire school community to support and propel the comprehensive school plan and embed the core tenets of social justice. This course is designed to provide support for school librarians with the knowledge, expertise, resources and professional learning community to create and manage effective programs. Participants may earn 45 PLU’s or 3 graduate credits from Trinity University.
RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_school_library_program
FOUNDATIONS: ORGANIZING THE CLASSROOM FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
Instructor: JoAnn Cornish
9am-1pm; Saturdays: May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
This core course addresses the fundamental aspects of teaching and learning that are relevant for teachers in all grade levels and subject areas. It examines best practices for establishing and maintaining classroom management and maximizing use of learning time. Participants also study questioning and feedback skills, the role of homework, interactive guided instruction strategies and scaffolding techniques. This course is recommended as the primary offering for all educators. It is frequently used as the basis for mentoring and peer assistance. Participants may earn 45 PLU’s or 3 graduate credits from Trinity University. RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_foundations
HISPANIC CULTURE AND SPANISH LANGUAGE II
Instructor: Louis Blount
9am-1pm; Saturdays: April 10th, April 24th; May 1st; May 8th; May 22nd
This intense course is designed for school personnel in D.C. Public Schools to converse in Spanish beyond the basic level with Hispanic students and parents. Emphasis will be on acquiring an advanced understanding of the Spanish language through grammatical structures used in Spanish conversation, mastering listening concepts for communicating with native Spanish speakers, writing basic communicative texts for parents, and reading in the target language to communicate educational matters to parents. Mastery of these advanced skills and learned vocabulary will be immediately used in communicating with Spanish-speaking members of school communities. In addition, the participant will have an appreciation of important cultural and social events in the Hispanic cultures in the local community. Prerequisite: Hispanic Culture and Spanish Language I, previous Spanish or professor’s permission. Register here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_-_hispanic_culture_ii
REGISTER NOW FOR THESE FREE PD WORKSHOPS FROM THE WTU
FINANCIAL LITERACY FRIDAYS: FOCUS ON BEHAVIORAL FINANCE (BEST FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATORS)
STRATEGIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PEDAGOGY
WTU Professional Learning Abroad
There is still time to sign up for the WTU Professional Learning trip to Morocco either this July 2021 or next summer 2022, based on travel guidance. Check out the itinerary here:
https://geeo.org/tour/wtumorocco/
Once you sign up, you will receive an invitation to attend our next travel group meeting on Monday, March 29 @ 5pm.
WTU Tech Tool Tuesdays
WE NEED YOUR VOICE: WTU Teacher Leaders Action Research Surveys
Please fill out these surveys to help our WTU Teacher Leaders collect data to inform policy decisions.
- How does parental involvement impact student achievement in the early grades?
- Secondary ELA Teachers please fill out this survey about TAS
- Please share thoughts on Virtual Teaching
- Teacher Stress and Burnout Survey
- Teacher Leader Action Research Survey regarding IMPACT
- How does the temporary removal of students from class consequence of the student discipline policy affect K-5 students' mental health?
- Teacher Retention Survey
- Family Involvement at the High School Level
National PD Opportunities
BLACK LAND MATTERS: A GULLAH-GEECHEE FIELD STUDY (DEADLINE: 6/15)
During this three-day program (8/7-8/9/21), explore the historical systems and contemporary policies that impact Black land ownership with a specific focus on the Gullah-Geechee descendants of Sapelo Island and Savannah, Georgia. The Gullah-Geechee people are descendants of formerly enslaved people from the West Coast of Africa, captured because of their agricultural knowledge of rice. Their culture is distinctive and found only in the Lowcountry of the Southeast.
GILDER LEHRMAN TEACHER SEMINARS ($25 FEE PER SEMINAR)
This is the 27th year that the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is offering teachers the opportunity to study in seminars with eminent American history professors and dive deep into primary sources with master teachers. We will be offering 21 different seminars this summer from June 14 to August 5, 2021, and for the first time ever, you can register for as many seminars as you like. The Seminar Schedule is available here.
4TH ANNUAL TEACHING BLACK HISTORY CONFERENCE (COST: $99)
Still time to submit a proposal for the 4th Teaching Black History Conference for educators. We are looking for teachers of Black history education to present workshops over curriculum and teaching strategies that enhances the study of K-12 Black history. Elementary, Secondary, University, community, and business educators are all welcome to submit. Due Feb 28th. See links below.
ROMA & SAM KALTMAN HOLOCAUST STUDIES FOR EDUCATORS 2021
June 14-June 30, 2021
Studies show that students who study the Holocaust are more empathetic, caring and demonstrate higher critical thinking skills. The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center has the expertise and resources to help you effectively teach the Holocaust.
