As leaders, we have all been in situations where our procured resources do not translate into implemented resources. There are two factors at play. First, individuals do not think they can successfully implement the resources, or they may not find value in the resource.
Here at Social Studies School Service, we have given some thought concerning the lack of implemented resources. We have reflected on the following. How do we transition from a deliverer of resources to that of partner? A resource giver says, “Here are all your great resources, go and use them.” A partner says, “What are the goals of your district, and how might we accomplish these goals with the resources?”
We want to partner with you!
Our Partnerships and Instruction Team partners with districts around the nation to provide personalized pathways for the implementation of our products and services through teacher and leader support. Let’s look at our strategies.
Teacher Supports
Social Studies School Service offers several professional learning options that are designed to meet the needs of all district stakeholders. Session development is underpinned by principles of adult learning theory and incorporates reflective practice.
Why is this important? First, incorporating principles of adult learning theory and reflective practice strengthens teacher content and pedagogical knowledge. As a result, teachers transfer newly learned knowledge and skills into instructional practices. Finally, and most importantly, this improvement in teacher practice has a positive impact on stunt learning. The following outlines professional learning approaches and models:
Self-Paced Professional Learning
Comprised of our certification and micro-credential courses, our self-paced professional learning offerings allows participants to set their own learning goals, control the amount of material they consume at a given time, and apply their new learning into their instructional practices at their own pace and comfort level.
Professional Learning Menu Offerings
At Social Studies School Service we offer a menu of professional learning opportunities that address key areas and topics in education today. Sessions are developed using a social studies lens and may incorporate Social Studies School Service resources where appropriate. The following are some examples from our menu titles.
- Plan Practice Teach
- Formative Assessment in Social Studies
- The Ideal Elementary Self-Contained Classroom
- It All Starts with Geography
Customized Professional Learning
Customized Professional Learning sessions are planned and developed in partnership with district stakeholders and are based on the vision, goals, and initiatives set forth by the district. The creation of such professional learning sessions might consider the district’s curriculum, instructional framework, or needs for a system wide roll out of newly procured resources.
Learn more about our Teacher professional learning pathway here!
Leader Supports
How can we help you? We have designed supports that are specific to the needs of leaders in your district or organization. Combined, the Partnerships and Instruction team here at Social Studies School Service has over twenty-five years of leadership experience. As a result, we understand firsthand the demands placed on leaders. We want to serve as a thought partner. To get the greatest value from our partnership, we want to engage around topics, ideas, issues, and or opportunities that will lead to greater teacher capacity and student achievement. Here are some ways we specifically tailor support to leaders.
Curriculum, Development, and Implementation
We are committed to partnering with you to support your goals for curriculum, development, and the implementation of our programs and resources in your district or organization. Here is an example of some of the support we provide.
- Provide guidance and coaching for developing district wide curriculum resources that embeds our programs.
- Provide resources to support the work of professional learning communities (PLCs).
- Support the planning, facilitation, and reflection of instructional rounds focusing on curriculum and resource implementation.
- Develop measurements of implementation success, i.e., surveys, focus groups, action research.
- Provide customized support based upon request and availability.
Leading Social Studies Programs
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown!” Here at Social Studies School Service, we understand the demands placed on leaders. We know firsthand that sometimes you just need someone to collaborate and bounce ideas around with. Here is how we can partner for success.
- Support vision, mission, and goal setting for social studies.
- Support the development of district stakeholders, i.e., instructional coaches, assistant principals, tier 2 leaders, etc.
- Support the planning, facilitation, and reflection of instructional rounds focusing on curriculum and resource implementation.
- Develop measurements of implementation success, i.e., surveys, focus groups, action research.
- Provide customized support based upon request and availability.
Learn more about our Leader professional learning pathway here!
Teacher Leader Corps Program
Are leaders creating opportunities that will ensure that the next generation of educators has a sound foundation to stand on? Are we building teaching capacity to create the next generation of change agents. Given current issues in education, i.e., teacher retention, teacher preparedness, etc., many leaders have grappled with the idea of building teacher development. At Social Studies School Service, we believe that a Teacher Leader Corps Program might be what we are looking for.
What is a Teacher Leader Corps Program?
A Teacher Leader Corps program is a multiyear professional development opportunity that supports a teacher cadre of learners to develop in areas driven by an organization’s vision or purpose.
The Partnerships and Instruction Team at Social Studies School Service is here to help!
In creating your teacher leader corps program, the Partnerships team collaborates and plans with leaders in the following areas.
- Program vision, mission, and goal setting
- Program strategies and activities
- Resources and partnerships
- Recruitment strategies
- Utilizing teacher leaders in the field
To learn more or get a jump on your teacher leader development, any educator can read Discover, Develop, Deploy by our Director of Partnerships & Instruction, Dr. Montra L. Rogers. This how-to book for leaders in education provides a guide for districts to create personalized pathways for their own Teacher Leader Corps program and expand the capacity of their departments.
Read more about the success of Teacher Leader Corps from around the United States here!
Partnering with a Purpose
We want to be more than a resource giver. We want to be your partner in ensuring your district is supported!
Together, let’s bridge the gap between procured resources and best implementation. Through our personalized pathways for both teachers and leaders we can help district stakeholders feel confident in successfully implementing our programs and resources so that they might find value in all that they do.
Meet the Partnerships and Instruction Team
[From right to left]
Dr. Montra L. Rogers – Director of Partnerships & Instruction
Regina Wallace – District Partnerships Coordinator
Dr. Aaron Willis – Chief Learning Officer
Jamie Filipow – District Partnerships Coordinator
LaChardra McBride – District Partnerships Coordinator
Start revolutionizing your district’s professional development today
Contact with a Curriculum Specialist to learn how to support your district
This blog was written as a collaborative effort by the Partnership and Instruction Team at Social Studies School Service. It has been edited for clarity and length.