Professional Institute for Educators

ETEC 663 - Leadership in Educational Technology
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Matthew Duvall
Format: Online
Dates: May 27 - July 3, 2022 (Summer 1)
Synchronous sessions: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Have you ever been approached by your colleagues as a technology resource in the classroom? Have you ever been asked to deliver a technology training session? Do you see yourself as the technology lead at your school? You will leave this course with the ability to design and deliver technology direction and optimize digital learning environments both within the classroom and across your school or District. We will explore the history of modern-day educational technology, the psychology of media, and the relationship of each to your role as an ed tech leader and advocate. Our final project will be a research-based technology plan for your school or District.

ETEC 658 - Interactive Presentations Curriculum
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Rupananda Misra
Format: Online
Dates: May 27 - July 3, 2022 (Summer 1)
Synchronous sessions: Mondays, 9:30 - 10:30am ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

While Powerpoint and Prezi are options, they are nowhere near the only options with which to create interactive presentations for use in today’s classroom. Browser-based applications present countless presentation features to help foster student engagement, interaction, assessment, and communication. This course will explore the web’s potential for interactivity, including slideshows and videos, back channeling, 3-D, animations, interactive whiteboards, screencasting, online debates, collaboration, and brainstorming tools. All applications introduced in the course are free, with iPad-approved options available for those teachers who use them in their classrooms.

ETEC 641 - Integrating Media Literacy into Today's K-12 Classroom
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Scott Duggan
Format: HyFlex (Students can elect to attend synchronous sessions online or in person at Unionville Elementary School)
Dates: May 27 - July 3, 2022 (Summer 1)
Synchronous sessions: Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Media education adds value to just about every curriculum in the K-12 classrooms. Media education has become a growing priority in today’s classroom because of the extent of the media’s importance in people’s lives. However, many teachers are unaware of the necessity and the techniques for making media literacy an integral part of the K-12 educational experience. On average, children in their middle and high school years spend 6-10 hours a day engaged either actively or passively in a ‘media related’ activity. Because students, regardless of their learning style, attend more fully to activities and ideas that they connect with, the media is often used to influence them from a very young age. This makes it necessary for teachers to ‘train’ their students to analyze messages and understand the techniques utilized to influence them via a broad range of sound and visual communication technologies. Integrating Media Literacy into Today’s K-12 Curriculum will teach educators how to incorporate media literacy into the classroom curriculum, regardless of the subject taught. This course will provide educators with the resources necessary to help students hone their critical thinking skills in a functional context so that they are able to recognize various marketing approaches, identify propaganda, understand stereotypes, critically evaluate media conveyed messages, and use the media as a tool for life-long learning.

STTA 601 - Graphic Design for the Classroom: Intro to Adobe Photoshop
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Christine Bailey
Format: Online
Dates: May 27 - July 3, 2022 (Summer 1)
Synchronous sessions: Tuesdays, 12:00 - 1:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

This course outlines the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop for use in middle and high school classrooms. Participants will develop practical strategies to integrate software skills into lessons as a foundation for ongoing design exploration with students. Participants will learn the basics of image resolution, scanning, image import/export, print setup, and photo adjustments. Participants will gain an understanding of how this design program works for different types of design projects and the ability to create basic design projects and activities that reinforce concepts, vocabulary, and design principles to students in the classroom. Each day will include design lecture, software skill demonstration, and studio time for in-class exercises and projects. This in-class work will be supplemented with materials including video tutorials and readings.

STIP 605 - The Trauma-Informed Classroom
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Alexandra Murtaugh
Format: Online
Dates: May 27 - July 3, 2022 (Summer 1)
Synchronous sessions: Mondays, 5:00 - 6:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Approximately two-thirds of K-12 students will experience an adverse childhood event prior to the age of 18 and the majority of K-12 educators will work with students who have a history of personal or community trauma. Knowing that trauma histories can manifest in academic and social behaviors, it is essential that teachers are equipped with trauma-informed skills and strategies to help support all of the students in their care. This course will review the impacts of trauma on brain development, stress tolerance, social/emotional skills, and academic and life outcomes. It will also focus on further exploring what it means to be trauma-informed with a particular focus on strategies that can be implemented within schools and classrooms to increase opportunities for student regulation and feelings of emotional safety. Lastly, the course will review how trauma-informed teaching is an extension of the equity work already occurring in many school systems.

VPAS 636/VPAS 637 - Printmaking for the Classroom: Book Structures Intro/Advanced
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Rosae Reeder
Format: Online
Dates: May 27 - July 3, 2022 (Summer 1)
Synchronous sessions: Wednesdays, 4:00 - 7:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Participants in this course are introduced to a variety of contemporary book structures to which writing and imagery can be added. This includes accordion variations, sewn books, flexagons and pop-ups. Projects and discussions include approaches to incorporate images with simple text to convey meaning within various types of books. Collaborative book projects for classroom use and the opportunity to create a personal book are developed. Classroom applications for all grade levels are addressed; projects are adaptable for K-12 students in many subject areas.
 

