Professional Development Programs: Designed for the Needs of Teachers
NCCAT's instructional programs reflect the broad range of unique professional development topics for public school teachers and other educators. Challenging formats, combined with professional learning communities, shape the NCCAT offerings. All programs incorporate relevant state standards. Seminar faculty model best practices for application to the 21st century classroom.
How can we amplify our strengths and minimize barriers to promote student success in our middle and high schools? This session will examine MTSS as a school improvement framework with a focus on building common language and understanding for educators in the secondary school setting. We will begin by exploring the NC MTSS Critical Components and discuss the roles of school-based educators in supporting academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and attendance needs to improve student outcomes. In addition, participants will explore components for strengthening core instruction and intervention in secondary schools. We will examine how data may be used to identify student needs and make instructional adjustments to better support learning. This session will provide the opportunity for participants to network with colleagues from across the state to explore optimal teaching behaviors and practical suggestions to support problem-solving. Plan to leave with ideas for immediate implementation and with MTSS resources to share with your school team for future school-improvement planning. This program is intended for educators in grades 6-12.
Discover new ways to turn reading strategies into writing opportunities that deepen comprehension and extend student learning. This in-depth, interactive program will focus on the power of the teacher as the mentor model in exploring multiple tools for unlocking thinking in the classroom—through the process of uncovering your own writing life. Strategies will include the use of journal responses, writing as inquiry across the content areas, and the power of authentic interactions with poetry and prompts. This program is designed for teachers in grades K-3.
Digital learning is a broad category that encompasses the use of digital resources and technology to enhance and differentiate instruction. However, the number of available options can be overwhelming. Participants in this course will gain experience with free, high-quality tools for: video and audio production, blended lessons, curating digital content, and assessment. Participants will expand their toolboxes by practicing with 1 or 2 high quality tech tools for each topic area.
How do we empower middle and high school mathematicians to flourish as they create meaning in mathematics? Join us as we explore the CRA (concrete-representational-abstract) model in the secondary math classroom, where educators learn how to empower students through hands-on opportunities. This program will explore Hands-On Equations and Algebra Tiles while examining the vertical progression of algebraic concepts. This program is designed for 5-12 math teachers focusing on linear equations, binomial multiplication, and factoring.
The Gathering is open to teachers who have participated in NCCAT’s “Teaching the Holocaust” program. Participation in comparable intensive Holocaust education programs will be considered.
NCCAT’s Holocaust Education Program works to promote Holocaust education in North Carolina public schools. It is important to continue our efforts to promote student understanding of the ways in which our individual and collective actions shape the direction of the present and the world of the future. Join fellow alumni of our Holocaust education program as we explore teaching the Holocaust through writing and literature with various genres, including personal narrative/memoir, biography, poetry, music, art, and film. This program will help teachers focus on the power of individuals’ personal stories as an effective vehicle for teaching about the Holocaust, so they may involve students in appropriate and powerful study of this difficult topic.
If our pupils are to be successful in school, and in all aspects of their lives, they must be effective writers. Our students should have practice and instruction in writing because this skill does not develop naturally. An important ingredient in supporting a vision for teaching writing is to apply methods with a proven track record of success. This program will help teachers observe a child’s writing and explore how how to take their work to the next level. Join NCCAT to learn about research-based best practices for teaching writing in the K-5 classroom.
A wealth of research supports the hypothesis that physical activity can boost comprehension, retention, and self-regulation in students of all achievement levels. Teachers who build movement into their lessons have students who are more engaged. Teachers will learn a variety of strategies for integrating instruction with physical activity, but not at the expense of intellectual rigor. Armed with a collection of techniques you can use immediately, design and create your own physically and mentally active lessons. This session is designed for teachers in grades K-12.
Is your school interested in using the NC STEM Schools of Distinction Rubric for school improvement or to receive the STEM School of Distinction designation? During this planning institute schools will review the overarching principles of the Rubric, consider what each principle means in the context of their individual school, assess the school’s readiness, draft a strategic plan and develop next steps for school improvement or to apply for the NC STEM Schools of Distinction. The institute will include whole group discussion to learn from best practices across the state and individual school team planning.
Who should attend: School teams of three to five (including a required administrator). Schools which currently have a STEM focus or have previously applied for the STEM School of Distinction designation will benefit the most from this institute. For more information, email Akua Carraway at [email protected].
SAMR is a helpful framework for mindfully integrating technology. The acronym stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. As teachers incorporate technology in their craft, they often start by substituting digital tools for traditional ones, but the latter stages of SAMR, where teachers completely rethink and redefine their lessons, don t come as easily. Participants in this seminar will learn approaches for Modifying and Redefining lessons through technology as they rewrite lessons with the support of colleagues. This program is appropriate for teachers grades 3-12.
Today s teachers face the challenge of how to ensure a positive school experience for their students, many of whom carry the burden of adverse childhood experiences. Spurred by the facilitator s personal experience and extensive exploration of brain-based learning, we will explore how brain science can be applied to social-emotional learning to create supportive classroom environments and improve outcomes for all students. This program is designed for all teachers and guidance counselors in grades K-12.
With the changes being made to Google Expeditions and apps like Google Poly, how can you continue to place the power of virtual reality into the hands of your students? What if you and your students could create virtual reality projects to experience our state, local and national parks as well as historical sites. Join us to collect digital artifacts of the beautiful places in our state and learn how to use our devices, apps, and free websites to create virtual reality projects that foster engagement, critical thinking, and creativity. You will be inspired by your surroundings to create an interactive VR experience, and share with others. Student created VR can be used as a choice in any situation where teachers would use traditional digital projects like slide presentations, posters, infographics, and brochures. The end products can be viewed through Google Cardboard, Goggles, or using a simple link. This program is designed for K-12 educators, school counselors, and anyone eager to take learners on adventures.
We are all committed to cultivating in-demand, future proof skills in our students, but what kind of instruction accomplishes that goal? High Quality Project-Based Learning is a pedagogical strategy used by forward thinking educators around the world to inspire students to collaborate, think critically , and share their work. Though many educators have heard about PBL and are excited about it, they struggle to implement it with fidelity in their own classrooms. This program, designed for educators in grades 6-12 of all subjects, including Career and Technical Education, will introduce educators to the HQPBL framework and help them create their own PBL units in a high energy, collaborative atmosphere.
Research indicates that every student can be successful in math with a combination of mindset and high effect size strategies. Join us as we explore strategies that make learning visible and engage high school students in rich mathematics. Sessions for this program will include mathematical discourse, the power of reflection, and authentic problem-solving. This program is open to math teachers in grades 8-12 with a focus on Math 1.
The work of instructional coaching is a dynamic part of school communities. Supporting coaching cultures where students are at the center is an essential part of this work. Join NCCAT to embrace the components of student-centered coaching. Throughout the week, we will learn coaching moves that create opportunities for professional growth, and suggestions for putting student learning at the forefront. Sessions will include models for co-teaching moves, providing strength-based feedback, and high-impact instructional strategies. Time will be spent collaborating with coaches from across NC, and learning new ways to connect with your teachers and their classrooms. This program is intended for K-12 instructional coaches.