District 64's professional staff will gather for Institute Day on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
What do teachers do on Institute Day? They learn and grow!
Students will not be in attendance on Tuesday, November 6 (which is also Election Day) as we conduct our third and final Institute Day of the 2018-19 school year. Our teachers and teaching assistants will participate in a variety of activities related to the District's 2020 Vision Strategic Plan. From workshops on community-building using classroom circles to exploring strategies for differentiating instruction in English Language Arts and many topics in between, our staff will be engaged in improving and expanding their knowledge and instructional skills.
Here is an overview of the planned professional development:
- All middle school teachers, as well as 4th and 5th grade classroom teachers, will participate in a workshop focused on classroom community-building and restorative practices. When students feel a deep sense of connectedness to their classmates, teachers and other adults, they are more engaged, more persistent and demonstrate fewer disruptive behaviors. Activities on November 6 will focus on activities to develop positive school cultures, including using classroom circles to promote dialogue and problem-solving.
- Certified staff in grades K-3 will explore strategies for differentiating instruction in English Language Arts, with a focus on spelling, phonics and word study. Grades K and 1 will also learn more about using shared reading experiences to support student learning. Grades 2 and 3 will look at the ELA standards that come before and after their grade level, and learn how to help students make progress through goal-setting and individual/small group instruction.
- Teaching assistants will participate in a number of workshops that provide strategies for developing mindfulness, understanding sensory processing, and supporting with students with autism.