Summer Institute
“I think my biggest takeaway has been that we can find a way to get these complex ideas into the classroom. There are ways to help students with real world content and this will help them going forward.”
“I’m going on my 25th year of teaching so things can get mundane. The materials and different viewpoints from the guest speakers are what keeps me coming back each year.”
“We hear all the time criticisms of the teacher who just stands up and lectures, but we don’t often get to see or experience what the better alternative is supposed to look like. Summer Institute was an example of the kind of things I want to see and do in my classroom.”
“I found it very useful that the materials provided were ready to be presented or given to my students. Often, a conference or professional development will give ideas or show you different materials but assume you’ll have time to figure it out later, on your own time. I appreciate and value that these are time-tested methods that are ready to be used the next day in class.”
“It’s perhaps the tools we learn and practice in groups that promote civil discourse that I find most valuable. Modeling tolerance and respect while pushing students to a higher level of understanding and achievement is something I feel I’m much better at because of what I’ve learned.”
“In a time when so much of what people see on social media is biased, incorrect, or derogatory, it’s more important than ever that we show young people ways to express their opinions and beliefs in a respectful manner. We don’t need them to agree – in fact, I prefer when they don’t – but we do need them to be able to disagree with civility. The Summer Institute gives us tools to show students how to achieve that goal, regardless of the topic.”
“The Summer Institute is always a wonderful experience that gives me fresh information, perspectives, lesson ideas, lesson materials, connections to other teachers, etc. Besides all those wonderful things, the Summer Institute also gives a lot of respect. Teaching can be a misunderstood profession. Often it may even feel like no one truly respects the professionals teachers are. The Summer Institute always treats us as trusted professionals. It empowers us with the information, ideas, etc., and trusts that we will take them back to our home school districts to implement.”
“It’s the best professional development I’ve ever experienced.”