2008 Summer Teacher Institute

The Arkansas teachers who attended the 2008 Summer Teacher Institute had a great time and learned a lot they can apply in their classrooms.

 

2008 Summer Teacher Institute attendees from Arkansas:

"The Teacher Institute was one of the best events EVER for me.  I can't even begin to describe how inspiring and informative it was.  I want to go back every year!" 

Kristy Kidd
Dunbar Magnet Middle School, Little Rock

"I learned some really cool ways to teach hands-on lessons using science
snacks from the Exploratorium and with very inexpensive materials. The most valuable part of the Institute was making connections with other science teachers and sharing ideas and innovative methods. I have already set up stations in my classroom using someof the things that were built in the museum shop. I have also taken many of the activities and placed them where appropriate within my curriculum. I hope these will spark interest and enthusiasm in my students. This should help overall student achievement."

Melissa Miller
Lynch Middle School, Farmington

I had a terrific time in San Francisco. The trip was extremely valuable to me personally and professionally. I met some absolutely brilliant people. The leaders of the institute understand how to take deep, abstract concepts and allow the participants time to engage in activities that create rich experiences and gain a full understanding of the complexideas. I walked away from the Teacher Institute ready to teach my students many of the same things that we learned. I know students learn best when they are engaged and involved, but it is difficult to gain knowledge of the various activities that students should be doing to learn the content. This will change my teaching because Ireceived great training and time to practice the lessons I will do with my students. Within each lesson the Teacher Institute group shared assessment ideas. I will be able to know if my students are learning, isn’t that what it is all about? If we are teaching, but no learning is going on then we are merely making a presentation.

Joyce Dooley
Spring Hill Middle School, Bentonville

"The Exploratorium Teacher's Institute was amazing. The instructors were inspiring people. I learned so much at the institution that furthers my belief that middle school students, especially, learn more with hands-on teaching methods. Although I brought back so many activities to share in my classroom that is not the most important thing. I am inspired to teach again and re-energized. The instructors and my fellow institute teachers taught me so much about teaching and bringing my love for teaching and for math and science to my students. My students may not remember all the details of a unit but they will remember the experiments and hands-on activities, and can draw from those experiences knowledge that will aid them and continue with them as their knowledge grows. I know this is pretty rambling, but it actually is not something you can put into words. I made connections and friends that will benefit me for years to come and I will never forget the month. I honestly believe I will be a more effective teacher because of it."

Ruth Brewer
Central Middle School, Van Buren

"First let me say ... THANK YOU for letting us attend the Teacher Institute. It was fantastic!!!! Even this long-time veteran teacher was able to learn some really cool thingsand to pass along some activities and experiences to the new teachers in the classes. As for what I learned ... too many things to list but the indepth look at light, colors and human perception will definitely be used in my classroom. The chance to build simple working models of wave machines and laser light projectors for my classroom was great."

Linda Shott
Pottsville Jr. High, Pottsville

Kathy Prophet
Hellstern Middle School, Springdale

 

 

 

 

See What Previous Teacher Institute Attendees Have to Say:
2007 Teacher Institute
2006 Teacher Institute