Professional Development
Site-Based Professional Development
LLTeach specializes in customized workshops and job-embedded coaching.
Frequently, professional development is “canned” presentations. Someone has translated research or pet theories into a seminar to be presented over and over. Many teachers have had bad workshop experiences, feeling that the activities were trite and contrived or that the presenter was aloof and condescending, frequently without relevant classroom experience.
LLTeach Inc. workshops are demonstrations of effective instructional practices; teachers see theory translated into good practice and leave with something they can apply immediately in their classes. Participants are actively involved, not just talked at. Workshop characteristics include:
- Practical, grade-level appropriate, hands-on, discovery-based activities
- Delivery of activities in the manner recommended by NCTM and state standards,
- Active involvement by participants,
- Discussion of the underlying educational strategies embedded in the activities, and
- Ways to routinely “take the pulse” of the class, measuring understanding throughout a lesson.
See all Sample Workshops.
Leaving with just a good activitiy is pleasing and it feels practical, but it has little affect on long-term practice. Understanding and being able to apply the foundational theory behind certain practices means that we can evaluate our instruction each day to become more effective teachers. It has a long-term effect.
Professional Staff Development Presenters
LLTeach cadre of highly-qualified workshop presenters have in-depth teaching experience at the grades and levels for which they present. Sometimes, the presentations will be done by a pair or group of presenters to maximize the knowledge presented and the quality of the program. However, this focus on knowledge and skills may limit the flexibility we have with dates and schedules.
We will be happy to provide resumes additional information about potential presenters who are being considered for a particular professional development program.
Note: LLTeach Inc. focuses primarily on professional development in the field of mathematics. It may be possible, from time to time, for the company to respond effectively to requests for specific workshops in the field of language arts as well. Prices are subject to the availability of various presenters and to change without notice.
Training of Mathematics Coaches
The owners and certain staff members have many years of experience in school supervision and administration, and their duties have included planning and implementing effective, on-going professional development. Over the last several years, they have concentrated on building, training and empowering experienced educators to serve as coaches for classroom teachers of mathematics and to provide professional support for supervisors and school administrators of mathematics programs.
To that end, they will be happy to design a customized program of professional development for mathematics coaches. It may include workshops, shadowing of coaches and mentoring by experienced coaches and/or supervisors/administrators.
Program Evaluation
LLTeach staff regularly participate in various phases of program evaluation for entire districts or individual schools. We will be happy work with schools and districts who wish to evaluate their programs, select appropriate materials, and design courses or entire program curricula.
For more information on our professional development services, please contact Jean Stokes at 1-800-575-7670 x207 or stokesj@llteach.com.