Two CPS teachers complete the GE Certified Instructor Training

LaRonna Hurt and Vona Cardwell join the elite Claremore Public Schools (CPS) teachers who have completed the rigorous training to achieve this prestigious Great Expectation (GE) Instructor certification. During the day, teachers participated in workshops, lectures, and demonstrations followed by evenings filled with "homework"; preparing presentations to deliver the next day. They will continue training throughout the summer Hurt explains, "As a new certified GE Instructor, we will teach alongside a current instructor at the next GE Institute in Owasso June 21-25. We will provide those attending practical strategies they can take back to their classrooms while modeling the learning strategies and community building activities."  

They will teach Methodology I, where educators experience GE at work. In addition, Hurt and Cardwell will represent CPS and will be available to teach at other GE Institutes throughout the country, but most importantly, CPS will have certified instructors readily available to coach our CPS teachers on an ongoing process throughout the school year. 

Cardwell explained the selection process for this honor, "They chose us to be GE instructor candidates based on successfully implementing the GE practices into our classrooms during the school year. The process included several observations by a GE coach and submitting videos of them teaching their classes".   

Hurt is a Reading Specialist at Will Rogers Junior High (WRJH); the junior high received their first GE Model School certification this year. Brian Young, WRJH Principal, "Mrs. Hurt is always out front providing encouragement and leadership for all of our staff. She continuously builds a positive climate and culture within our building. I can't think of a better person to teach methodology to enthusiastic teachers." 

Cardwell is the STEM facilitator at Roosa Elementary and Claremont Elementary. Roosa received their GE Model School status for the 19th consecutive year and this was Claremont's inaugural year to receive their Model School certification. Randa Fay, Claremont Principal, "Mrs. Cardwell makes learning fun! She encourages a positive environment and models the expectations of respect, courage, and perseverance to her students and colleagues. She is dedicated to her profession and is always ready to learn new things, especially to benefit students."   

Another accomplishment is that both teachers were CPS District Teachers of the Year. Hurt in 2015 and Cardwell in 2019.  

CPS teachers are proactive in consistently seeking out opportunities to improve. Dawn Nipps, Executive Director of Student Learning, "The instructional excellence, purposeful passion, and grit from both Mrs. Cardwell and Mrs. Hurt are without question. Our teachers have the constant yearning for continuous improvement with the instructional Claremore excellence mindset." 

CPS has had three other teachers complete this rigorous training in the past. Kellye Shuck, Catalayah Principal, is the only one of those who are still in the District. 

"Great Expectations (GE) Methodology is grounded in six basic tenets - All Children Can Learn, Building Self Esteem, Climate of Mutual Respect, High Expectations, Teacher Attitude and Responsibility, and Teacher Knowledge and Skill. In the four-day training, session participants are immersed in the research-based 17 Classroom Practices to be effective teachers. Each of the 17 practices is examined through the lens of developing a Culture of Respect and promoting Academic Excellence. Classroom management is anchored in the GE 8 Expectations. The 36 Life Principles promote students of character. Participants are provided with a GE Manual of instructional materials and a wealth of resources, research, and structures to use in his/her own learning environment. GE Methodology provides a blueprint to be an exemplary educator. With full implementation of Great Expectations Methodology, academic performance and attendance go up and discipline referrals go down." (Great Expectations website) 

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