Science Training

HTHS science teachers participated in a daylong of professional learning with ASIM instructors Eric Lambert and Emily Menard. Teachers were able to become more proficient using CER  (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) and participated in various lab experiences. Another day of professional learning is planned in March with ASIM instructors.

Quotable Quote

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.    Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ponder This . . .

From Mathematical Mindsets by Jo Boaler

Every second of the day our brain synapses are firing, and students raised in stimulating environments with growth mindset messages are capable of anything.

A lot of scientific evidence suggests that the difference between those who succeed and those who don't is not the brains they were born with, but their approach to life, the messages they receive about their potential, and the opportunities they have to learn.  The very best opportunities to learn come about when students believe in themselves. 

There is no such thing as a "math brain" or a "math gift," as many believe.  No one is born knowing math, and no one is born lacking the ability to learn math. 

Students with a fixed mindset are less willing to try more challenging work or subjects because they are afraid of slipping up and no longer being seen as smart.  Students with a growth mindset take on hard work, and they view mistakes as a challenge and motivation to do more.

National Fund for Teachers

Alabama teachers will now compete in the National Fund for Teachers program.  

2018 Grant – Application period:

October 1, 2017 - January 2018
DEADLINE: January 31, 2018, 5:00 PM Central Time
 

APPLY NOW:
fft.fundforteachers.org

The Fund for Teachers grant program provides teachers the opportunity to design their own professional development and be awarded $5000 to $10,000 in grant money.

Alabama Pre-K through 12th grade teachers, submit an application for a chance to receive up to $5000 as an individual and up to $10,000 as a team of 2 or more teachers.

Do I meet the eligibility requirements?

• (3) years teaching experience
• Teach preK-12 grade
• Spend at least 50% of a full time position in the classroom or classroom-like setting in direct instruction with students
• Intend to return to the classroom in the consecutive school year

Apply beginning October 1, 2017!

Find out more about this opportunity for “DIY professional development” by visiting fundforteachers.org or the nonprofit’s Facebook and Tumblr pages.

Meet Alabama’s 85 Fund for Teachers Fellows: 

2017 Fellows      2016 Fellows      2015 Fellows      2014 Fellows      2013 Fellows       2012 Fellows

Watch the videos below to find out information and practical tips on how to design and submit a successful grant application from former Fellows and the program manager.

For additional information contact: Kathy Heiman kheiman@aptv.org

K-2 Math Teachers Focus on Number Talks

TCS K-2 math teachers met today to gain information regarding using number talks in their classrooms.  The professional learning session was designed and facilitated by Lisa Lothspeich, district math coach.