The instructional shifts that teachers and leaders are making as BVSD builds innovative learning spaces and schools are complex and require time and learning experiences that model what educators aspire to see implemented in their classrooms and schools. Innovation & Ed Tech workshops have supported innovative teaching and learning practices as described in The Success Effect, BVSD’s Innovation Guiding Principles and the ISTE Standards for Students and Teachers, and with the upcoming Innovate@BVSD (June 7th & 8th), there will be even more opportunities for teachers and leaders around the district to explore, learn and grow together. These teams provide direct support to:
- 21st Century Cohorts
- 1:Web PD for teachers and parents,
- Leadership Cohort
These teams provided 95 different professional learning opportunities for teachers and leaders in 2015-16. Check out their year in review! The events offered district-wide opportunities that were open to any educator as well as professional learning opportunities that were designed and delivered to meet specific needs of a school or group of learner cohorts. These teams consistently align their work to the broader work of The Success Effect by decreasing the digital divide through providing digital resources to our staff and students. 84% of our leaders have connected their learning to the district vision of “graduating successful, curious, lifelong learners!”
Both Ed Tech and Innovation are making every attempt possible to provide an equitable distribution of opportunities for all professional groups.
These teams also believe strongly in empowering teachers who are pioneering challenging, engaging and meaningful learning opportunities in BVSD. Almost all full day district training events were facilitated by teacher leaders in partnership with the Ed Tech and Innovation teams.
Specific examples include;
- Digital Innovative Learning Days Aug. 3 & 4, 2015
- Innovate@BVSD June 8 & 9, 2016
- 21st Century Leadership and Teacher Cohorts held throughout the year.
This work in BVSD places these teams in leadership roles for peer districts. Two of the largest professional development events (Google Apps for Education Summit and Innovate@BVSD) were attended by educators from all over the Front Range.
Survey responses show the excitement that is generated in PD sessions specifically with the direction that the district is heading with embracing future ready learning practices and environments.
As the 2016-2017 school year continues, these teams are looking forward to increasing opportunities that support Professional Learning by continuing to host personalized school PD as well as provide district-wide events. Check the PD calendar for more opportunities and join in the learning, collaboration, and fun!