During the 2021 Roma & Sam Kaltman Holocaust Studies for Educators, learn the most effective and engaging techniques for teaching the Holocaust in your classroom. From June 14 through June 30, HHC will host live Zoom sessions featuring renowned Holocaust scholars like DORIS BERGEN.
While the institute is designed for secondary educators, it is open to anyone who is teaching or plans to teach about the Holocaust. The institute takes an interdisciplinary approach to the Holocaust.
CRYSTAL BRIDGES SUMMER PD INSTITUTES (30 PROFESSIONAL LEARNING HOURS)
Being Present in the Moment: Teaching about Current Events through Works of Art
This session will introduce teachers to the methodology and process of teaching from works of art, providing skills and tools necessary to teach students about current events through engaging and meaningful dialogue.
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
This session will focus on teaching African American history from works of art in Crystal Bridges’ collection. Previous experience with object-based teaching and/or integrating artwork into classroom curriculum is encouraged.
TRY IT: FREE EDTECH TOOL
Welcome to the World of Blooket: a new take on trivia and review games!
The way it works is that a teacher/host picks a question set and a unique game mode. Then, we generate a code that players can use to join the game on their own devices. After the game starts, players will answer questions to help them win. That’s where the fun starts, because we offer a variety of games to keep students engaged and excited!
Blooket: https://www.blooket.com/3 minute Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhn7dAP6BF8
MATH ALLIANCE RECOMMENDED PD
Accepting Educational Responsibility, 2021 Annual Virtual Meeting of the American Education Research Association (AERA), April 8-11, 2021. For registration info, visit: https://www.aera.net/Events-Meetings/Annual-Meeting
The STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE) funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, has joined forces with Bridge Multimedia and the Boston Children's Museum to convene STEM and inclusion experts to engage participants in learning about evidence-based practices in STEM for all children, and inclusion of young children with disabilities (birth to five), excite families, early childhood/early childhood special education practitioners, and young children in exploring, making, and tinkering through our MakerFest, discover STEM-focused books through our Storybook Conversations, and showcase early STEM videos and games from museums, researchers, and other organizations through our Media Cubbies. The event includes a variety of 'live' and asynchronous interactions and learning opportunities between 1-4 pm EST every day and free explorations at all other times between September 14-18, 2021
Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stemiefest-2020-tickets-117655086531
EDPIPHANY TEACHERS' LOUNGE
The EDpiphany Teachers' Lounge will be hosting two Sunday morning resume and interview prep workshops in the coming weeks. You will leave this session with tangible next steps for positioning yourself as a competitive candidate for your next role. Unlike other resume and interview support sessions, this one is led exclusively for educators by a facilitator with over a decade of experience in the K-12 industry. Registration is only $4.99 but WTU teachers can register for free with promo code FREE4U. Save your spot at edpiphany.com/events.
Want to join our community?
Subscribe to the EDpiphany Teachers' newsletter if you would like to stay in touch.
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE WTU ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK, AND INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP ON THE LATEST FROM YOUR UNION.
March PD Newsletter
Please check out these great upcoming professional development opportunities.
WTU WELLNESS SERIES WITH KAISER PERMANENTE
REGISTER HERE for one or all sessions: https://forms.gle/FP45vPqLSWQqTxqo9
Date & Time |
Virtual Session Title |
PLU |
March 10 @ 6-7pm |
School Resilience 101 |
1.0 |
March 11 @ 6-7pm |
RISE UP |
1.0 |
March 17 @ 6-7pm |
New Educator Mid-Year Check-In and Game Night |
|
March 20 @ 12:35-1:25 |
Cultivating Compassionate Leadership (Audience: leadership managers, union leaders Focus: Alleviating the organizational impact of stress from a leadership perspective |
1.0 |
March 31 @7-8pm |
WTU Family Dance Party |
|
TENTATIVE: April 19 and 21; 5-7pm |
8 Hour Mental Health Certification for Athletic Trainers and Related Service Providers |
8.0 |
April 28 @ 7-8pm |
WTU Family Dance Party |
|
May 5 @ 6-7pm |
Creating a Plan to Thrive, Part 1 |
1.0 |
May 12 @ 6-7pm |
Creating a Plan to Thrive, Part 2 |
1.0 |
THERE IS STILL TIME REGISTER FOR THESE UPCOMING COURSES
Registration Fee: $150
NEW COURSE: Social Emotional Learning (next class TODAY 3/4/21)
Are you looking for ways to assist your students in managing their emotions, building positive relationships with others, and making responsible decisions? In this course, participants will identify and share developmentally appropriate, research-based strategies that foster students’ social and emotional growth. In addition, we will examine best practices for creating and fostering a positive beginning of the school year. This course is based on the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework.
Successfully Integrating the Arts In Your Classroom (next class 3/6)
Teachers learn how to successfully incorporate music into their lessons in order to improve outcomes and make learning come alive in their classrooms. Emphasis is placed on the historical periods of western music from the Baroque period through the 21st century. The research presented provides insight into the lives of the great composers and their compositions. We study the political, social, economic and cultural times in which the music was created. Participants learn about the compositional styles of famous figures of the musical periods while listening, viewing and discussing each musical piece. The course also presents a synthesis of research on arts integration in public schools in the United States, and the history of integrating the arts into teaching. Teachers gain knowledge of how the arts can play a vital role in the development of the whole child. Participants may earn 45 PLU’s or 3 graduate credits from Trinity University. RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_successfully_integrating_the_arts
CLASSIC COURSE: Reading Comprehension Instruction (starts 3/6)
This course focuses on the research and instructional practices that help students acquire strong reading comprehension skills. It provides participants with research on comprehension instruction and vocabulary development. Participants examine, discuss and evaluate the application of a wide range of instructional strategies for teaching comprehension skills to use with both narrative and expository text and subject matter textbooks. It also demonstrates how students can monitor their own reading progress and apply appropriate strategies when comprehension is not achieved. RSVP here.
CALLING ALL LIBRARIANS: Creating and Managing a Successful School Library Program 9am-1pm; Saturdays: March 13 & 27; April 10 & 24; May 8
This course explores the visions and best practices for school library media programs to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information and that the library is a creative and intellectual learning hub. School library media specialists empower students to be critical readers, thinkers, and researchers as well as knowledgeable consumers and creators of information. The school librarian works with the entire school community to support and propel the comprehensive school plan and embed the core tenets of social justice. This course is designed to provide support for school librarians with the knowledge, expertise, resources and professional learning community to create and manage effective programs. Participants may earn 45 PLU’s or 3 graduate credits from Trinity University.
RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_school_library_program
REGISTER NOW FOR THESE FREE PD WORKSHOPS
Financial Literacy Fridays: Focus on Behavioral Finance (Best for Middle and High School Educators)
Outdoor Classrooms Series with the Nature Lab
Please join the Nature Lab to share resources, best practices and lesson plans that leverage outdoor spaces and create a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to learning using the outdoors.
RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/MakShacEnQ9ytPxj9
Strategies for Student Success
Strategies for Student Success includes activities that require reflection on daily practice, debate over research and current practices, utilizing modeling, and experiential learning. The following modules will be offered in this series:
The Trio: Inquiry-Based, Problem-Based, and Project-Based Learning (3/20)
Students with Challenges (4/9)
Participants will receive 4 PLU’s for each session.
RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_strategies_section_2
IMPACT 2.0 PD Workshop (March 13 @ 9am-noon)
In many ways, your career in DCPS is dependent upon the IMPACT scoring system. Learn what the system measures, how it works, the implications of distance teaching and learning, and much more. Participants will take a deep dive into how to demonstrate the EP’s virtually as well as the scoring systems used by DCPS which include the Essential Practices, Commitment to School Community (CSC) and Core Professionalism (CP).
Participants will receive 4 PLU’s. RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/spring_2021_impact_pd_workshop
TECH TOOL TUESDAYS ARE BACK!
WE NEED YOUR VOICE: WTU TEACHER LEADERS ACTION RESEARCH SURVEYS
Please fill out these surveys to help our WTU Teacher Leaders collect data to inform policy decisions.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH RESOURCES
Anti-Defamation League. https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/womens-history-month-resources
Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance). https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/a-more-complete-womens-history
Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility. https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/teach-womens-history-month
PBS. https://www.pbs.org/show/womens-history-month/
Read Write Think. http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/march-national-women-history-20452.html
Share My Lesson (American Federation of Teachers). https://sharemylesson.com/womenshistory
Women’s History Month. https://womenshistorymonth.gov/for-teachers/
STRATEGIES FOR HYBRID TEACHING
NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program (Deadline: 3/7)
The 2021-2022 Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program (Fulbright DA) provides an opportunity for K–12 educators from the United States to conduct research and engage in other professional learning experiences abroad for three to six months. Fulbright DA participants complete individual Inquiry Projects on a topic relevant to education in the United States and the host country, take courses at a host university, and share educational practices with colleagues.
