Professional+Development+and+Support

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When teachers hear in-service or professional development they cringe. However I understand why, most often the in-service days are thrown together at the last minute on topics that are redundant and useless. Most of the professional development consists of a guest speaker talking at us about what they have accomplished. Teachers need to engage in quality professional development. Since we hold our students to high expectations in the classroom, we as teachers need to follow suit and also hold ourselves to those same high expectation in order to provide a quality education to our students.

Once a month in-service days will be dedicated to incorporating technology (Smart Boards) into the classroom. The Technology team and school administrators as well as teachers will collaborate to focus on what the teachers want and need to learn about their new technology. Also, SMART offers a 35-75 minute computer and telephone conference. It is a quick no cost overview of the basic uses of the Smart Board (Interactive White Board). They also offer Online Hands-On workshops. This is a virtual lab environment providing 2-3 one-hour live training sessions. They are conducted online and include class discussion boards as well as assignments.
 * Short Term Goals: **

Smart offers distance educational courses. They are 4-8 week courses that include live online seminars along with videos; self paced activities, and online discussion boards. These courses will allow teachers to work together to design and teach lessons that will engage students and improve their performance results. (Technologies, 2010) Sessions offered are Smart Board Interactive Whiteboard, Smart Notebook, Smart Response, and Smart Classroom Suite. Teachers will also be encouraged to take continuing education technology courses at local or online universities and colleges. Unfortunately, there may be a need to offer teachers an incentive such as a stipend to attend such trainings. The Technology team, administrators, and teachers will continue to meet on a monthly basis to address issues and focus areas to keep everyone up to date and familiar with the Smart Board Technologies.
 * Long Term Goals: **

Maintenance Procedures and Recycling Timeline Technology Plan and Research Report