You're invited to come learn with us!
In the next month we are hosting 2 Professional Development Networking Days. The goal of these days is to bring together teachers of a particular subject to share ideas with time to plan projects for the year. Also, these days are a chance to broaden our PD networks and build relationships that can extend beyond the day.
Last year we tried this with two subjects, Phys Ed and Fine Arts, and both of the days went really well. This year we are hosting two more, Phys Ed and Social Studies (Grades 6, 8 & 9 only). There is no cost for either day.
The PE Networking Day is on Wednesday, September 21st. You can register here.
The Social Studies Networking Day is on Wednesday, September 28th. You can register here.
Update: After only 24 hours we have 10 signed up for each. Make sure you sign up quickly!
On both days, CSS will organize a pizza lunch for those interested. Please bring $10 cash per attendee to cover this cost. You can also feel free to bring your own lunch.
Details for the PE Day
We feel that much of our work as PE teachers is in isolated and unique situations - whether it is the actual physical building, the location of our school, the mandate/philosophy of our respective schools and so on. We also feel that each of us possesses experience and teaching resources that might be of benefit to other PE teachers. We are viewing this day as a way for our PE teachers to share what they do in their PE programs and how they do it, as well as a way for our teachers to create a professional network. The Calgary Science School will host this event; however the purpose is to allow for presentations from any attendees.
Presentations can range from particular approaches to PE units, coaching, to healthy school initiatives, etc. Or it could also be as simple as an overview of the unique situation and challenges your particular PE program faces. Teachers could also bring issues or problems they are currently facing, using this networking day as a way to receive assistance or spark discussion amongst the attendees. Again, the purpose of this day is to share elements of our practice and in return, leave the day with new resources and contacts.
Regarding the presentations, we are hoping that a number of attendees will present for 20 - 30 mins. We have facilities for both active (demonstrating a particular game or technique) as well as lecture/discussion (Powerpoint, etc) style presentations. We will provide projectors and internet access for those who require it.
Details for the Social Studies Day
The networking day for Social Studies is limited to grades 6, 8 & 9 because we feel these grades share a common focus on more abstract conceptual understanding (government, democracy, worldview) as compared to the more historically focused 4, 5, and 7 curriculum. Also, we are limiting this to grade 9 because of the grade range of our school, 4-9.
The day will have two major outcomes:
1) Developing Active Citizenship. The day will start with a presentation and discussion led by one of our teachers, David Scott. Over the last few years, David has become increasingly interested in structuring his social studies classroom around active citizenship, specifically trying to connect the program of studies to current topics which provide opportunities for students to redesign or impact their world. This includes discussion on the potential of emerging technologies in fostering active citizenship in students. While David will share his thoughts and some classroom examples, but the goal is to foster discussion with participants around this topic.
2) Sharing and Collaborating. The remainder of the day will be made available for teachers to break off in small groups focused on specific grade levels. We see this time used for sharing projects, ideas, and technologies - directed toward increasing our emphasis on active and engaged citizenship for students.
If you have any questions or comments, you can email Calgary Science School PD Coordinator Neil Stephenson here.
See you soon!
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