Summer 2023's Top Workshops for PK-12 Educators
As we continue basking in the warmth of summer, it's the perfect time for PK-12 educators to take a moment to reflect, recharge, and reinvent their teaching strategies.
With the end of the academic year behind us, and a new one on the horizon, summer provides a unique opportunity for professional growth. This is where professional development (PD) comes into play.
In this blog post, we'll explore why summer is an ideal time for PD, and highlight five online opportunities you can take advantage of before Labor Day. So, whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, let's dive into the world of summer professional development.
Why Summer is a Great Time for Professional Development
Summer is often seen as a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, and rightly so. However, it's also an invaluable period for professional growth and development. Here's why:
1. Time to Reflect:
The end of the academic year provides a natural pause, a chance to look back at the past year's successes and challenges. Summer PD allows educators to reflect on their experiences and apply these insights to future teaching strategies.
2. Opportunity for Deep Learning:
Educators are often pressed for time during the school year, juggling multiple responsibilities. The summer break offers an uninterrupted stretch for deep, focused learning. It's an ideal time to delve into new pedagogical theories, explore innovative teaching tools, or master a new subject area.
3. Stay Current:
The field of education is constantly evolving, with new research, methodologies, and technologies emerging regularly. Summer PD helps educators stay up-to-date and ready to bring the latest best practices into their classrooms in the fall.
4. Network and Collaborate:
PD opportunities often bring together educators from diverse backgrounds and experiences. These interactions can lead to meaningful collaborations, fresh perspectives, and a supportive professional network.
5. Recharge and Inspire:
Lastly, PD isn't just about learning new things—it's also about reigniting the passion for teaching. Engaging with inspiring ideas and fellow educators can rekindle enthusiasm and provide a motivational boost for the upcoming academic year.
Remember, professional development is an investment in yourself and your students. This summer, take the time to grow, learn, and prepare for the exciting challenges of the next academic year.
5 Online Professional Development Opportunities Available Before Labor Day 2023
By exploring these professional development workshops before summer ends, you can embrace new methodologies and enhance your ability to impact every student's learning journey positively.
Workshop 1: Get Student Behaviors Under Control or Get Eaten Alive!
When: August 16 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Hosted by SimpleK12, this free webinar is a must-attend for educators who want to learn effective strategies for managing student behavior.
The session will be led by Mike Paget, a seasoned expert in the field of student behavior and high-risk student challenges. The webinar will provide practical tips and strategies to help educators create a positive learning environment.
Workshop 2: The Student-Centered Classroom: Early Elementary Edition
When: Thursday, August 17, 2023 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
This edWebinar, sponsored by The Modern Classrooms Project, is designed to help educators create a student-centered, engaging, and self-paced learning environment for early elementary students.
The session will be led by Marlene Tapia-Garcia, a bilingual teacher, and other experienced educators. The webinar will explore practical strategies and approaches tailored specifically to early elementary grades.
Workshop 3: Simply the Best: Increasing Achievement, Engagement, Belonging, and Joy
When: On-Demand
This one-hour presentation by Dr. Nicole West-Burns is a fantastic opportunity for educators to learn how to create an inclusive and joyful learning environment.
The session will cover topics such as raising achievement for all learners, fostering a sense of belonging, and the importance of joy in classrooms and schools. The session also addresses how we must consider identity and power in the classroom.
Workshop 4: Evaluating Online Sources: Checking Facts and Identifying Misinformation
When: August 16, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT
Offered by KQED Teach, this free, hands-on course equips educators with the skills to teach students how to distinguish facts from misinformation online.
The course covers best practices for assessing the accuracy and credibility of online sources in various formats and provides strategies to support students in using search engines and evaluating online news and information sources.
Workshop 5: Integrating STEM Across the Curriculum
When: On-Demand
This course, offered by the Adventist Learning Community, is designed to help educators integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across the curriculum.
The course emphasizes ideas, activities, and resources to promote STEM education in Language Arts and Social Studies classrooms. The course is led by Dr. Betty F. Nugent, an educator with over 30 years of experience. Upon completion, participants will earn 0.3 CEU and a certificate of completion if you employed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Stay Connected With Us for More Summer Growth Tips & Resources
As we wrap up, remember that professional development is not just a requirement—it's an opportunity. An opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become the best educator you can be for your students.
The summer break provides a unique chance to invest in yourself without the regular pressures of the school year. We hope that the highlighted online opportunities inspire you to make the most of this time.
As we move towards the new academic year, let's carry the spirit of continuous learning with us. Let's strive to bring the best of ourselves to our classrooms, to our students, and to our communities.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're here to support you every step of the way. Stay connected with us for more resources, opportunities, and updates. Join our community of educators, share your experiences, and let's learn from each other.
Here's to a summer of growth and a successful new academic year!