Summer Learning Plans for Teachers
Professional Development Opportunities to Prepare for Next Year
High school teachers can discover how to advance themselves professionally to earn more money and gain respect in the classroom. Be better prepared for next school year!
One of the best perks of being a teacher is that you can enjoy summer vacations. Although some teachers prefer to spend their summers relaxing pool-side and catching up with their leisure reading, others want to maximize their down time by further developing their professional knowledge. Here are some tips for exploring your options.
Strive for Professional Development
Teachers possess an inherent love of learning; this passion in expected in our field. Whether you have a two year temporary certificate or your professional teaching certificate, you are required to accumulate professional development hours in order to keep it active. Although school districts offer opportunities for teachers to earn professional development credits during the school year, these contact hours are insufficient. Further, discovering opportunities that meet your specific needs and interests is personally rewarding. If you exceed the minimum requirements, check with your administrators about “banking” your hours to apply them towards your next five-year certification.
A.P. Summer Institutes with the College Board
The College Board offers subject-specific summer institutes throughout the United States. They consist of four intensive days of instruction led by a College Board trained instructor using College Board materials. You will be challenged to develop provocative questions and lessons to help students develop their critical thinking skills. These institutes also benefit high school teachers who do not teach Advanced Placement because the sound educational principals on which the curriculum is based inspires teachers to motivate and challenge all students. For more information, visit the College Board website.
SAT Summer Workshops with the College Board
Every student applying to college needs to prepare to take the SAT exam, so high school teachers should learn as much about this exam as possible to help their students succeed. A great way to gain knowledge and insight into this important test is to attend one of these workshops. Topics will include understanding holistic writing scoring as well as school-based preparation.
National Board of Professional Standards Certification
Becoming a Board-certified educator is a lofty goal, and one not to be taken lightly. This is the ultimate professional development opportunity for educators. Though the rewards are significant, you should plan ahead and prepare to allot numerous weekends during the year to prepare stellar lesson plans, reflect on your teaching practice, and develop your professional teacher portfolio.
Some states offer a considerable annual stipend for Nationally Certified teachers to augment your teacher salary. For example, South Carolina offers teachers an annual stipend of $7,500. That’s three times more compensation than you would receive for earning your Master’s degree! Here is a list of subjects in which certification is offered.
Advanced Academic Degrees
Because education is a dynamic field, teachers must regularly expand their expertise. Earning your Master’s or Doctorate degree will not only open many doors, it will also bump you up your district’s pay scale. Working on an advanced teacher degree is more flexible than earning National Board certification because you can take night classes part-time and skip a semester if necessary.
Many teachers have conveniently earned an advanced degree through an online university. This can be a wonderful option, but be sure the university is accredited. Research the school and ask for former student references. Ask to see sample course syllabi to ensure that the academic requirements are challenging.
ESOL Certification or Reading Endorsement
These advanced teaching certifications consist of five graduate level classes and are actually required by some school districts; therefore, you may receive some financial aid to complete the coursework. Classes are offered at a local colleges but are sometimes available through the district’s school board. Prepare to speak to a school administrator about your options before making a decision.
