U46 Professional Development
The TEI Department has been working to make more information available to certified staff through the U-46 website. This District Department has been staffed with teacher leaders that are very aware of the needs of our classroom staff. They continue to work to help move us to more relevant professional development and appraisal experiences. http://www.u-46.org/tei/
- The list of University partners does help identify where members may be able to find programs that target U-46 needs. Current program notices are found on the PD site, http://www.u-46.org/progro/index.html
- They also are helping to keep up to speed on the changes for the student teacher experience. The District has begun changes in placement as well in the process. TEI has provided Feb 2012 Cooperating Teacher FAQ that explains some of those changes. Remember, working with a student teacher can be a part of your professional development plan and used for re-certification. More info can be found on the District Student Teaching site.
Interconnect
School District U-46 has created partnerships with several colleges and universities to better serve both groups’ needs. They meet 3 times a year to share information about the District staffing and TEI programs. The partners also bring information about opportunities at their sites.
The following are NIU opportunities:
Project DREAMS Academies
These Academies are designed for K-12 administrators, school leaders, and auxiliary staff that wish to enhance their understanding and knowledge about English language learners. Two, four day sessions will be held during each summer. 10 participants will be selected for each academy each summer of the five year grant. Participants will be paid $500 upon completion of the four days of the academy and then will be paid an additional $500 in September upon giving a short presentation to academy colleagues regarding knowledge gained from the academy and implemented in daily work habits. Candidates apply for only one summer academy.
http://cedu.niu.edu/ltcy/services/projectdreams/project_dreams_academies.shtml