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How can teachers design successful workshops that inspire participants and encourage innovation? In Rockingham County, North Carolina, media specialists Lisa Austin and Donna Turner were determined to engage and inspire teachers, and they used some unconventional strategies that really worked. Their workshop not only motivated participants, but their media center was filled with laughter and enthusiasm. What was their secret?
First, Lisa and Donna attended a SAS inSchool® session at East Bladen High School, where they received handouts, saw model lessons, and explored Curriculum Pathways®. Once the teachers became familiar with the software, they developed an implementation plan that would work with their audience in Rockingham County.
North Carolina teachers can begin their journey with some significant advantages. Courtesy of a two-year grant from the Bank of America Foundation, all public middle and high schools have access to Curriculum Pathways® from SAS inSchool. In this three-way partnership, Bank of America worked with the NC Department of Public Instruction and SAS inSchool; the result is unprecedented state-wide access to SAS inSchool's award-winning digital resources.
Next, teachers needed time to learn how they might best use Curriculum Pathways to meet the varied needs of their students. Donna and Lisa chose a travel scenario for their audience in Rockingham County. Since their initial session was held after school, they knew they would face an audience of weary educators, tired from a full day of teaching. How could they hold the interest of busy teachers who were ready to go home at the end of a long day?
They took their faculty on an imaginary vacation--a tropical get-away! Donna and Lisa donned Hawaiian shirts, sun hats, leis, and they even put up an eight-foot palm tree! They decorated the tables with tropical drink glasses filled with candy, and they played Hawaiian music as the faculty entered the room. They cast leis around the necks of weary teachers and watched as tired looks grew into smiles and laughter.
Steve Yount, J. M. Morehead High School social studies teacher, said, "Lisa and Donna always have innovative and interesting methods for presenting new technologies and ideas for classroom teachers. The workshop introduced the faculty to the extensive choices of strategies and lessons available in Curriculum Pathways. Now I am able to teach my curriculum more effectively and also teach the competency skills that are an important part of the Standard Course of Study."
Using a computer projector, Lisa and Donna briefly demonstrated some of the time-saving features of Curriculum Pathways. Then teachers looked for resources that would support their curriculum goals and the needs of their students. Finally, they designed customized lessons that were carefully correlated to the NC Standard Course of Study.
According to Lisa Austin, "Our workshop proved to be a great way to relay our enthusiasm for such a dynamic resource."
Since staff development materials are located on the SAS inSchool web site, teachers can easily create their own workshops and adjust their approach to fit their audience. Lisa and Donna report that J. M. Morehead High School teachers are still enjoying their journey and students are learning all the way.
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