May 17, 2013

Teachers Are Learners, Too!

One of the most important elements of Instructional Leadership is the understanding that teachers are learners, too. At Greendale Schools, our teachers and staff are among the best in the state at what they do and as a district, we are proud of them. We also know that teaching practices continually evolve. Teachers are always developing new ideas and making changes to meet the varied needs of their students. That’s what makes this focus area important.

Greendale Schools’ teachers are constantly learning and the District works hard to provide and seek out opportunities for staff growth in educational practices. Last weekend, nine Greendale teachers from across the levels of learning participated in “edCampMke 2013” held at South Milwaukee High School. The daylong conference offered teachers opportunities to learn new ways to integrate technology into their lesson plans for students of all abilities and learning styles.

This summer, District-sponsored summer programs are offering 20 cohort groups for teacher learning. We are also hosting two-day seminars on various topics including: web page development, understanding Student Learning Objectives, intervention resources, Response to Intervention (RtI) and Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), using digital tools, progress monitoring, assessment and grading, and more.

We’re encouraging our educators to stretch their minds the same way they are challenging their students. And the innovations they develop are used in classrooms every day.

I am committed to working together and making decisions that help teachers grow and help kids learn. With this group of pros on our team, Greendale’s success will continue!

Dr. John Tharp