Professional Development Transcript
This page showcases some of the professional development that I have participated in. I have broken down my experiences into two areas: middle school and technology. I'm most passionate about these two topics and seek to continually grow in these areas. Links are provided in order to learn more about each of these experiences.
Middle School
Michigan Association for Middle School Educators (MAMSE) Conference
2017, 2018, 2019
Michigan Middle Schools
MAMSE coordinates an annual conference for middle school educators each year. The conference takes place in a different host location each year. This conference is dedicated to learning strategies, best practices, and sharing ideas for teaching middle school students. I see great value in the sessions and networking with other middle school educators. I've picked up several strategies and ideas that I use in my classroom.
Michigan Schools to Watch Facilitator Training
2011 & 2019
Dexter, MI & Saginaw, MI
Michigan Schools to Watch promotes academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, and social equity in middle schools across the State of Michigan. This training has allowed me to be a member of the visitation team that certifies if a school is to become a "School to Watch" or not. I have visited several schools since my initial training and have taken away countless ideas to bring back to my school and classroom.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Workshop
2016
Bay City, MI
I attended this workshop due to my school's involvement in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program. At this workshop I learned how to craft a lesson plan in the area of "Design" according to the IB philosophy. This method of lesson plan creation focuses in depth on the connections between designated content areas. While time consuming, I appreciate the thinking process that goes into creating this type of lesson.
AVID Reading Strategies Workshop
2014
Jacksonville, NC
My former school was an AVID school and I taught the AVID students for two years. I attended this workshop to learn more about the AVID philosophy and how to support my students. I learned the proper way to facilitate Cornell Notes and still use this technique with my students. I was introduced to several other reading strategies and techniques throughout this workshop.
Kagan Cooperative Learning Workshop
2010
Mount Pleasant, MI
This workshop taught the many cooperative learning techniques used in the Kagan program. I use these techniques in my classroom on a regular basis as they promote engagement and student interaction. My classroom setup is designed to support cooperative learning and changes to support whichever Kagan technique I am using.
National Middle School Association (NMSA) Conference
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2009
Indianapolis, IN
Formerly known as the NMSA, the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) puts on a national conference each year. This conference is filled with sessions centered on middle level education. This was my first large scale teaching conference and it inspired me to continue seeking out these types of opportunities.
Technology
Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) Conference
2019 & 2020
Grand Rapids, MI & Detroit, MI
I've been fortunate to attend the MACUL Conference the past two years and plan to attend in the future. This conference is for anyone who works in schools and wants to stay current on educational technologies and strategies. I have not only learned about new technologies and strategies from this conference, but have seen great value in connecting and sharing with other conference participants.
Fuse Program Facilitator Training
2016 & 2018
Chicago, IL & Saginaw, MI
The Fuse Program is a series of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) challenges. Students "level up" as they progress through each challenge. The challenges are extremely interactive and diverse and offer students a new way of learning while promoting creativity and independent thinking. These trainings have taught me how to be a facilitator of the program which I use in my Design & Technology class.
Illuminate Education Training
2016
Saginaw, MI
I was chosen to be a part of my school district's leadership team after my district purchased Illuminate Education. As part of this training, I learned how to use this assessment and data warehouse tool. After I was trained I went back to my school to lead a training for my teaching peers. I continue to be a resource and have been able to support my peers since this initial training.
2015
Jacksonville, NC
I presented on the topic of "Tradigital Learning" which combines aspects of traditional and digital learning together. This concept promotes the use of "stations." A independent station with students on a one-to-one device and a teacher led station. Additional stations may be added, such as a group station. Students rotate through these stations to allow a personalized learning experience.