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EveryTeacher Program Focuses on Career Pathway for
Teachers
South Dakota’s Teacher Quality program includes
opportunities for teachers wherever they are along their career pathway. More
commonly known as EveryTeacher, the program emphasizes the National Board
Certification Standards. For example, university teacher preparation programs
incorporate the Standards as a lens for aligning and revising coursework. For
practicing teachers, the Standards serve as a foundation for professional
development activities. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education in 2002,
the work of EveryTeacher is guided by three primary partners, the South Dakota
Department of Education, the Board of Regents, and Technology & Innovation in
Education.
During 2003-2004, EveryTeacher leaders engaged teachers
in several new activities. A mentoring program for new teachers was launched
in January to support first-time teachers in schools targeted for improvement.
In addition, universities developed and offered courses to prepare teachers
for participation in the National Board Certification process. The courses
were complimented by recruitment activities at various locations around the
state to inform and encourage teacher involvement. Currently, twenty-nine
teachers are pursuing certification. Through the support of EveryTeacher, each
National Board candidate is mentored by a teacher holding National Board
Certification or by educators trained as National Board mentors.
Another area of emphasis for the EveryTeacher program is
building the capacity of paraprofessionals involved in the teaching process.
One activity that has been particularly successful is the course for
paraprofessionals provided through the DIAL Consortium. Conducted via DDN, the
course prepares paraprofessionals for taking the national exam that affirms
paraprofessionals as highly qualified.
Like last year, EveryTeacher leaders are again planning a
summer event as a professional development opportunity for paraprofessionals
across the state. Last summer, the focus for paraprofessionals was technology
skills. This summer the focus is building knowledge and skills for meaningful
reading and math instruction. Scheduled for the last week of July on the
campus of SDSU, the event will engage paraprofessionals with information and
strategies for teaching reading and math effectively. School administrators
and paraprofessionals are encouraged to watch for registration information
that will be available in April.
Specific questions about EveryTeacher may be directed to
Karon Schaack or Melody Schopp at DOE, or Jim Parry or Joe Hauge at TIE. |
