Improving High School PD Through Teacher Voice: Kickoff Event May 15
A BTU and BPS collaboration has been awarded a Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant to empower high school educators (and those in 6/7-12 schools) to drive their own interest-based professional learning. Join us on May 15 at 3:30 PM for an introduction to these two exciting projects and to learn how you can get involved. At the event you will have an opportunity to network with other high school educators, find people who share your learning interest, and consider leadership opportunities associated with the grant. This event is open to all educators and school leaders. RSVP today!
Teacher Summer Institute: Registration and Call for Proposals
The BTU and BPS will host our 2nd Annual Teacher Summer Institute from August 20-22. ALL EDUCATORS are invited to come learn about the Essentials from fellow educators. Register today! If you have any questions, please email tsi@bostonpublicschools.org. If you would like to present a session at TSI 2018, please review the Call for Session Proposals.
Important Updates re: PD Hours for 2017-18
In the next two months, all schools are required to set an instructional focus and plan and schedule professional development for next year. By contract, your school’s ILT must engage all educators in the PD planning process. See our new school-based PD FAQ.
Build Your Own Learning Experience for PDPs
Teachers deserve choice as learners too! BPS Innovation is collaborating with MIT, the MFA, Autodesk, and more to offer over 30 local learning opportunities and events as an experience. Follow your curiosity and receive PDPs or 1 ALC for showing how the experience transforms learning in your classroom. Learn more, and contact Cam Scott atcscott2@bostonpublicschools.org with questions.
Spring Science Course: Cultivating a Scientific Community in the Classroom, Starting Outdoors
The outdoor classroom offers the perfect environment to help students begin to exercise greater agency over what and how they learn. Read about upcoming sessions, and contact Alma Wright at awright@bostonpublicschools.org with questions.
Mobile CSP: Computer Science PD for High School Teachers
This course is great for teachers of ALL subjects. Help our students be prepared for real world job opportunities. FULL tuition scholarships and travel funding now available for Mass. teachers who commit to teaching CSP as an AP course next year! Registration and details. Contact Ingrid Roche at iroche@bostonpublicschools.org with questions.
Teacher Policy Talks: May 31
Get a view of education policy as it really impacts students and schools. Join our 2017-18 AFT/BTU Policy Fellows as they share their research and recommendations on the issues that matter most in their classrooms and schools. This event is open to all. See our flyer for details and RSVP today.
NEW — Pilot Student Feedback in Performance Evaluation
BPS is seeking interested schools to pilot a student feedback survey in June 2018 ahead of a district-wide roll-out in SY18-19. Data collected from the survey can inform the refinement of a school’s IF as well as teachers’ individual goals. Implementation training and support will be provided. Please submit your interest using this form and reach out to Nicole Ireland at nireland@bostonpublicschools.org with any questions.
NEW — Suffolk University Course Scholarships
Take advantage of a program for BPS educators to earn graduate credit at Suffolk University for FREE. Join Suffolk Admissions for a live informational webinar outlining courses offered on May 16 at 4pm, or watch the recording. See the flyer for more details.Enter the scholarship lottery by May 31. Winners will be notified via email. ContactShakera Ford Walker with questions.
NEW — Save the Date: EL Summer Symposium August 23-24
Hosted by the Office of English Learners, the EL Summer Symposium is for all teachers of English Learners. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us this August! If you’re interested in leading a session, please fill out this form. Contact Genevieve McDonough at gmcdonough@bostonpublicschools.org with questions and see the flyer for more.
NEW — Deadline for Paraprofessional Teacher Training Grant Program
The deadline to apply this year for the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program is June 1. Please help us spread the word, particularly to Paraprofessionals without a bachelors degree! This is a message from the Office of Student Financial Assistance and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. Learn more.