The Summer Institute kicked things off  by recognizing new teachers, celebrating our veteran teachers and acknowledging education accomplishments. Celebration time was followed up with an orientation that included a discussion on operational procedures , training requirements, classroom observations, the CLASS assessment tool, professional development planning, and SmartTeach requirements. Teachers  then participated in a wonderful training provided by Betsy Sanville, Healthy Social Behavioral Coach entitled "Partnering with Families to Address Challenging Behaviors": We are all in this together! In addition to the training, teachers participated in small group stations that allowed them to connect with their colleagues using interactive activities such as speed connection where new teachers paired with veteran teachers to discuss what brought them into the field of early education and veteran teachers gave advice/ tips to the new teachers. Other stations included an impact wall for teachers to share their thoughts on collaboration in the classroom and a fun game which allowed teachers to use their competitor spirit playing Table Olympics!

We were excited for the opportunity to meet with everyone and kick off the year on a positive note! In-service training hours were awarded for attendance!