The 2021-2022 Fulbright DA Program host countries include Brazil, Colombia, Finland, Greece, India, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
Click here for information about updated Fulbright DA eligibility criteria.
A BLACK WOMEN’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES (3/8 -INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!!!)
What better way to celebrate International Women's Day than to join the Zinn Education Project for a conversation with the authors of A Black Women's History of the United States, Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross. Berry is a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin and Gross is a history professor at Rutgers University.
This Teach the Black Freedom Struggle class will be facilitated by Cierra Kaler-Jones, Communities for Just Schools Fund Education Anew Fellow.
The interactive class begins at 4:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm ET and runs for 90 minutes. The format includes a conversation with the guest speakers and also popular small group participant dialogues. ASL interpretation is provided. Register to receive the Zoom link.
DIG FIELD SCHOOL (DEADLINE 3/22)
The DIG Field School offers K–12 teachers the opportunity to do real geological and paleontological research in Hell Creek, Montana. Every summer, we take approximately 30 teachers to an active field research site, where teachers get to experience the rigors and joys of field work while learning new techniques and strategies to bring back to their own classrooms.
Apply here: https://digfieldschool.org/apply-2/?fbclid=IwAR1Rtg4M9Yqup5MPiQ6En-GUFHeRPG8pHBSimRwGETH_Q8h8UYVysvIKSSs
NEH SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND REFORMS
(deadline extended to 3/15)
The Tsongas Industrial History Center, a partnership of UMass Lowell's College of Education and Lowell National Historical Park, invites educators to the “mill city” of Lowell, MA, to examine Lowell’s textile industry as a case study of early 19th-century industrialization and reform.
We use the resources of the Park and other cultural/historical sites to address changes in work, society, culture, and the environment between 1820 and 1860, and explore reform activity related to labor, women’s rights, and slavery. Lowell, the first large-scale industrial city in the U.S., formed the template for later industrial cities and provides an ideal setting for historical inquiry.
CRYSTAL BRIDGES SUMMER PD INSTITUTES (30 PROFESSIONAL LEARNING HOURS)
Being Present in the Moment: Teaching about Current Events through Works of Art
This session will introduce teachers to the methodology and process of teaching from works of art, providing skills and tools necessary to teach students about current events through engaging and meaningful dialogue.
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
This session will focus on teaching African American history from works of art in Crystal Bridges’ collection. Previous experience with object-based teaching and/or integrating artwork into classroom curriculum is encouraged.
TRY IT: FREE EDTECH TOOLS
Brush Ninja. https://brush.ninja/
Brush Ninja is a super simple animation tool - designed to make it as easy as possible for people to get started with traditional animation skills.
Slides Mania. https://slidesmania.com/
Engaging and Interactive PowerPoint Templates that are easy to download, edit and adapt for your students.
MATH ALLIANCE RECOMMENDED PD
Education Preparation Programs (EPP), announces an Anti-Racism Conversation with Dr. Enid Lee, 4:00 p.m. PT - 5:30 p.m. PT (7pm-8:30pmET), March 16th, 2021. To register, visit: https://na.eventscloud.com/website/22489/
The AERA-ICPSR PEERS Data Hub will hold a workshop on “Introduction to the Stanford Education Data Archive (SEDA),” Tues., March 9th, 12:30pm-1:30pm ET. The workshop, offered at no cost, is the first in a series of webinars offered through the PEERS Data Hub that will focus on STEM data and data use. To register visit: https://aera.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rudwKLlRSLWLyWyGYGAKaw
Centering the Voices of Formerly and Currently Incarcerated People and Leaders in the Movement, to register, please click here.
Accepting Educational Responsibility, 2021 Annual Virtual Meeting of the American Education Research Association (AERA), April 8-11, 2021. For registration info, visit: https://www.aera.net/Events-Meetings/Annual-Meeting
The STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE) funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, has joined forces with Bridge Multimedia and the Boston Children's Museum to convene STEM and inclusion experts to engage participants in learning about evidence-based practices in STEM for all children, and inclusion of young children with disabilities (birth to five), excite families, early childhood/early childhood special education practitioners, and young children in exploring, making, and tinkering through our MakerFest, discover STEM-focused books through our Storybook Conversations, and showcase early STEM videos and games from museums, researchers, and other organizations through our Media Cubbies. The event includes a variety of 'live' and asynchronous interactions and learning opportunities between 1-4 pm EST every day and free explorations at all other times between September 14-18, 2021 Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stemiefest-2020-tickets-117655086531
The American Educational Research Association and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development are holding an interactive forum to discuss research opportunities and lessons learned from the Global Teaching InSights Video Study on March 11, 2021 (Washington DC: 9:30-11:30 am).
