This workshop was developed to increase teacher awareness of standards-based instruction with a focus on inquiry-based pedagogy.  Teachers will work on their own definition of inquiry while being exposed to the different levels of inquiry-based instruction. While being engaged in inquiry, teachers will learn techniques of questioning that support inquiry activities. Participants will take part in lessons that model teacher and student roles suggested by the National Science Education Standards. They will also learn how to shift science lessons toward inquiry.   Presenters will be from the Science House at NC State University.  A certificate of credit will be issued.  

Focus:  Grades 9-12   

Registration Fee: $60     Registration Deadline: February 26, 2008

This training is for mentors who have already completed the original mentor training and have not had an update in the past three years.  Contents will include TPAI for Beginning Teachers, INTASC Standards, and IGP preparation. The presenter will be April Spencer , Teacher-On-Loan.  Class limited to 25.  A certificate of credit will be issued (5 contact hours).   

Registration Fee: $35   Registration Deadline: February 26, 2008

Are you searching for ways to jumpstart your instruction and rev-up your students as the real EOG “Countdown” begins?  This special session will offer a hands-on menu of effective, interactive, and high interest instructional strategies and activities that can provide a new approach for meaningful instruction and review in 3-8 classrooms. Participants will walk away with self-created EOG reading games and activities to move your instruction, and students’ understanding to that next level. Kathy Bumgardner will present this session.   A certificate of credit will be issued (5 contact hours).  

Registration Fee: $50     Registration Deadline: February 28, 2008

This workshop will cover classroom strategies such as review techniques, assessments and project ideas, with specific focus for the high school Social Studies classroom. The Classroom Performance Technology System will be presented and explained as a great way to get immediate feedback from your students as well as giving specific examples for its use. We will also explore creating and using websites, PowerPoint presentations and web quests to enhance learning. You will be leaving the workshop with a whole new bag of tricks!  Cindi McFadden is currently a faculty member at Polk County High School with ten years of teaching experience, NBCT as well as her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.  A certificate of credit will be issued.  

Registration Fee: $45           Registration Deadline: March 20, 2008

Five Components of Reading Training provides an in-depth look at scientifically based reading research and balances it with classroom application.  More than just talking about the research, using a make and take approach, this workshop will provide opportunities for teachers to apply their learning to lesson planning.  These two days of training will examine best practices in Phonics, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Fluency, and Interventions with Phonemic Awareness.  Teachers will leave with many ready made items for immediate use in the classroom. The trainer will be Sharon Hopper, a National Board Certified Teacher, who serves as the K-2 Instructional Specialist for Vance County .  She has served as a Reading First coordinator and trainer, reading intervention specialist, and classroom teacher.   A certificate of credit will be issued (10 contact hours).   

Registration Fee: $45    Registration Deadline: March 3, 2008

Understanding the characteristics of and issues that surround and impact our students living in poverty is the first step in being able to make a difference in their lives.  This Day Two workshop in Ruby Payne’s “Framework for Understanding Poverty” is the next step in working with our students who live in low socio-economic environments.  We will first look at the discipline module and strategies for solving some of these issues.  We will focus on the cognitive strategies that are undeveloped or underdeveloped in this population and will look at specific before, during, and after learning strategies that will help them be more successful at all grade levels.  Each participant will receive a copy of Understanding Learning and Learning Structures Workbook.  Presenter will be April Spencer, Teacher-On-Loan and Ruby Payne Certified Trainer.  Class limited to 25 participants.  A certificate of credit will be issued.  

Registration Fee:  $50   Registration Deadline:  March 24, 2008

Join fellow educators in a workshop that focuses on reading comprehension and writing while exploring character traits, leadership and the 2008 election. Strategies encourage students to analyze their own choices.  Teachers who attend will receive a curriculum to support a study of the U.S. Constitution and a 100+ page curriculum on character education and citizenship, built around graphic organizers and aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study.  The presenter will be Sandra Cook with the NC Press Foundation and Newspapers in Education.  

Focus: Grades 6-12       

Registration Fee: $35      Registration Deadline: April 1, 2008

This session will include presentations focused on opportunities for classroom teachers to gain resources and opportunities to bring a global perspective to their classrooms.  Presentations will be made by WNC in the World, LEARN NC, Center for International Understanding and NC in the World, UNCA, and Folkmoot.  These organizations will offer insight on global resources available to educators.  There will be live web based  presentations along with site-based presentations.  All level of educators and administrators are invited to attend.  Fee: $45.00 Registration Deadline:  April 24, 2008.

Registration Fee: $45       Registration Deadline: April 24, 2008