Participants in this workshop will be given an overview of the newly developed Michigan Department of Education School Improvement Training modules. Information will be shared as to how to utilize these modules at the building and district level in order to facilitate the school improvement process and meet state requirements. An emphasis will be placed on understanding how the many components of school improvement and state requirements fit together into a coherent process which facilitates effective school processes. Specific MDE initiatives that will be addressed include: School Improvement process and requirements, the Comprehensive Needs Assessment, Education YES! reporting requirements, data analysis, root cause analysis, School Improvement Framework, best practice research, and ideas for implementation in your setting. Time will be allowed for discussion and specific questions from participants. Individuals that have a good working knowledge of school improvement, including principals and central office staff, as well at SI Team Members would benefit from this training.

The Mentor Training: Mentor Expectations session is designed for all St. County teachers who serve as a mentor to a first, second, or third year teacher. We will clarify the laws regarding mentoring and new teachers, highlight all of the expectations of a mentor, and will provide monthly topics for discussion.

The Mentor Training: Mentor Expectations session is designed for first year mentors only. Topics to review with New Teachers (Lesson Planning, Brain-Compatible Classroom, Student Engagement are some topics to be covered.

The Mentor Training: Mentor Expectations session is designed for first year mentors only. Grading Practices, Feedback, Monitoring Student Progress, Formative and Summative Assessment are some topics to be covered.

The Mentor Training: Mentor Expectations session is designed for first year mentors only. First year mentors will accompany thier New Teacher mentee to this workshop. (New Teachers will register under New Teacher Academy: Session 2). New Teacher and Mentor Expectations, Moodle Courses, and Curriculum planning will be covered.

Registration reserved for Sturgis Principals´Leadership Committee Members only.

The Teacher as Coach series (2 days) is designed for teachers, mentors, and instructional leaders who will serve as instructional coaches. Session one will focus on the definition of cognitive coaching, strategies for connecting with teachers, how to formulate coaching questions, and the coaching cycle (modeling and practice). In session two we will review the observation cycle, discuss and reflect upon observations completed by participants, practice observation skills in high needs situations, focus on post-conference debriefing strategies, and discuss techniques that may help coaches deal with difficult personalities. All participants are expected to complete at least three classroom observations using the coaching cycle to fine-tune and practice the skills learned in the workshop.