"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." -Mark Van Doren
Professional Learning
The Institute for Excellence in Education provides high quality, professional learning experiences for all participants. IEE’s professional development is grounded in Learning Forward’s Standards of professional learning, providing school communities with holistic and systematic experiences that lead to sustained changes in practice. Our presenters are expert facilitators trained in leading adult learners through new processes and cognitive conflict.
We work to identify their professional development needs and ensure learning is embedded in the school improvement process. You can view some of our most in-demand training topics below:
Teachers
Teachers are the number one school level factor influencing student success.
Principals
Principals are the number two school level factor influencing student success.
The Trauma-Sensitive Classroom
We all can picture certain students that create diversions when it’s time to work... that crawl under the tables to cope... that are silent, hoping to be invisible. These students weigh heavy on our hearts and know exactly how to push our buttons. In this engaging seminar series, participants will learn to identify the characteristics of students living in chronically stressful situations and provide strategies to keep these students invested in the educational process.
Relationships Matter
Just like tilling the soil before planting season, building relationships with students involves hard work, dedication, and continuous effort. Research on today’s children shows, more than ever, that students need a sense of belonging in order to attain academic growth. These connections provide the necessary roots for all kids to relate and grow in powerful ways, both academically and socially. Participants will share their current practices with fellow educators and gain new tools for connecting with those hard to reach students.
Non-Cognitive Factors
When faced with academic adversity, students often feel threatened and outwardly display feelings of frustration. Or, they might be excited for the opportunity to problem solve and work their way through a task. This session will help teachers become familiar with non-cognitive skills and learn how to identify students displaying avoidance traits, and help get them back on track and ready to learn. Teachers will also explore ways to teach non-cognitive factors to their students so they can become aware of how their actions affect their learning.
Providing a Productive Struggle
Why are students so quick to ask for help? Because teachers are so quick to give them help! After all, we became educators to nurture children. Our day together will feature classroom structures and strategies that will help students become proficient problem solvers through providing a productive struggle and allowing time for students to exhibit perseverance.
Student Engagement Strategies
Increase engagement by harnessing student interests and energy! Participants will learn new strategies for engaging students during instruction, transitions, and reflection. Presenters will utilize current brain research to model various instructional strategies and provide participants opportunities to consider application tailored to fit their needs. Teachers from all levels and subject areas are invited to attend and bring back valuable ideas that can be implemented immediately in their classrooms.
Customized Professional Development
In the era of continuous improvement and growth, your School Improvement Plans (SIP) chart your course for new professional learning and improved student success. IEE can help your school meet the goals of your School Improvement Plan by providing professional development tailored to the needs of your educators and the strategies of your SIP. From data dialogues, to PLCs, to academic interventions, to social emotional learning, our IEE coaches have a vast array of experiences and expertise to help move your school forward. Our expert presenters are trained to utilize engaging strategies that build trust and rapport.
IEE is an outcome-based organization focused on your academic success. Contact an IEE coach today to connect your School Improvement Plan to improved student outcomes. Potential evidence-based topics include non-cognitive skills, the Focused Instructional Model, data analysis, universal design for learning, climate and culture, student engagement, and much more.
