Last week, hundreds of Spokane Public Schools teachers and staff members could be found in the classrooms at Shadle Park High School. But they weren’t the ones teaching. These educators were seated at student-sized desks and tables with laptops and notebooks ready as they attended Summer Institute, a weeklong professional learning opportunity offered by the district at the end of every summer.
“We offer training to support staff from across the continuum, from brand new teachers to more seasoned teachers looking to improve their teaching,” explained Becky Ramsey, executive director of Assessment & Data Analytics. “Education is an ever-evolving profession, and we know our students today engage with learning in a very different way than we did when we were in school.”
To maintain their certification, state law requires educators to complete continuing education credits throughout their career. Summer Institute courses allow teachers to fulfill these requirements with support from SPS on topics that are relevant to new curriculums or district initiatives, such as digital tools that can enhance student learning and assessment options.
“Students benefit from the intentional planning and preparation that all teachers do leading up to, and throughout, a new school year. Summer Institute helps provide a collaborative structure for some of that planning,” said Stephanie Kerwien, executive director of Academic Services.
There were over 100 Summer Institute courses last week, with more professional development (PD) opportunities available throughout the year on just about every subject and grade level. Early elementary teachers learned about incorporating student-led, play-based learning experiences into their classrooms. Career & Technical Education (CTE) teachers learned how CTE clubs can enhance student opportunities.
Laura McCraw, a preschool teacher at Willard Elementary School, attended “Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness” during Summer Institute. She also participated in two courses specifically for preschool teachers and another about writing and developing Behavior Intervention Plans for students.
“I learned so much. It’s been a while since I taught preschool, so it was great to get a refresher on standards, SPS’ program structure, and creating the best learning environment for students,” Mrs. McCraw listed.
The other courses will be helpful as she prepares to meet students’ needs, connecting them to services and supports as quickly as possible.
“Teachers want courses that allow them to walk away with something they can implement right away and are directly connected to their students and content,” said Ms. Ramsey.
Spokane Tribe of Indians member and historian Warren Seyler presented a seminar to enhance middle and high school social studies courses that fulfill the state’s Since Time Immemorial requirement to incorporate local tribal history. Seyler offers group bus tours to various sites throughout our region that are relevant to the Spokane Tribe’s history – battle sites and fishing grounds and gathering places.
“When teachers understand them better, they serve them better,” Seyler said, referring to how teachers’ awareness of regional tribes’ culture, history and traditions benefits all students but especially Native American students.
Seyler recalled being at a middle school assembly and asking if any students were Native, and about 30 or 40 students raised their hands. Teachers later told him they had no idea about their students’ backgrounds.
“Now that they know, they can open doors to learning history, to sharing culture. The students learn that they don’t need to be ashamed of where they came from,” Seyler said.
“The energy at Summer Institute is always really positive,” said Mrs. Kerwien. “In a district as large as ours, it is great to see teachers come together and collaborate around a common goal of providing great learning experiences for kids.”