Monday, January 23, 2012

TEP Makes News in the Miami Herald

EDUCATION - For direct link click here

Report calls for more collaboration between local colleges and Broward schools

After a year of interviewing hundreds of teachers and students and organizing community forums, the United Way of Broward issued a report with recommendations to rally support around public schools.

By Laura Figueroa 

For the past two years, researchers with the United Way of Broward have interviewed hundreds of parents, students, teachers and business leaders with one central question in mind — what goes into making an effective teacher?

Among the responses from more than 350 Broward teachers:
• New teachers want formalized mentoring
• Experienced teachers want more opportunities to learn from experts
• With educational benchmarks constantly changing, they would like clear directives from school administrators.

“The No. 1 priority for teachers was having effective leaders,” said Dave Wallace, director of Public Policy Advocacy for the United Way of Broward, who coordinated the study.
On Saturday, United Way will present its report to Superintendent Robert Runcie, aiming to find solutions to some of the issues raised in the report.

A key recommendation: For the school district and local colleges and universities to work closer in developing programs that not only prepare education majors to teach, but also to meet the added demands of the job like engaging with parents and incorporating technology into lesson plans.
Broward College, which was involved in the study, has implemented some of the recommendations by increasing communication with Broward district officials about their needs, said Aline Sarria, Dean of Teacher Education.

After learning from the district that there was a need for more science and math teachers, the college’s teaching program has beefed up its focus on preparing teachers for the STEM fields - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Education majors at the 3-year-old program are learning how to teach math and science with iPads and other computer software.

“We’re trying to meet the needs of the area and be proactive,” Sarria said. “We have the luxury of being relatively new to make some of those adjustments.”
Since January 2010, the United Way, along with a task force of business leaders and educators have hosted community forums, interviewed parents and students, and surveyed teachers online to get a feel for common concerns throughout the district.

Many teachers and parents complained that the state’s focus on the FCAT meant certain skills or subjects not covered by the test were being shortchanged.

The study was sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and was part of an initiative to track the progress of educational reforms in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee. Similar reports were conducted in Tampa and Jacksonville, and will be presented to the state Department of Education and to lawmakers during the current legislative session.

“Hopefully, they’ll be able to use our work as a framework to guide them as they pass legislation,” Sarria said.

To view the full report go to http://www.unitedwaybroward.org/Empowering-effective-teachers .

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/20/2599835/report-calls-for-more-collaboration.html#storylink=cpy

Amazing Web Tools and Resources for Teachers

Check out this wonderful resource full of web tools, resources, links, and more geared just for teachers!!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Check out these Scholarship Opportunities

Geodesic Domes: Maximizing Student Potential through Project Based Learning

     During the Fall 2011 term, Dr. Mitzi Fulwood and her MAE3941 math practicum students explored the concept of Project-Based Learning with Geodesic Domes. The students explored the question: Why would anyone, anywhere, want to live in a geodesic dome?
     Student Jose Rivera describes the project, “The Geodesic Dome project is one of the best projects the middle and secondary mathematics curriculum has to offer TEP students. We researched the history, advantages, disadvantages, and identified places throughout the entire globe that have geodesic dome structures. The project was correlated with the STEM initiative in efforts to maximize student potential using project-based learning. We created a personal geodesic dome in groups of two to three and then constructed a dome with a diameter of 14 feet. The project has inspired me to implement it with my students during student teaching! Thank you Dr. Fulwood!”
     Watch the video to see the MAE3941 students in action!!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Security Badge & Field Experience Deadline

This is a reminder that all TEP students taking courses that require field experience MUST provide the Coordinator of Clinical Education & Placement, Cheryl Leonti, with a copy of their valid security clearance badge by January 20, 2012 at 4pm. You may fax, email (preferred) cleonti@broward.edu, or drop off a copy of your badge to the TEP office on South Campus between 8am-4pm. Even if you are a returning TEP student, you must submit a copy of your valid security clearance badge.

Students must also register for placement on the HRD website for every courses requiring field experience by January 20, 2012 at 4pm.

If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Leonti at 954-201-8420 or cleonti@broward.edu

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Monday, January 9, 2012

Job Opportunity

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position available for an exceptional person interested in working in a home setting with two children (9 & 10 year-old; 10 year-old with developmental disabilities). Position would allow access to free training in the DIR/Floortime Model (www.icdl.com) to be applied when working with the children. Duties include but are not limited to: flexibility and availability on short notice, transporting children (vehicle provided if necessary),  extra-curricular activities, homework and some household support. The right person will be warm, playful,  nurturing, well-organized, and genuinely enjoy learning about child development and intervention technique.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Previous experience is not required for the right individual as training will be provided, however, the ideal candidate would have: previous experience with children and/or special needs children, a background in  education, health-related fields, psychology or social welfare; a minimum of a high school education; a mature,  empathetic, patient and nurturing disposition; reliable transportation to and from our home. The  position requires someone who is proactive, detail oriented, and a quick learner. We require a non-smoker.  All candidates must apply with a resume. References must be provided with email addresses and phone  numbers, preferably from three separate previous or current employers. Candidate must be willing to submit  to a criminal background check before start date. In addition, must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and must speak English. Work hours will usually begin after 2:00 p.m., however can vary depending on children’s  school schedule and parent’s work schedule. This is a part-time position. Salary is commensurate with  experience. There is a one year commitment required with this position.

APPLICANTS FORWARD YOUR
RESUME TO: mvblaw@gmail.com


PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION