PD Opportunity: TEA Spring Symposium
TEA’s Spring Symposium is an annual two day instruction and professional development event and is designed to provide a challenging and invigorating experience for TEA members who want to strengthen their teaching performance through the creation and maintenance of professional learning. This Symposium attracts over 300 TEA members each year and is an excellent opportunity to attend quality professional development sessions, enjoy keynote speakers, and spend time with fellow educators from across the state. It is an unparalleled opportunity to hone skills that impact today’s educators and students.
Conference Details
Who:
Open to all TEA members
Sessions:
Below are the potential topics for the 17th Annual Spring Teaching and Learning Symposium in 2013.
Education Apps to Use in the Classroom
Science and Agriculture in the Classroom
Common Core
Best Practices
Using Technology in the Classroom
Economic Literacy and Retirement as an Educator
Keynote Speaker — Manuel Scott
Manuel Scott will keynote the 17th Annual Spring Symposium. An Original Freedom Writer whose story is told in the Hollywood movie, Freedom Writers. At the age of fourteen, Manuel dropped out of school, and his English grammar was so poor that he was classified as an English as a Second Language student (ESL). At an early age, he began using drugs and alcohol. Manuel has defied all the odds stacked against him, which he credits to teachers. “I was once dismissed as ‘unreachable’ and “unteachable,’” says Scott, “but something special happened, and I love sharing that message with others.” Learn more about Manuel at http://www.manuelvscott.com.
Professional Development Credit: Symposium attendees may earn up to 8 hours of professional development credit during the weekend depending on the number of events/sessions attended.
When:
Fri, 04/05/2013 – 4:30pm – Sat, 04/06/2013 – 4:00pm
Where:
Park Vista Hotel
705 Cherokee Orchard Road
Gatlinburg, TN
Reservation line – 800.421.7275
How:
The registration form must be mailed with registration fee to TEA, Attn: Linda Webster, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201.
Cost:
Registration fee for this event is $45 which includes all symposium activities, related materials and meals. New and nearly new teachers (1-3 years) and STEA members receive a discounted registration fee of $40.
Elections
Looking for a few good members!
Election Petition are due by February 7th. (You can send it with your AR to the AR meeting).
Voting will take place in March.
New officers will be installed in May.
Evaluation Survey
Make your voice heard!
The new annual evaluation system for teachers and principals mandated by the Tennessee First to the Top Act began July 1, 2011. During the 2011-2012 school year, the Tennessee Education Association conducted a series of surveys to collect information about the new evaluation process. We would like to continue to collect information regarding the evaluation process as it moves into the second year. Please take a few minutes to answer questions regarding the evaluation system. Responses will be aggregated into a summary report. Individual survey responses are confidential.
Our students achieve exemplary academic results with below average resources. (see state report cards here) Investing in ALL our students is a wise use of our tax dollars. County families will pay the sales tax at Alcoa businesses. Vote FOR Blount County students to benefit from your tax dollars on November 6th.
Early Voting is now open!
Exercise your right to vote!
Remember that a vote FOR the sales tax referendum means that part of the sales tax you are already going to pay when you shop in Alcoa will help support Blount County Schools as well. BCS is $693 below the state average in per child funding per year. The sales tax revenue would help narrow that gap and provide some of the things our students need, like technology.
Sample Ballot
Early Voting Locations & Schedule for the November 6, 2012 Election
October 17 – November 1, 2012
Blount County Courthouse Election Commission Office
383 Court Street Maryville, TN 37804
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Everett Recreational Center
318 South Everett High Road Maryville, TN 37804
Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Pellissippi State Technical Community College
2731 West Lamar Alexander Parkway Friendsville, TN 37737
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Help spread the word about 683!
Teachers, order your shirt today! Fill out the form below. Wear it every Friday between now and Nov. 6, and use the opportunity to explain how our low funding affects your classroom and your students. We’re funded below average, we achieve above average! Imagine what we could do with access to up to date textbooks, instructional technology, classroom supplies, etc.
What:Earn 6 hours of PD while strengthening your teaching and enhancing your success in the classroom. Earn 12 hours if you attend both the November and February sessions.
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Track 1: Power Teaching: Explore best practices for delivering powerful instruction, including student assignments and assessments that go beyond expectations, enhance instruction and advance student learning. This session will strengthen your approach to the evaluation domains and indicators no matter the evaluation model used in your district. Valuable insights and practical tips for teacher of all subjects at all grade levels.
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Track 2: I Can Do It! Interactive, highly acclaimed classroom-management program addresses one of the greatest needs identified by beginning teachers and their principals. The program covers classroom transitions, reinforcements, rules and routines, dealing with difficult behavior and more—all designed especially for the less experienced teacher, regardless of grade level.
When: November 3, 2012 OR February 23, 2013 8:30a.m. -3:30p.m.
Where: TEA, 801 Second Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37201
Who: Highly recommended for new & nearly new teachers in their first 3 years of teaching. Participation is limited. Spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis. More experienced teachers will be wait-listed and accommodated on a space-available basis within two weeks of each program date.
How: Complete the registration form and send to Rebecca Dickenson at Eagleton Elementary School. BCEA will sponsor one night’s accommodations (double-occupancy if possible) and the registration fee for the first 8 attendees who turn in their forms.