After a presentation of the methodology, data, and lessons learned from the study, an international panel of researchers will consider the potential research uses of the study. The forum offers a unique opportunity for researchers interested in investigating teaching and learning across countries, video analysis, mathematics education, and comparative studies. To register, visit: https://aera.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RCiD3ooPTcmb3FeB2FP38A
Anarchy at the Capitol
None of us could have imagined that we would witness hate and anarchy in our nation’s Capital. The differences in responses by our government to yesterday’s events vs the response to events this summer are deeply troubling.
Here are some helpful resources to help teachers and your students through lessons about what happened this week at the US Capitol.
- https://sharemylesson.com/blog/when-bad-things-happen
- https://sharemylesson.com/democracy
- https://sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/peaceful-transfer-power-infographic-327959
- https://sharemylesson.com/collections/civic-education-elections
- Respect / Guided Discussion (Grades 5 - 6). Students recognize manifestations of respectful behaviors in survivor testimony and their own experiences.
- Hate and its Consequences (Grades 7 - 9) Through testimony, students explore the personal impacts of hate, and how hate can be countered.
- Courage - Intellectual Courage: Mindful Explorations (Grades 9 - 12) Students reflect on how they can practice intellectual courage in their own lives, guided by testimony.
- Promoting Civility in Co-Curricular Spaces (University Level) Drawing evidence from primary sources, students examine the impact of civil and uncivil discourse in co-curricular spaces.
Cultivated from our friends at Center for Inspired Teaching, here are some resources to support teachers and parents in talking with children about difficult subjects:
- How to talk to your kids about the chaos at the Capitol from National Geographic
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers from the National Association of School Psychologists
- An age-by-age guide on how to talk about difficult topics with your children from Motherly and Common Sense Media
December PD Update
WTU WINTER BRIDGE INSTITUTE
Do you have a March 2021 certification deadline and need professional learning units to re-certify? Please don't wait until it is too late!!! Register now for a special WTU Winter Bridge Professional Development Institute.
IMPACT WEBINAR - LIVE: EXPLORING THE ESSENTIAL PRACTICES IN YOUR VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
Wednesday, December 16th; 4:00 - 5:00pm
During this live Teams event, participants will have opportunities to make connections between the Essential Practices and their virtual instruction and learn about EP-aligned resources to support virtual teaching.
Read moreNov 5 Newsletter
Professional Development Update
November 5, 2020
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH TEACHING RESOURCES
Academy of American Poets Resources
National Museum of the American Indian
Films Featuring Indigenous Voices (PBS)
WTU Professional Learning Courses
Sign up now for the BRAND NEW WTU course Universal Design for Learning with instructor Nadia Torney. Starts TODAY!!! 45 PLU's for successful completion of the course. Sign-up here: http://bit.ly/WTUUniversalDesign
Hispanic Culture and Spanish Language 2
Instructor: Louis Blount. November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th @ 9am-1pm
This intense course is designed for school personnel in D.C. Public Schools to converse in Spanish beyond the basic level with Hispanic students and parents. Emphasis will be on acquiring an advanced understanding of the Spanish language through grammatical structures used in Spanish conversation, mastering listening concepts for communicating with native Spanish speakers, writing basic communicative texts for parents, and reading in the target language to communicate educational matters to parents. Mastery of these advanced skills and learned vocabulary will be immediately used in communicating with Spanish-speaking members of school communities. In addition, participants will have an appreciation of important cultural and social events in the Hispanic cultures in the local community.
Prerequisite: Hispanic Culture and Spanish Language I or Instructor’s permission. Participants may earn 45 PLU’s or 3 graduate credits from Trinity University.
RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/fall_2020_hispanic_culture
National Board Certification Support Classes
Instructor: Maria Angala. 4-8pm; Thursdays: October 15, November 5, 19, December 3, 17
The class is composed of a series of comprehensive review sessions designed to provide interested National Board candidates important information about the certification process, time to examine component and Assessment Center requirements, the opportunity to plan how to meet requirements, and time to collaborate, gather resources and information needed to pursue certification — all in a supportive, constructive, and collegial environment. Session 1: Focus on Body of Knowledge and Content Knowledge. Session 2: Differentiation in Instruction. Session 3: Teaching Practice & Learning Environment. Session 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner. Session 5: Foundations in Practice for Components 2, 3 and 4. Participants may earn 45 PLU’s. RSVP here: https://www.wtulocal6.net/fall_2020_national_board_certification_support_classes
WTU & Pulitzer Center PD Series
Click here to sign up for a powerful and profound Professional Development Series in partnership with the WTU and the Pulitzer Center (8 PLU's for attending the full series).
