PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

ITE Middle School Science: Biology - Online

The 2020 TCU Institute for Teaching Excellence: Middle School Science will acquaint teachers with middle school science practices and their correlation to national and local content standards via online meeting interface. Participants will take an in-depth look at national and local content standards and how they are organized. Additionally, correlation will be made between national and local standards to identify “crosswalks” for the teacher to move toward enhancing current curriculum. Each of the days will address a different topics found in Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science while targeting critical areas with activities that focus reading, inquiry, and the math skills of science strategies. These strategy sessions are designed to enhance a Texas middle school learning environment by moving from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction. Student-centered concept delivery will also be offered in a daily session to help teachers assist students toward skills needed in classes that follow, which require acquisition of these skills. Select inquiry labs that correlate to TEKS will be offered via synchronous demonstration followed by asynchronous individual investigation. Inquiry findings and conclusion will be debriefed in a final synchronous session to end each day where challenges and accomplishments will be shared in an online group setting. The main goal of inquiry investigation will be performed to support teachers moving from guided to more open-inquiry labs for their students. Exam strategies will also be included to help the teacher assist their students toward success by using various test taking practices for future Texas standardized testing and AP exams that will be experienced later by some of these students. Participants are asked to have a calculator and personal protective equipment for laboratory activities. A list a materials that can be obtained, from local markets and supply stores, will be provided so participants are able to obtain needed supplies to complete the asynchronous lab experiences. Through practice, sharing of ideas, discussions, and modeling, it is the intention that participants will become more skilled in instructing their students to become more successful in achieving the skills to be more successful in the Texas middle school classroom and future AP Science programs of study.

ITE Middle School Science: Biology - Online
The 2020 TCU Institute for Teaching Excellence: Middle School Science will acquaint teachers with middle school science practices and their correlation to national and local content standards via online meeting interface. Participants will take an in-depth look at national and local content standards and how they are organized. Additionally, correlation will be made between national and local standards to identify “crosswalks” for the teacher to move toward enhancing current curriculum. Each of the days will address a different topics found in Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science while targeting critical areas with activities that focus reading, inquiry, and the math skills of science strategies. These strategy sessions are designed to enhance a Texas middle school learning environment by moving from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction. Student-centered concept delivery will also be offered in a daily session to help teachers assist students toward skills needed in classes that follow, which require acquisition of these skills. Select inquiry labs that correlate to TEKS will be offered via synchronous demonstration followed by asynchronous individual investigation. Inquiry findings and conclusion will be debriefed in a final synchronous session to end each day where challenges and accomplishments will be shared in an online group setting. The main goal of inquiry investigation will be performed to support teachers moving from guided to more open-inquiry labs for their students. Exam strategies will also be included to help the teacher assist their students toward success by using various test taking practices for future Texas standardized testing and AP exams that will be experienced later by some of these students. Participants are asked to have a calculator and personal protective equipment for laboratory activities. A list a materials that can be obtained, from local markets and supply stores, will be provided so participants are able to obtain needed supplies to complete the asynchronous lab experiences. Through practice, sharing of ideas, discussions, and modeling, it is the intention that participants will become more skilled in instructing their students to become more successful in achieving the skills to be more successful in the Texas middle school classroom and future AP Science programs of study.
Show Description
Section Code: 21MPEITE073A
Dates: 7/6/2021 - 7/9/2021 Times: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sessions: 4 Days: Tu W Th F
Instructor: Wendy Howe
Capacity Remaining: 30
Building: Room:
Fee: $400.00
The Institute for Excellence in Teaching was created to bring together the most intelligent minds, talented presenters, and eager learners to promote advanced academics in your classroom. We are thrilled you have chosen to join us and we look forward to serving your needs and inspiring greatness. Here’s what you can expect in our Middle School Science Summer Institute. You will have the opportunity to participate in multiple sessions each day with different presenters. Topics will range from content-focused, TEKS-based lessons, to learning new technology applications, to innovative pedagogical methods. You will also have the opportunity to learn and collaborate with other middle school science educators from across the state. We strive to cultivate the best, most diverse learning experience possible for our participants, and we can’t wait to partner with you in your pursuit of professional growth.

Bio:

Wendy Howe has served in education for over 25 years in many different roles including public K-12 school, private school, Montessori Pre-K and Kindergarten as well as community college and university. Her primary teaching experience has been in public school secondary sciences. Wendy has a passion for students of all learning styles, and enjoys designing learning experience for students that meet the needs of every child. In addition to working with traditional students, Wendy has extensive experience with EL, GT, STEM and At-Risk students.

Wendy’s current as an instructional coach role includes developing and supporting teachers through coaching, PLC facilitation, and formal professional learning sessions. Wendy also works directly with the teachers in the STEM and Gifted Academies for GCISD. Wendy also provides support for teachers new to the district including zero year teachers. Wendy also leads the development of district science curriculum, assessment and lesson design for the district and facilitates the analysis of data.

Wendy has also had many opportunities to work outside of the school setting and travel extensively by presenting at conferences such as the Texas Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), DFW Metroplex Mini-CAST, T-STEM Conference and out of state STEM conferences. Wendy has also traveled as a consultant for Thinking Maps, Inc. delivering staff development in science, STEM and mathematics.

Wendy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Texas Teacher Certifications in Biology, Chemistry, Composite Science, ESL and Special Education as well as a Master’s degree of Education for Science Teaching.

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