Teachers as Students
Adrian H. Cline, Superintendent
The education your children are receiving today reflects the
changes that have taken place in our society. Knowledge does not remain
constant over time. We are continually learning new ways to do things. The
education of today’s students provides them with the skills and knowledge
necessary for success in the future. In order to prepare your children for
future opportunities, teachers keep learning too.
Scientific and technological developments as well as societal
changes have created a need for teachers to gain additional knowledge in order
to teach students the material that is necessary for their later success. For
example, the development of computers has required teachers to learn how to use
them as well as how to teach with this new technology.
These changes and developments have also caused adjustments
to be made in schools’ curriculums. For example, the study of statistics is
beginning to play a much larger role in the curriculum from kindergarten
through twelfth grade. Many teachers are finding that they need to "brush
up" on material that they have not encountered recently.
In education, we know much more today about the art of
teaching than we did ten years ago. We know more about student learning styles,
the benefits of cooperative learning, and the research on effective schools.
However, this learning process can never stop. In order to provide a quality
education for your children, it is important for teachers to learn continually
and remain updated on the knowledge and research that are available today. To
make sure that this is indeed taking place in all schools, state laws require
that teachers periodically take a specific number of college hours or earn
district inservice points in order to renew their teaching certificates.
Not only are your children’s teachers required by law to keep
updated on educational issues, but they are also encouraged by your schools to
take advantage of the many resources and workshops that are provided for them.
Schools designate days throughout the year as inservice days. These days are
designed to provide time for teachers to learn, to update their knowledge, and
to increase their skills. Information and ideas are shared, and teachers learn
new methods and techniques. This newly gained information is then implemented
in classrooms and other areas of the schools.
Staff development programs are also held throughout the year,
including summer. This is a continuous process of providing teachers with a
means of learning about the current research and innovations in the field of
education. Teachers participate in demonstrations and discussion groups and are
actively involved in learning as well as in designing new plans and programs
for your children and schools. Teachers learn a lot by sharing ideas and
experiences that have proved beneficial in other teachers’ classrooms.
Your children’s teachers make use of the numerous
opportunities to participate in workshops provided by schools, school
districts, and colleges or universities. Conferences and conventions that
concentrate on relevant topics or issues in education are held annually around
the country. Conventions that focus on specific subjects, such as mathematics,
are also available so that teachers can gain new knowledge and ideas on the
issues and trends in their particular subject areas.
Your children’s teachers
realize that learning is an ongoing process. Therefore, they continually strive
to provide your children with a quality education by developing their own
skills and talents.
The Office of Adrian H. Cline, Superintendent of Schools, is
open from