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Hands-On Professional Development
By Paul Ohme and James Rayford
Studies of the effects of teacher participation in science research
experiences show that they provide teachers with new insights,
knowledge and resources. They also encourage teachers to implement
more constructivist instructional practices, as well as prepare
teachers to provide students with more up-to-date, relevant and
stimulating educational experiences in science.
Georgia Tech's GIFT office welcomes input on how we can make this
hands-on professional development program more relevant to schools,
the teachers and, ultimately, the students we serve. Sponsorship
opportunities are available to all organizations and companies in
Georgia, and nominations are welcome by any interested organizations
in the educational technology field. For more information, call (404)
894-7530 or visit GIFT online at www.ceismc.gatech.edu.
Tips for Establishing a Teacher Fellowship
Below are some tips for school
districts and corporate leaders who are interested in establishing a
teacher fellowship program like GIFT:
Getting Started
Recruit strong community leaders from
both academia and corporations to champion the program. Current and
past chairpersons for GIFT's advisory council have included CEOs or
senior VPs from Bell South, Equifax and IBM. It is also critical to
have science and math coordinators as well as school superintendents
on board. School systems' personnel can weave this program to become
part of their teachers' professional development plans.
Communicate
the program's benefits to a company's bottom line. Educate companies
by informing them that they are not only supporting education, but
are also gaining a skilled, productive worker.
Move the
program's administration to the Web. Part of the GIFT program's
success is that it is based around a strong technology
infrastructure. Key functions such as online registration and online
matching have proven to be very successful.
Once a Program is Established
Hold teachers accountable to an action
plan. Follow up with site visits once a teacher has returned to the
classroom. School systems' personnel have a greater credibility for
accountability.
Provide
participating teachers with facilitators or mentors. Teachers require
continual support, guidance and ideas for the program to be most
effective.
Document the
program's effectiveness. All aspects of education are moving toward
accountability. You need to have a process in place to gauge the
effectiveness of student achievement and the actual transfer of
experience into the classroom.
