BT Academies
The courses that make up BT Academy are designed with the specific needs of BTs in mind. In addition to the required monthly support sessions, beginning teachers are encouraged to participate in at least one of the following professional learning opportunities described below. Session content is based on current educational research and best practices. For maximum benefit, teachers are encouraged to attend the entire course series.
All classes begin promptly at 4:30 PM.
Beginning Teachers with an Alternative License are required to attend the Alternative License Academy and another BT Academy Series of choice.
BT 1s are required to attend one BT Academy Series of choice.
Trauma-Informed Practice
Beginning teachers are on the front lines of what teaching looks like in an ever-changing and diverse world. Many of our students’ families and childhood experiences differ from our own, and trauma has become a focus of unexpected or seemingly unmanageable student behaviors. If a student has experienced trauma in his/her early developmental years, teachers need to be aware of how it may present itself in the educational setting and how to support the child so that he/she can build resilience. Trauma Informed Care for the Classroom will provide the background knowledge needed to understand these students as well as strategies for wrap around support.
Semester 1 Course: 9/12/23, 10/10/23 (Via Zoom)
Semester 2 Course: 2/13/24, 3/12/24 (Via Zoom)
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Cultural Responsiveness enhances our ability, as educators, to promote student learning and close the Achievement Gap. Find out more by attending our BT Academies. There are two parts to this Academy which will be repeated during the second semester of the school year.
Part 1 will focus on the components of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy with an emphasis on the importance of building positive relationships with students.
Part 2 will focus on Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) to address cultural differences among students and ways to promote an inclusive learning environment to meet the needs of all learners. We will also suggest ways to implement and support CRT in the classroom.
Semester 1 Course: 9/14/23, 10/19/23 (Via Zoom)
Semester 2 Course: 1/11/24, 2/8/24 (Via Zoom)
Classroom Management
A strong classroom and behavior management plan is essential for learning to take place.
If you need help laying the foundation or want to reset after a bumpy beginning, these sessions will give you the tools you need to take charge of your classroom environment.
Semester 1 Course: 9/7/23, 10/12/23 (Via Zoom)
Semester 2 Course: 1/18/24, 2/15/24 (Via Zoom)
BT Literature Study
Books can have a profound impact on our lives, whether it's through fiction or educational texts. Book clubs and studies are valuable tools for professional development, allowing us to deepen our understanding and learn from each other's insights. Every semester, the DPS BT Support Team will offer a chance for you to participate in a fantastic book study with us.
Semester 1 Course: 9/13/23, 10/18/23, 11/15/23 (Face-to-Face)
Semester 2 Course: 2/21/24, 4/3/24, 5/1/24 (Face-to-Face)
BT Roundtable
Beginning teachers are provided a space to have conversation about specific problems of practice; identify productive solutions; and share knowledge, tips, and techniques that will improve teaching and learning. A problem-and-solution protocol will be used to facilitate the discussion.
These sessions take place in person at the DPS Staff Development Center.
Semester 1: 12/12/23 (Face-to-Face Stand-alone Session)
Semester 2: 3/13/24 (Face-to-Face Stand-alone Session) *this date has changed!*
Alternative License Academy
Teachers with an Alternative License (Permit to Teach, Emergency License, or Residency License) are required to receive additional hours of professional learning and licensure support. These sessions will help teachers navigate the licensure process and meet their requirements successfully.
Year-Long Course: 9/21/23, 10/26/23, 11/30/23, 12/14/23, 1/25/24, 2/22/24, 3/20/24, 4/25/24
(Via Zoom)
These sessions are required for first-year teachers with an alternative license (Permit to Teach; Emergency Permit; Residency License). AL Teachers will also participate in one other Academy Series of choice.
edTPA: From Fear to Finished!
This year-long course is designed for teachers who are committed to completing and submitting the edTPA by the end of the school year. The DPS BT Support Program has partnered with Dr. Kristin Papoi, UNC School of Education Professor, who has been supporting edTPA candidates for over a decade. These sessions will provide candidates with supplemental support in addition to what the EPP provides.
Unlike previous years, these are not drop-in help sessions. We ask that participants commit to the entire course by attending each session with their edTPA documents and any assigned pre-work. Click here for the entire course outline.
Year-Long Course: 9/19, 10/17, 11/14, 12/12, 1/15, 2/12, 3/11, 4/1
(Zoom)
Beginner to Board
Beginning Teachers can now start the National Board process prior to completing three years of teaching, although teachers will still need to complete three successful years prior to becoming Board-certified. We will look at what this means for beginning teachers and explore how to start your National Board journey.
1/23, 2/20, 3/19 (Zoom 4:30-5:45)
For more information, please visit our DPS National Board website.
BT Passion Project
What are you passionate about learning? Is there a topic you wish to explore, but haven't seen a just-right opportunity? This is your chance to design your own professional learning project (individually or with a colleague).
See your district BT mentor for details! Your mentor will advise you on the Passion Project requirements and guide you through the process.
Asynchronous Sessions
The following sessions are asynchronous and may be completed at your own pace.