This series examines ways that students can engage with journalism skills and global reporting on the under-reported impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to deepen their engagement with their curricula, while also empowering them to investigate and communicate under-reported stories from their own communities. Hosted in partnership with the Pulitzer Center, a nonprofit journalism and education based in D.C., this series will feature interactive workshops, free resources, and presentations by professional journalists. Click here to sign up.
Local Letters - Tuesday, November 10 at 4:00 pm EST
How can students find the under-reported news stories that matter to them, and turn their responses into action? In this interactive workshop, participants will explore an interactive workshop that teaches students identify and summarize news stories they care about, make local connections to global issues, and identify potential solutions in their own communities.
The COVID-19 Writers Project with Zawadi Morris - Wednesday, November 17 at 4:00 pm EST
Morris will share her process developing and producing The COVID-19 Writers Project for The Brooklyn Reader, a publication she also founded. The COVID-19 Writers Project (C19WP) captures a hyperlocal viewpoint of the coronavirus Pandemic from inside the virus’s hotspot—New York City—while examining the extent to which health outcomes are impacted by socio-economics, education, and race.(https://pulitzercenter.org/people/c-zawadi-morris)
Seema Yasmin - Wednesday, December 1 at 4:00 pm EST
Dr. Seema Yasmin, a journalist and epidemiologist, presents her experience reporting on misinformation and disinformation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. (https://pulitzercenter.org/people/seema-yasmin)
Global News and Journalism Skills to Engage and Empower Students - Tuesday, December 8 at 4:00 pm EST
Connect with Pulitzer Center education staff to explore global news resources and journalism skills for the classroom. As part of this interactive session, participants will examine how global news can support their curricula and support students in making local connections to global issues.
WTU Tech Tuesdays
Upcoming sessions on Netiquette & Productive Communication with Families, Flipgrid and Sway! Register here
Reinventing the Algebra 1 Experience
On Thurs., November 5th, from 1:15-2:00 PM, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be hosting a fireside chat with an esteemed leader in the field, Bob Moses, President and Founder of The Algebra Project, and Henry Hipps, Deputy Director on the K-12 Education team, about why reinventing the Algebra 1 experience is necessary and timely. Anyone is welcome to attend!” To register for this fireside chat, please register here.
The Future of Early Math: What Science and Practice Tells Us
Omo Moses, Founder and CEO of Math Talk, will participate in a virtual panel and webinar, Tuesday, November 10th, 3:00pmET - 4:30pm ET, The Future of Early Math: What Science and Practice Tells Us, co-sponsored by The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and the National Association for Family, School, And Community Engagement. Register here.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Omowale Moses has done a lot of exciting work over the last two years in early childhood and family math and recently authored, Sometimes We Do (Math Talk).
Lynching: Reparations as Restorative Justice, an online conference 9:00 a.m. EST - 1:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, November 17th, 2020, hosted by the Civil Rights Restorative Justice Project at Northeastern Univ. School of Law. To register, click here.
Speakers will include Ta-Nehisi Coates, Angela Y. Davis, Congressperson Sheila Jackson Lee and Dread Scott. Additional speakers include Margaret Burnham, Ron Daniels, William “Sandy” Darity, Quanda Johnson, Maxine Jones, Evan Lewis, Joey Mogul, Thomas Moore, Sheila Moss, Ángel Nieves, Nkechi Taifa, and Annie Whitlock.
Ignite My Future: TECHademy (12/9 @5:30-8:30pm)
All educators welcome to join and receive no-cost transdisciplinary resources and strategies designed to effectively engage with the foundations of computational thinking across subject areas. Teachers participating in a Ignite My Future in School Virtual TECHademy will receive:
• A motivational Keynote on “Computational Thinking in the World Around Us” • Best Practices of online learning, modeled by Discovery Education Professional Development experts • Access to Ignite My Future In School.org – no-cost website with educator and family resources and opportunity to join a global community of collaborative educators through IMFIS Learning Leaders • Five “Grab and Go” lessons that are immediately ready to be used in a virtual environment • A digital event bag with free digital tools like GooseChase and a Certificate of Participation
Reserve your seat today!
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE WTU ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK, AND INSTAGRAM TO KEEP UP ON THE LATEST FROM YOUR UNION.
