Description

NOTE:  Please complete the first 2 online courses PRIOR to the first online check-in in February (approximately 1 hour per module).

DESCRIPTION: 

In collaborating with the Department of Public Instruction, SEEC and NESC are excited to introduce our latest professional learning opportunity - Master Teacher Paraeducator Online Training! 

The training is designed to support North Dakota schools' paraeducators and tutors in the acquisition and application of instructional practices deemed effective for increasing K-12 students' learning outcomes. We have partnered with The Master Teacher, a company that has developed an online training platform that includes 148 self-paced courses. Participants will have free access to all courses for one year. 

Participants will complete designated courses prior to engaging in 2 scheduled synchronous, virtual connections in which they will collaborate with others in the field to: 

• Synthesize their learning 
• Ask questions
• Provide insight into their work 
• Practice their new learning and skills in a safe and inclusive setting

Participants will engage with the following courses:

Module 1: Supporting Reading Instruction in Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics, Part 1 (course 162)

• Understand the importance of continuing support for reading instruction in the content areas
• Discuss the “roadblocks” that affect teachers and students with regard to reading in the content areas
• Gain knowledge of various instructional strategies with which to support reading instruction for students before instruction in the content area occurs

Module 2: Supporting Reading Instruction in Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics, Part II (course 163)

• Recognize when reading instruction support is needed and the role of the paraeducator in delivering such support
• Gain knowledge of various instructional strategies to support reading during instruction for students in all content areas
• Gain knowledge of various instructional strategies with which to support reading after instruction in all content areas

Module 3: Supporting Adolescents Who Have Learning Disabilities in Writing (course 216)

• Understand how learning disabilities affect writing skills
• Learn about the emotional impact that adolescent learners with learning disabilities in writing may experience
• Identify positive, daily interventions for adolescents with learning disabilities in writing

Module 4: Providing Strategies for Struggling Readers in All Areas (course 235)

• Develop an understanding of early literacy and the skills necessary for a student to be able to read successfully
• Learn how to increase students’ understanding of print with a focus on motivation and awareness
• Examine ways to support phonological and phonemic awareness in beginning readers
• Learn strategies for teaching sight word vocabulary and reading fluency skills in beginning readers
• Identify the strategies a student can use to decode unknown words
• Identify techniques to support students’ reading comprehension
• Become aware of ways to encourage students in becoming independent, lifelong readers

DELIVERY: This multi-day training will be delivered VIRTUALLY.  Participants will complete 4 online courses asynchronously AND participate in 2 synchronous online check-ins throughout the semester (one after Courses 1 and 2; one after Courses 3 and 4).

PRESENTER: Danette Brown, Professional Learning Specialist, SEEC

AUDIENCES:  Administrators, Superintendents, Afterschool Program Staff, Paraprofessionals, and Substitute Teachers 

CREDIT:  This training will count toward 5 hours of Cafeteria Credit (for those eligible for Graduate Credit).