Professional Learning at Riverwood
Every Riverwood teacher reaches over 100 students, so we at the Foundation agree that one of the best investments we can make as a school, parents, and broader community is to support our teachers. As such, a primary focus of the Foundation is Professional Learning. One such program that supports this mission is Teaching for Excellence (TFE). Riverwood teachers must learn to engage our students using new and innovative techniques. “Teaching for Excellence” a week long hands-on summer training for our teachers geared to move the classroom to a student-centered model that is teacher-led. Teachers become coaches, mentors and guides to the learning process, and students become more active participants responsible for their learning by working closely with peers. This creates opportunities to encourage problem solving and critical thinking and better prepares students for the independent learning model required in higher education. We plan engage in other professional development opportunities to support this area of focus as needed.
Why is Professional Learning important at Riverwood?
High school teachers are usually experts in their content area, but rarely learn techniques to engage students in a 21st Century classroom. How do you teach Chemistry standards and encourage collaboration/teamwork, creativity and imagination, critical thinking and problem solving? Our Riverwood students have information at their fingertips and have no need to memorize facts. Our teachers must learn techniques to engage each and every student at Riverwood focusing on a relationship with students that nurtures a students individual abilities and makes them curious to learn. Our hope is that every student will develop a passion for learning while they hone the necessary skills to compete in a Global community.
What does your support mean to this Program?
In education, research has shown that teaching quality and school leadership are the most important factors in raising student achievement. For teachers and school and district leaders to be as effective as possible, they continually expand their knowledge and skills to implement the best educational practices. Educators learn to help students learn at the highest levels. The Teaching for Excellence program has changed the look and feel of Riverwood classrooms. Ask your student who their favorite teacher is after the first day of school and you are likely to hear the name of a Riverwood teacher TFE graduate. We need your financial support to continue to provide professional development opportunities for teachers and staff.