=Professional Development Schools Statewide Conference=
The West Virginia Center for Professional Development hosted the PDS conference at Flatwoods, WV. This year’s conference themes included: (1) establishing effective partnerships and high-quality clinical practices, (2) continuing and purposeful recruitment, and monitoring of teacher candidates, (3) innovating for best practices in reading instruction, (4) advancing the learning of all students toward attainment of college and career-readiness standards, (5) addressing diversity issues through preparation courses and experiences, (6) preparing teacher candidates for the technological changes and skills necessary to be successful in a 21st century school, and (7) fostering teacher leadership through professional learning communities (information source). Special thanks to our faculty, JoJo Ullom, Chair of Department of Professional Education, Kenneth Sexton, Director of Professional Development Schools, Earl Nicodemus, Associate Professor of Instructional Technology, Lou Karas, Director of Center for Arts and Education, and student teacher, Hillary Sayre for representing the College of Education in this conference to promote and support collaboration among partnership schools.
=Wellness Program Lecture Series=
Dr. David R. Hanna PT, DPT, MS, ATC spent a few hours this past week educating colleagues about workplace Ergonomics. The hour-long session detailed definitions of ergonomics, illustrated potential injuries, and examined proper and improper work spaces with regards to office environments. It ended with exercises the participants practiced and a question and answer session for attendees. “I was happy to take some time to educate people of some of the more subtle issues that can lead to aches, pains and injuries. I had a lot of fun with it and hope to continue this education with larger groups in the future,” Hanna said.
=AT Prepares for National Athletic Training Month 2015=
The month of March is National Athletic Training Month, and our AT Program is preparing. This year’s theme is, “We Prepare-You Perform”. Athletic Training Students and Athletic Trainers will continue to educate the public and campus about the profession. Pictured below is Instructor Hannah Hanrer with students in the AT Program.
=The Community Education Minor Program=
The Community Education minor is appropriate for students in any career field interested in teaching and working with children, youth, and adults (lifelong learners) in the community as part of non-formal and informal learning environments. This minor could compliment the fields of business, (elementary/secondary/special) education, nursing, psychology, science, social work, speech pathology, etc. Students in comprehensive area programs (art, music, and physical education, etc.) would also be able to add the minor to their program of study. Interested students may contact Dr. Miriam Roth Douglas at miriam.douglas@westliberty.edu or see information on our website.
=hAPPy Friday Tools/Apps Learning=
The Daily CAFE, is not an app but a website with a wide variety of resources for educators, such as professional development opportunities, inspirational articles, videos, and lesson plans to help every student reach their full potential. The Daily CAFE website was established in 2008 by 2 sisters, Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. Gail and Joan are also the authors of the books The Daily 5: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades and The CAFE Book: Engaging All Students in Daily Literacy Assessment & Instruction. Teachers and parents may sign up free Tip of the Week to receive useful information every Friday morning. Special thanks to Dr. Judy Stechly, Professor of Elementary Education, for sharing the great resource!