iSchool Initative trains SMS teachers

Earlier this year in March, Saluda Middle School teachers received chromebooks in preparation for the 1:1 initiative, #powerOn, rolling out in the middle school in the fall of 2015-206. The teams of Curriculum and Instruction and Technology know, however, that providing teachers and students devices without adequate training will result in less than ideal classroom implementation. As a result, Saluda Middle School teachers engaged in very focused professional development during the week of June 8th.

A team from iSchool Initiative from Atlanta, GA arrived with excitement, knowledge, and perspective on the morning of June 8th to guide 20 SMS teachers through the process of learning about 1:1 education. iSchool Initiative is a firm that specializes in digital technology, empowering teachers, and 1:1 program roll outs. This company has worked with schools all over the world and in other local South Carolina counties. The iSchool Initiative professional development for Saluda County Schools was made possible with a grant award from the company.

Throughout the three days, SMS teachers were incredibly engaged in high quality professional development, asked fantastic questions of the iSchool team (which was composed of educators, principals, and businessmen), and interacted professionally across content areas to create plans for 2015-2016. After three inspiring days, Saluda Middle School teachers walked away with a deep understanding about 1:1 education and tools to assist in transforming their lessons. Additionally, teachers reported that this week was filled with some of the highest quality professional development of their careers, found it highly relevant, and anticipated being able to take their learning directly into their classrooms.