Oct 5 - PD Newsletter
Tech Tool Tuesdays (every Tuesday at 5-6:30pm)
Please join the WTU Professional Development Instructors for Tech Tool Tuesdays. As we prepare for both the known and unknown of 2020-2021, get ahead of the curve with these workshops that explore best practices in online learning. Click here to explore the weekly topics and to register. You can join for one or multiple sessions.
To view last week’s PD Newsletter, click here.
AFT Needs Your Help.
The AFT is collecting instructional videos for teachers to help them improve their distance learning experience for themselves and their students, and we need your help.
What: Have you recorded yourself doing a lesson, watched a tutorial on how to use a specific online tool or platform that you think was particularly helpful? Is there one you wish you could watch? We need any and all help to launch this new Community on Share My Lesson(SML).
Why: We are hearing from our members that they need short instructional videos to help them see how new tools are actually being used by colleagues in the field on different platforms to teach various subjects and grade levels. For example: Show us how you conduct a morning meeting using Zoom or how you taught a lesson using Jamboard or send us a think-a-loud or tips you think would be helpful for your fellow educators during this challenging time.
Where: Here is the link to the Google Form for submitting videos/ideas: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1V4qknA9Tsdm45VZZe-jPIPUQ6a83WqyNzULUDfxKwpY/edit
This will be an ongoing project, just like collecting lessons on SML, so please spread the word and ask your colleagues to jump in and help create this new exciting set of resources to help enhance you and your colleagues’ teaching. We can’t do it without you!
Oct 1 - PD Newsletter
Professional Development News Letter
October 1, 2020
It is our absolute pleasure and honor to announce this year's esteemed group of WTU Teacher Leaders, facilitated by Rachel Thomas and Sarah Elwell.
- Andreiss Bluitt, Eastern HS
- Rebecca Bradshaw-Smith, Wilson HS
- Dawn Brodus-Yougha, Anne Beers ES
- Kristen Bryant, Ketcham ES
- Brian Crumb, Sr., Payne ES
- Kristian Ellingsen, Columbia Heights EC
- LeeTosha Henry, H.D. Woodson HS & Coolidge HS
- Ashley Kearney, Ron Brown College Preparatory HS
- Nantambu Kohlbatz, McKinley Technology HS
- Modestine Montgomery, River Terrace EC
- Dominique Moore, Johnson MS
- Gabriel Morden-Snipper, Bard Early College HS
- Kip Plaisted, Stuart-Hobson MS
- Carleather Ponder, Roosevelt HS
- Shannon Robichaud, School Without Walls @ Francis-Stevens
- Jessica Salute, Stanton ES
- Donald Thompson, Jr., Anacostia HS
SAVE THE DATE: WTU Teacher Leaders Research Symposium will be May 15, 2021!!! At this event, our teacher leaders will share their action research and policy recommendations.
Read more
Updates - September 28, 2020
Don't Let Certification Sneak Up On You!
For those who received an extension until March 2021 to recertify, the deadline will be here before you know it. The WTU is here to support you as you pursue recertification and/or an education promotion. Register now for quality, research-based, peer-to-peer professional development with the Washington Teachers' Union.
When you recertify, please bear in mind that it may take 10-12 weeks to process so please make sure you submit materials for certification at least 3 months prior to your license expiration date.
OSSE Educator Credentialing & Certification: https://osse.dc.gov/ed-credentials
Tech Tool Tuesdays (every Tuesday at 5-6:30pm)
Please join the WTU Professional Development Instructors for Tech Tool Tuesdays. As we prepare for both the known and unknown of 2020-2021, get ahead of the curve with these workshops that explore best practices in online learning. Click here to explore the weekly topics and to register. You can join for one or multiple sessions.
Sign up for the following Professional Development classes that are starting this week:
- Financial Literacy Fridays, 10/2-10/30, 4pm-6pm (2 PLU's per session + 2 PLU's for supplemental work) FREE
- Managing Behavior in School Communities, Thursdays, 4:30-6:30 (must register for FULL COURSE=45 PLU's) $150 registration fee
- Reading Comprehension Instruction, Saturdays, 10am-2pm (must register for FULL COURSE=45 PLU's) $150 registration fee
- Strategies for Student Success, Section 1, September 29 and October 1, 4pm-7pm (4 PLU's per session) FREE
- Strategies for Student Success, Section 2, begins TODAY September 28, 4pm-7pm (4 PLU's per session) FREE
- Tuesday Technology Tool, Tuesdays, 5-6:30pm (2 PLU's per session) FREE
Center for Inspired Teaching: The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health”
Center for Inspired Teaching is excited to invite you to the next Speak Truth seminar! The topic of discussion on October 1st will be, "The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health," a relevant topic especially during the pandemic and the imposition of social distancing measures. This seminar's discussion will be on the topic of mental health and mental disorder of people in general, but especially frontline workers, through the lens of trauma.
