Cherokee Central Schools' Personalized Education incorporates Blended Learning.  To that end, all teachers should understand the fundamentals of Blended Learning and what the expectations are for incorporating that into the classroom.  The Instructional Facilitators developed several training modules to facilitate this professional learning for new staff.  It is also a great place to refresh your knowledge about specific topics as well.

Visit the CCS Blended Learning site.

Cherokee Central School offers Beginning Teachers (BTs) a multi-layered system of support while in their first, second, or third year of teaching.

1. Induction.  CCS Human Resources facilitates a week of training as part of the onboarding process before the school year begins.  This training includes an orientation to the district, including Cherokee culture, curriculum and instruction, as well as licensure and evaluation processes.

2. Mentoring.  Each Beginning Teacher is assigned a mentor teacher within the first two weeks of work.

3. North Carolina New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP).  CCS participate in the NC NTSP which provides Beginning Teachers with additional support through institutes and instructional coaching.  

Overview of Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

Introduction to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

     Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a multi-tiered framework which promotes  continuous school improvement through engaging, research-based academic and social andemotional (SEL) practices. MTSS employs a systems approach using data-driven problem solving (e.g., Plan, Do, Study, Act [PDSA]) and problem analysis (e.g., Review, Interview, Observation, Test [RIOT]) to maximize growth for all.The three-tiered instructional/intervention model is a critical element of MTSS implementation.

     In a typical system, Core (Tier 1) includes the instruction all students receive; Supplemental  (Tier 2) includes additional instruction or intervention provided to students not meeting benchmarks; and Intensive (Tier 3) includes intense, small group or individual interventions for students showing significant barriers to learning the skills required for school success. It is important to consider both academic and social-emotional/behavioral instruction and interventions when examining this domain.

As a tiered process, MTSS provides high quality instruction through interventions that are matched to a student’s academic/social-emotional/communication needs. It requires monitoring progress(informal and formal) frequently to make decisions about modifications in instruction (what is taught) and intervention (e.g. 1x1 tutoring). The approach examines the student’s response to instruction rather than placing the problems within the student.

1. Use this Bitly to see why CCS is looking at Tier 1 CORE instruction.  Please remember that this was completed in the 2021-22 school year:  bit.ly/CCSCORE1 

2. Acceleration vs. Remediation  Why is it important for CCS to ACCELERATE rather than REMEDIATE???  

Western Regional Education Service Alliance (WRESA) is a collaborative of school districts in western North Carolina.  It's purpose is to provide professional development and programming for the region's educators, either by creating workshops and training sessions or through contracting with consultants or other partners.  WRESA also supports districts in the region through grant writing.  Please contact your principal if needing funding and permission for going during the work day.

1. WRESA workshops

2. WRESA online learning

The Friday Institute (FI) at North Carolina State University (NCSU) implemented a MOOC-Ed initiative that provides virtual, self-directed professional learning for participants.  The cost is free.   Course topics range from learner agency to art to social and emotional learning, etc. 

Want to learn more about using Google Suite in the classroom?  Google for Education offers two certifications - Google Certified Educator Level 1 and Google Certified Educator Level 2.  The training courses are free, but the exam fee is $10 for Level 1 and $25 for Level 2.  Turn in the Certificate to HR for CEUs.

1. Google Certified Educator Level 1 information and Foundations course

2. Google Certified Educator Level 2 information and Advanced Training

Professional conferences can be valuable experiences for teachers.  Attendance at conferences is contingent upon timing, funding, and principal approval.  Staff who attend conferences are expected to implement their new knowledge and learning in their classrooms and share with colleagues upon their return.  Implementation should be evident and documented in lesson plans/unit plans.  Sharing with colleagues could occur at staff meetings, department or grade block meetings, PLCs, or in a separate workshop setting.  Teachers should work with their principal on how best to accomplish this follow-up and implementation.