IEEE Teacher In- Service Program - How to Begin Yvonne Pelham Jan Mostert 25 September 2010 Lusaka, Zambia

How to Begin a TISP activity? Two pronged approach: Build interest in the membership Build relationships with schools and school districts –Teachers, headmasters, principals, superintendents

The IEEE Volunteer and TISP IEEE Members are very generous with their time IEEE Members are very willing to share their experiences Educational Outreach events get enthusiastic volunteer support

Two types of TISP volunteers TISP Champions - take responsibility to establish and maintain a TISP program in “their” school system TISP Trainers - energetic supporters of the initiative, willing to interact with teachers and serve as “coaches” during TISP presentations You need BOTH

TISP Champions TISP Champions take the leadership of organization, preparation, and logistics of the program Once energized, champions are self motivated The reward for the TISP Champion is immediate - they see their reward on the faces of the teachers (and sometimes students)

Growing Your TISP Champions Focus on TISP Champions - the TISP lifeline Invite/Recruit/Draft potential IEEE Champions to established events Use TISP presentations to train future Champions Use TISP presentations to cross-train the other TISP Champions

How to Develop Champions Teaching Approach: See one, Do one, Teach one Team Approach: Co-Champions support a school or school system, but responsibilities are spread among them

TISP Trainers Relatively easy to recruit –for an established TISP Very effective, with minimal training Genuinely enjoy the experience Their only responsibility is to "show up and do the work”

Recruiting Volunteers Articles placed in Section and Student Branch newsletters Announcements –At Section and Student Branch meetings –At Chapter meetings –At Section Executive Committee meetings Informal contacts with fellow students Try to adjust the role of a volunteer to his/her comfort level and time availability

Qualities Needed Tactful communicator. Willing to play the role of classroom assistant. New methods of teaching - with less telling and more doing. Enjoy immediate gratification.

Sections must support the TISP Champions TISP Champions are rare and precious Encourage Section to Champion communication –Online forum and resources to share information Encourage Champions to –share ideas –celebrate success –lament failures Communicate. Communicate. Communicate

Build Relationships with School Districts, Principals and Teachers –Use the contacts that might already exist between section members and the school system. –Follow also the suggestions given in the IEEE on-line teacher in-service program training.

Where to Start at the District Level? People who have district wide responsibility for staff development, science, technology and mathematics. These positions could be directors, assistant superintendents, supervisors, coordinators, etc. –District Science Education Coordinator –District Technology Education Coordinator –District Administrator (responsible for curriculum) –District Mathematics Education Coordinator –District Staff Development Coordinator

Where to Start at the School Level? If you already are working with a teacher… Be sure to coordinate your activities with the school principal. –School Principal –Assistant principal or curriculum coordinator –Technology Education Coordinator –Department Head for Science, Math, or Technology (middle or high school) –Lead teacher or curriculum leader for mathematics or science (elementary school)

Plan Times and Places Special Events –Teacher conferences –Meetings of teacher organizations Places –College Campuses –Teacher conference venues If you need funds for a special event you can almost always get it if you ask well ahead of time

Follow-up Activities/Metrics Count the number of educators who participated in your teacher in-service program Be sure that teachers complete the 9 item questionnaire –EAD will tabulate the results Follow-up with teachers to determine the level of implementation of the concepts and activities Consider a sign in sheet to include an address Consider sending a follow-up postcard/ to attendees

Choose Relevant Topics Choose topics of interest to members Adjust topics to the needs of your school system –Ask teachers, curriculum supervisors and curriculum specialists (assistant principals) what topics are needed –Tie to education standards Emphasize “hands-on” activities Be careful about costs to schools – under $100USD to replicate for a class.

We have Many Lesson Plans If you cannot find what you want consider creating it! Take advantage of the variety of lesson plans available on TryEngineering.org Reviewed by engineers and teachers Emphasize “hands-on” activities Be careful about costs to schools – under $100USD to replicate for a class.