This summer my department partnered with technology companies (such
as PBS Learning, Google, and SMART Technologies) that provide resources used
and loved by NYCDOE teachers to provide an innovative professional learning
experience. The goal of the program was to create and connect teachers across
the district who are power-users of the same resources so they could become
area experts supporting others back in their school and districts.
What was terrific about the partnership is that these companies
really came to life with real people building relationships with our staff to support
them and help them grow. In the end it was a win, win. The participants loved
this type of learning. Our partners enjoyed the new connections and communities
they were able to build and they will be expanding this work to other districts
as well.
Here are six tips for SMART professional development
opportunities.
1. Host the program kick-off in an inspiring setting.
2. Provide PD paths and
options.
3. Build in opportunities
for socializing during in-person training.
4. Self-paced
opportunities extend beyond the event.
5. Reunite and reflect.
6. Establish community
beyond the PD program.
These tips were the takeaways from SMART who said, “Thank you to
everyone at the NYCDOE for building such a great program and allowing vendors
like us to participate – we learned so much too!” Now that is true success. Not
only does our staff members get SMARTer, our partners do too.
You can
check out the whole story with details on each tip at the EdCompass blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment