Innovative Educator Program: Empowering Educators with Badging and Mentorship
In an evolving educational landscape, teachers are constantly looking for innovative tools and strategies to engage students and enhance their teaching practices. The 2024-2025 BCS Innovative Educator Program is designed to meet this need, offering a comprehensive professional development experience through its Badging and Mentoring Programs. This program aims to empower educators by equipping them with new technologies and providing mentorship for career growth.
Badging Program: A Pathway to Mastery
The Badging Program is structured as a multi-level initiative that allows educators to progressively improve their technological and teaching skills while earning certifications. The program is built around a series of six webinars before the fall break, covering various educational technologies such as Blocksi, School AI, Quizizz, Diffit, Google, and Book Creator.
Steps to Earn Badges:
- Level One: Educators participate in a one-hour webinar to learn about a specific educational tool.
- Level Two: After completing the webinar, they join a planning session with an Innovation Specialist (formerly Technology Coaches) to develop a plan for using the tool in their classroom.
- Level Three: Educators integrate the tool into a lesson, followed by providing feedback on their experience.
- Level Four: The final step is earning accreditation through the platform’s certification programs (e.g., Blocksi Academy, Google Certified Educator, Quizizz Certified Program, etc.).
Educators who complete at least three of these certification programs earn the prestigious BCS Innovative Educator Status, a recognition of their commitment to embracing innovative teaching practices.
As of September 18th, Bradley County Schools has achieved 30 Blocksi Level One badges, 18 School AI Level One badges, 19 Book Creator Level One Badges, 17 Google Level One badges, and 16 Diffit Level One badges (with Quizizz to come).
Mentoring Program: Growing the Next Generation of Innovators
The Mentoring Program within the Innovative Educator initiative is designed to support and develop future Innovation Specialists while fostering collaboration among educators. Key components include:
- Professional Development Opportunities: Educators gain access to a variety of growth experiences such as content creation (videos, podcasts, articles) and participation in technology conferences like TETC, TCEA, FETC, and BCS-based events.
- Peer Collaboration: The program promotes peer-to-peer learning, encouraging educators to share ideas and best practices.
- Advanced Educator Status: Educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation may earn Advanced BCS Innovative Educator Status.
This mentorship program provides a structured approach to nurturing talent, ensuring that educators not only improve their own skills but also contribute to the professional growth of their peers.
Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Bradley County Schools Innovative Educator Mentors:
Lauren Suits, Park View Elementary, Sarah Goza, Prospect Elementary, Victor Amos, Valley View Elementary, Nateka Cole, Hopewell Elementary, Stephanie England, Ocoee Middle School, Dak Keylon, PIE Innovation Center, Danielle Mullins, Bradley Central High School, Jami Thomason, Ocoee Middle School, Ali Harris, Oak Grove Elementary, Rachel Cooper, Taylor Elementary, Alice Smith, Taylor Elementary, Rebekah Ball, Walker Valley High School, Brittany Ensminger, Michigan Avenue Elementary, Lee Baggerly, Ocoee Middle School, and Brandi Lusk, Ocoee Middle School.
Upcoming Webinar Schedule
All webinars will be accessible through the Innovative Educator Schoology Course. The schedule includes:
- Blocksi Webinar: August 22, 2024
- School AI Webinar: August 29, 2024
- Book Creator Webinar: September 5, 2024
- Google Webinar: September 10, 2024
- Diffit Webinar: September 12, 2024
- Quizizz Webinar: October 1, 2024 at 3:45. Click here to register – Link to Registration – Quizizz
Each session is one hour long and offers practical insights on how to integrate these tools into teaching.
Conclusion
The BCS Innovative Educator Program is a unique opportunity for educators to advance their careers through certification, mentorship, and professional development. By focusing on collaboration and innovation, the program ensures that teachers are not just users of technology but leaders in driving educational transformation. Whether you’re
Click here for more information about the Innovative Educator Program.
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