Teachers to select from range of in-service classes

Sign language, Web page design, conversational Spanish, and research-based instructional strategies are just a few of the in-service training sessions being offered this summer for Warren County teachers.

Throughout the next two months, teachers will participate in various professional development programs in order to continue to learn and grow in their profession.

Katrina Haley, director of technology, works with teachers in a computer-lab setting to develop or improve skills in using technology for learning. From Microsoft PowerPoint to Photoshop CS2 & Digital Photography, teachers learn to use particular software applications in their classrooms and with their students.

Dianna Zadeh, director of testing and English as a Second Language, coordinates training for teachers in interpreting test data to improve student achievement and in providing instruction for second language learners and the differences in cultures. In addition, all teachers participated in online ESL training during this past school year and may choose to continue those courses until June 30.

Bobby Cox, director of instruction, will lead data teams from each school in learning to access the many different data reports provided online by the State Department of Education. These very detailed reports can be used to study trends, gains, strengths, and needs for all subgroups and grade levels. The information will then be used to review our curriculum and instructional methods to make sure we are meeting the needs of students as determined by requirements of No Child Left Behind.

Linda Wilson, director of special education services, helps to plan in-service for regular and special education teachers on many different topics, including Dyslexia, behavior management, and the Wilson Reading Method. Special education also helps to fund materials for training in positive behavior support, inclusion, and self-harm awareness and prevention.

Sonya Walker, director of health services, coordinates guest speakers for training in seizure management in the classroom and dealing with diabetes in the classroom. In addition, Bobby Pennington, WCHS student resource officer, will conduct a session on school safety and crisis management.

Sherry Trotman, director of federal programs, reviews school improvement plans to determine funding for all professional development for the system. Guidelines require that in-service programs coordinate with the goals written in each school?s plan.

Our goal is to provide and schedule a variety of useful and interesting topics for professional development for teachers throughout the summer. We focus on targeted student learning needs, leadership skills, and effective instructional strategies. Participation in quality in-service training will result in improved academic achievement for all students in our system.

Bonnie Collier is the school system?s director of professional and community development.