Teachers from Dedham High School (DHS) attended the MassCue conference during the fall. To share the information from the conference, teachers who attended created audio/visual presentations about a topic for their colleagues to view during this one hour after school professional development. DHS teachers were given the time to view two of the ten sessions offered and the model was developed so that all sessions would be available in the future for teachers at DHS or in the District to watch or reference at the teacher's convenience. In 2017, we extended this PD to the elementary staff as well.

We chose this method of sharing because in previous surveys teachers indicated that they'd like more time focusing on fewer topics versus learning about numerous topics at once. We also wanted teachers to be able to access the videos at any time in case they missed a session, or as reference in the future.

The format of these sessions modeled the use of blended learning through the creation of "BlendTalks" to explain a concept learned during a MassCue session. Watching these "BlendTalks" not only provided content knowledge, but also exposure to alternative methods of presenting information. In addition, this format allowed teachers to pick the type of professional development content they are interested in and to have a choice when it comes to development of their own professional practices.

Rationale: We began using the "BlendTalks" PD model after getting feedback from staff members from PD surveys. The survey results indicated that staff members wanted more time to process the information received during a PD. Staff also liked the idea of choice. In addition, our intent was to model best practices using UDL, including written and audio instruction that could be an archived resource.

Characteristics: The characteristics specific to this PD are that teachers use presentations and screen capturing software to visually explain the information about a concept they learned at the MassCue conference in a short video clip. Through this, teachers model best practices in blended and digital learning and create an archive of quality reference content for public viewing. Pros: The biggest pro is teachers can take their learning to the next level and share this information. In addition, teachers have a choice in what they can "attend" and go back to the PD anytime they need more information.

Cons: A con is that sometimes teachers go to sessions at a conference that either aren't valuable or use software not vetted by Dedham Public Schools. We encourage all conference participants to carefully select their sessions and evaluate the presentations in regards to our procurement process prior to attending the conference.

Struggles: Sometimes the teachers aren't comfortable using screen capturing software. We support the teachers through this process and ultimately they benefit greatly from the experience. In addition, we are asking the teachers to put in extra time and effort to complete this task, beyond their normal obligations. We have great teachers who step up to the plate everytime! Finally, with all the initiatives, it's hard to get PD time.

Rewards: We have great archived content that demonstrates teachers learning.

Staff professional development is an essential part of successful improvement initiatives such as the 1:1 program. An innovative and effective method we have used for teacher professional development (PD) is running “Appy Hours.” During a hour PD, approximately eight teachers present various innovative educational apps used successfully within their classroom in a high speed, high energy, five-minute IGNITE presentation. As a follow-up, teachers had the opportunity to experience the “Apps in Action” during classroom observations where the apps were being used by students.

Rationale: We chose to do Appyhours in an IGNITE format, so that during a short time (1 hour), teachers could be exposed to many different applications. Then, if the teachers are interested in the application, they can refer to the presentation shared, or see the "App in Action" during a classroom visit.

Characteristics: This PD features fast-paced, short presentations during a short time frame. There is a large amount of information shared during this 1 hour PD.

Pro: The pros of this type of PD are the creation of archived resources for future reference and the ability to share a lot of information in a very short period. For many teachers, the format either inspired them to try new methods in the classroom.

Cons: The cons are that the format can overwhelm some teachers and follow-up with the application after the PD proved challenging for some.

Struggles: The struggle was coordinating the teachers and making sure they were comfortable sharing information in a tight timeframe. But, we have awesome teachers!

Rewards: Teachers are able to model and share information they learned to maximize our capacity. Teachers become edtech leaders and can develop strategies for effective use of technology to enhance student learning.