Developing Our Minds
STEWARD NEWS
Developing Our Minds
Professional development for faculty and staff is an integral component of Steward’ s mission. Funded as part of our research and development budget, the grants are meant to help our faculty stay current on technology, coding, innovation and design, and best teaching practices in order to deliver the education of the future to our students. Professional development opportunities also support employee satisfaction and retention, which leads to a better experience for everyone.
BY THE NUMBERS
$ 78,500
Total grant amount approved for summer 2016
|
SUMMER 2016 GRANT USAGE
$ 40,625: conferences not at Steward
|
16 % |
62 |
Number of teachers who completed at least one grant |
$ 13,050: curriculum development $ 12,480: conferences at Steward $ 7,185: degree programs $ 5,160: program planning, student life |
52 % |
7 % |
9 %
16 %
|
22 |
Number of teachers who used their grants in a location outside Virginia( including one other country) |
Course Connections: Upper School History Department
The history of the world isn’ t the easiest subject to teach in four years, so Steward’ s Upper School History Department decided to change the way Steward approaches the topic.
Originally, ninth graders took World History I and tenth graders took World History II, followed by U. S. History for juniors and U. S. Government for seniors. The problem, however, is that teachers were unable to go in-depth on most topics in an effort to cover all of the curriculum.
“ If a student was excited about a certain topic, we got to spend maybe a few days on it, and that’ s it,” Upper School History Department Chair Elizabeth Simpson( pictured) said.“ We decided we wanted to restructure the courses so students would get the most out of their history education.”
Several years ago, Upper School Academic Dean Carrie Vandervelde initiated the restructuring process, during which it was decided that World History I would be taught in eighth grade, World History II would be taught in ninth grade, and sophomores would have a selection of seminar topics or they could opt to take AP World History( junior and senior courses remained the same). The semester-long seminars include six topics: Upper School teacher Sarah Dwelle teaches a course on revolutions followed by contemporary diplomacy, Dr. Vandervelde teaches a course on the Roman Empire followed by world religions, and Ms. Simpson teaches a course on the Cold War followed by a study of sports in society.
“ All of the teachers sat down and decided what topics we feel are most important for students to learn and will make them into more wellrounded, empathetic adults,” Ms. Simpson said.“ We also chose topics that we have vast personal knowledge of— it’ s great when teachers are so passionate about what they’ re teaching, and the students have really enjoyed it so far.”
The Colonnade | 7