Due to the health crisis, Speak Truth has gone online and is using Zoom Video Conferencing. For safety reasons, we will not be sending out the actual Zoom meeting link until the day of the session, so keep your eyes and ears peeled in your inbox/texts for that! In the meantime please spread the word to your students and any high school students that would be interested in our upcoming discussion.
Date: Thursday, October 1st
Time: 6:00 -7:30 pm EST
Link to register:
WTU Teacher Leaders
It is our absolute pleasure and honor to announce this year's esteemed group of WTU Teacher Leaders, facilitated by Rachel Thomas and Sarah Elwell.
- Andreiss Bluitt, Eastern HS
- Rebecca Bradshaw-Smith, Wilson HS
- Dawn Brodus-Yougha, Anne Beers ES
- Kristen Bryant, Ketcham ES
- Brian Crumb, Sr., Payne ES
- Kristian Ellingsen, Columbia Heights EC
- LeeTosha Henry, H.D. Woodson HS & Coolidge HS
- Ashley Kearney, Ron Brown College Preparatory HS
- Nantambu Kohlbatz, McKinley Technology HS
- Modestine Montgomery, River Terrace EC
- Dominique Moore, Johnson MS
- Gabriel Morden-Snipper, Bard Early College HS
- Kip Plaisted, Stuart-Hobson MS
- Carleather Ponder, Roosevelt HS
- Shannon Robichaud, School Without Walls @ Francis-Stevens
- Jessica Salute, Stanton ES
- Donald Thompson, Jr., Anacostia HS
SAVE THE DATE: WTU Teacher Leaders Research Symposium will be May 15, 2021!!! At this event, our teacher leaders will share their action research and policy recommendations.
May 21 Updates
The WTU's Fall 2020 Professional Development Courses are Open for Registration.
All Fall 2020 Courses will be offered on-line.
Click here to see our Fall Line-Up and Register.
These are the WTU Professional Development courses that begin this month:
- FREE PRAXIS I Math ClassONLY FIVE SPACES LEFT!
- Hispanic Culture & Spanish Language I (graduate credit available through Trinity University)
- Restoring from the Inside Out: Building Capacity for Wellness\
- FREE Meeting Writing Expectations, Grades K-5
- Advanced Integration of Computer Technology(graduate credit available through Trinity University) ONLY TWO SPACES LEFT!
-
Managing Behavior in School Communities(graduate credit available through Trinity University)
Foundations: Organizing the Classroom for Teaching & Learning (graduate credit available through Trinity University) - FREE Strategies for Student Success Section 1and Section 2 (different topics in each series)
Don't Let Certification Sneak Up On You!
For those who received an extension until March 2021 to recertify, the deadline will be here before you know it. The WTU is here to support you as you pursue recertification and/or an education promotion. Register now for quality, research-based, peer-to-peer professional development with the Washington Teachers' Union.
OSSE Educator Credentialing & Certification: https://osse.dc.gov/ed-credentials
Tech Tool Tuesdays (every Tuesday at 5-6:30pm)
Please join the WTU Professional Development Instructors for Tech Tool Tuesdays. As we prepare for both the known and unknown of 2020-2021, get ahead of the curve with these workshops that explore best practices in online learning. Click here to explore the weekly topics and to register. You can join for one or multiple sessions.
Lessons on TV
The Washington Teachers' Union is pleased to announce that we will be continuing to provide Lessons on TV during the fall semester to help support students and families during this difficult time. Through our partnership with Fox 5, the WTU will air 30-minute lessons each weekday on Fox Plus, WDCA. We hope you'll volunteer to teach a lesson. Please click here to sign-up to receive additional information.
This fall, we plan to offer courses on a number of timely issues. In the coming weeks, we hope to emphasize lessons around Civic Engagement and Voting, Digital Citizenship and a number of other topics. Of course, we're open to your suggestions as well. Again, please click here to express interest in learning more and teaching a lesson. Please contact Sarah Elwell at [email protected] if you have any questions.
May 29 - Lessons on TV - High School
May 29 - Lessons on TV – High School
Kamellia Keo, McKinley Middle School
Ashley Kearney, Ron Brown High School
Kristian Ellingsen, Columbia Heights Education Campus
May 28 - Lessons on TV - Middle School
May 28 - Lessons on TV – Middle School
Sarah Hjort-Tyson, Hart Middle School
Kamellia Keo, McKinley Middle School
Potential and Kinetic Energy (Teacher Resources)