Claremore Empowers First-Year Teachers
In the heart of Claremore, Oklahoma, the Claremore Public Schools are bustling with excitement as ten new teachers embark on a transformative journey through the OnPoint program, made possible with funds provided by the OK GEAR UP program.
OnPoint, a 3-day program designed to provide individual guidance and support to first-year teachers, is in full swing, and its impact is already starting to shine through.
These teachers attended a professional development session titled "Uplifting Classrooms," presented by K20Learn and CCOSA. Debra Keil, GEAR UP's Educational Coordinator, is right there with them, ensuring their journey is enlightening and impactful.
The "Uplifting Classroom Environment" model, developed by the K20 Center, is the focal point of this transformative professional development. It is designed to equip early-career teachers with a wide range of practical, research-based tools and activities to set them up for success in their teaching careers. These tools are applicable in traditional face-to-face teaching and can be adapted for online instruction, a critical skill in the ever-evolving educational landscape.
The objectives of the professional development session align with the "Uplifting Classroom Environment" model and cover a broad spectrum of essential aspects of teaching:
Environmental Support: Teachers learn to understand the physical spaces they teach in, how to develop effective rules, procedures, and interventions, and the importance of building strong student-teacher relationships. These foundations are crucial for creating a positive and supportive classroom environment.
Environmental Challenge: Educators explore active engagement strategies and effective lesson design techniques, ensuring their instruction is rigorous and intellectually stimulating. This approach is essential for keeping students engaged and excited about learning.
Sustaining Administrative Support: Recognizing that collaboration and support from administrators are key to long-term success, the teachers are equipped with strategies to maintain and foster this critical support system.
With these valuable tools and knowledge, Claremore's dedicated educators are becoming exceptional teachers. The GEAR UP program, alongside the K20 Center's "Uplifting Classroom Environment" model, empowers these teachers to positively impact their students' lives and Claremore Public Schools' future. The promise of a brighter tomorrow shines through, one teacher at a time.
Among the ten remarkable educators who have joined the program, five are from Will Rogers Junior High (WRJH): Brent Dickey, Kendall Fudge, Joanna Hughes, Luke McHugh, and Danielle Young. The other five are from Claremore High School (CHS): Aurora Dalton, Kyle Dalton, Taylor Davis, Zachary Noland, and Megan Reynolds.
