SCSC Receives MDE Math & Science Teacher Partnership Grant - South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) in partnership with Gustavus Adolphus College, Hamline University and Blue Earth Area Schools were awarded a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education, Division of School Improvement to provide quality professional development to assist teachers in improving content and knowledge and pedagogical techniques to more effectively implement the Minnesota Mathematics and Science Academic Standards with the goal of improving student learning. Trainings will be free of charge for participants.

Phase II of the grant will have workshops for science teachers grades 3-6 and math teachers grades K-2. Contact Mary Hillmann, mhillmann@mnscsc.org or 952-715-8745 for more information or visit the MSTP website

SCSC Tech Boot Camp:

• July 19-23 - Tech Boot Camp – Location: Belle Plaine Public Schools. Multiple sessions are offered throughout the week.

Since 1996, Tech Boot Camp has offered technology training for local educators. Join in this week of cutting-edge technology training at an economical price. Sessions are offered a-la-carte and are focused on using technology in education. Click here to view the brochure. To register, click "events." Contact Mary Hillmann, mhillmann@mnscsc.org or 952-715-8745, for more information.

SCSC Promethean Technology Training Opportunities:

Multiple training opportunities available at Tech Book Camp (see brochure for details.)

• Promethean ActivInspire Core Essentials 1
  This introduction to the Promethean interactive white board and ActivInspire software will give you the tools to get started. Develop your first flipchart or learn to download one from the web to use in your classroom.
• Promethean ActivInspire Core Essentials 2
  If you know a few basics or attend Core Essentials 1 and want a little more, join us for this extension of the basics. Time will be given for development of your own flipcharts.
• Promethean ActivInspire Beyond Essentials
  Have you been using ActivInspire and want to know more? This session will go beyond the essentials of the software and help you further develop your ActivClassroom.
• Higher Order Thinking Skills
  Scott Caulfield will present higher order thinking strategies within the context of interactive whiteboards and student response systems. He will demonstrate how teachers can bring student responses beyond the standard summative assessment questioning strategies and improve student achievement while promoting higher order thinking.

SCSC Teachscape Online Learning Opportunity:

• "Teacher as Hero" event will be rescheduled this fall. Check back for details.

SCSC/MDE Professional Development Opportunities:

Training opportunities will be posted when available.

Other educational opportunities:

• getSTEM - Take an active role in K-12 education. Visit www.getSTEM-mn.com
  Over the last year the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) has worked with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to develop "getSTEM," a web portal designed to connect Minnesota educators with science and technology businesses, in order to better prepare students for post-secondary education programs and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). From time to time businesses are not only willing to provide expertise, classroom visits or field trips to their companies, but are also willing to share financial resources or make equipment donations to schools and educators. The getSTEM web portal design is different from a standard static website, as it is interactive and allows participants to communicate in an open dialogue.

AYP/School Improvement Summer Workshops for 2010:
Please visit: www.mnscsc.org/nclb/nclb.html for more information.

Center for Academic Excellence Professional Development Opportunities:
Please visit: www.mncae.org for more information – click on Professional Development Opportunities.

FirstTech Professional Development Opportunities:
FirstTech and South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) have partnered to offer members Promethean ActivClassroom products and solutions. SCSC has become a Promethean Certified Learning Academy to support the professional development needs and knowledge base of Promethean technology for our members. Plus a special “Try Before You Buy!” offer – see how we can assist you today.

Knowledge Delivery Systems (KDS) Professional Development Opportunities:
Working on the 125-hour state license recertification? KDS offers a 10-clock hour course for $55. Click here (Acrobat PDF) for information on KDS online professional development opportunities.

Teachscape Professional Development Opportunities:
SCSC has partnered with Teachscape to offer its members online continuing education courses and an online master's degree from Cardinal Stritch University. As a special offer, all members receive a $100 discount off each continuing education course.Click here to learn more about this great opportunity.

Walden University Professional Development Opportunities – exclusive 10% discount to SCSC members
Take advantage of Walden’s special TEACH Grant opportunity – earn a masters’ degree for $2,800! Click here to see how Walden University’s online programs and degrees can advance your career.