Beginning in 2005-2006, the curriculum and instruction department invited any interested teachers to take part in job-embedded staff development. Regardless of grade level or content, teachers gathered together to discuss instruction. Through a book study of Integrating Differentiated Instruction + Understanding by Designby Carol Ann Tomlinson and Jay McTighe, teachers embarked on the task of applying what they learned to something they could then use in the classroom. Teams of teachers formed so that collaboration could happen and the design of instruction could begin. From high school Chemistry to first grade science, teachers then got back together at the end of the year to share the learning experiences with one another and to discuss future plans. What was created? High quality lessons that have now been posted to D2SC for all district teachers to view and use if they wish.
This year, many of the same teachers returned for another dose. Many new faces have joined in to learn more about Understanding by Design and how it applies right back in the classroom. This year, there are six groups of teachers focused on social studies content. If you are the type of learner that flourishes in job embedded learning where your classrooms are the test areas, joining a lesson design cadre may be the perfect outlet for you!