ETEC 677 - Technology for Differentiated Instruction
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Scott Duggan
Format: HyFlex (Students can elect to attend synchronous sessions online or in person at Unionville Elementary School)
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Mondays, 6:00 - 8:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Current research on the use of technology in the classroom concludes that its appropriate use can yield dramatic gains in student achievement and student engagement. This course will prepare educators to routinely use technology in the classroom to effectively reach and engage diverse learners in new ways. Educators will learn how to identify and optimize educational technology tools, resources, and applications that best match unique student populations.
 

STET 605 - Course Design Using Learning Management Systems
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Rachel Hoke
Format: Online
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

This course guides educators through the process of designing and developing a course using a digital learning management system (LMS) for in-person, hybrid, and/or remote delivery.  Topics of focus include instructional strategies for hybrid and online teaching, accessibility of digital course materials, and authentic assessment.  Educators are invited to incorporate and adapt existing materials from a course they currently teach or create something new that is applicable to their own professional context.  Upon completion, educators will have created a ready-to-use course design within the Canvas LMS, which can then be adapted and utilized with any LMS.
 

ETEC 652 - Integrating Technology into the Curriculum
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Cynthia Willits
Format: Online
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

This course shows how a single computer can be the essential resource in a teacher’s repertoire. Use it as a learning tool by building a daily rotation of student activities on the computer. Use it as a personal productivity tool by developing databases, spreadsheets and mail merges. Use it as a presentation tool to display slideshows created in Apple iWorks’ presentation feature, and use the Internet to explore a whole world of information.

ETEC 647 - Web Based Lessons and Resources for Teachers
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Matthew Duvall
Format: Online
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Learn how and where to find the most effective educational resources on the web, including lesson plans, model education sites, and presentation tools. This course enables novices and advanced users to explore web-based active learning and consider methods to incorporate skills into lessons. Learn web page/simple website creation skills as well as the latest presentation techniques using multimedia tools, slide shows, and concept mapping.

ETEC 642 - Digital Storytelling in the Classroom
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Rupananda Misra
Format: Online
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Mondays, 9:30 - 10:30am ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Learn how reading, math and social studies assignments can be transformed into digital storytelling adventures. Participants investigate a variety of interdisciplinary projects with photography and videography, inspiring both themselves and their students to reflect thoughtfully and creatively. Digital stories come in many different flavors, from the creation of simple audio offerings to basic multimedia projects. This course incorporates a range of current technology options. No previous experience with digital photography or video editing necessary.

INCL 617 - Social and Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Elana Betts
Format: Online
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Emotional intelligence is a missing link in our educational curriculum. Teachers are given the tools for sharing academic lessons, but often they are ill-equipped to handle the stress that the students bring with them. SEL prescribes approaching students as complex human beings whose learning and behavior are just as impacted by their emotions, and their control over those emotions, as they are by the quality of instruction and discipline. However, social-emotional competencies need to be taught. The SEL approach involves teaching students how to manage emotions and behaviors to achieve one’s goals; recognize one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and challenges; show understanding and empathy for others; form positive relationships, working in pairs and teams, dealing effectively with conflict; recognize and talk about their feelings; and resolve conflicts peacefully as a way to strengthen both academic achievement and emotional stability. The course will provide teachers with a practical framework that incorporates morning and class meetings, literature, video examples, creative dramatics and conflict resolution to implement the non-cognitive skills that will stimulate thinking and bonds among children that will carry over into their academic curriculum.

ETEC 648 - Digital Communication in the Classroom
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Scott Duggan
Format: HyFlex (Students can elect to attend synchronous sessions online or in person at Unionville Elementary School)
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Digital communication, the exchange of information using diverse media, is central to today’s schools and classrooms. Students and teachers interact using blogs, wikis, fora, discussion boards, and much more. This course explores the opportunities that digital communication can present in the classroom setting, and how digital communication strategies can effectively support and enhance the curriculum.

ETEC 655 - Digital Citizenship in Today's K-12 Classroom
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Cynthia Willits
Format: Online
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Digital technologies are ever-changing, and come with a set of risks and rewards for your students. Having ‘the world at your fingertips’ is both wonderful and daunting. This course will help you lead students within today’s digital environment, including guidance around the appropriate and safe use of digital tools both inside and outside of the classroom.

STTA 603 - Creative Writing Across the Curriculum
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Natalie Duvall
Format: Online
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Creative writing can be used as an instructional tool to help students learn and retain course concepts better than many traditional instructional strategies.  In this course, teachers from all grade levels and content areas can learn how to design lessons that use creative writing to improve student outcomes and increase student engagement.  This course will provide resources and support by allowing teachers to both experience strategies and implement them.  Grading strategies will also be discussed.  At the end of the course, educators will have resources that can be easily incorporated into their curriculums.  No creative writing experience is necessary.  

VPAS 648/VPAS 649 - Visual Arts for the Classroom: Digital Photography Intro/Advanced
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Keavy Handley-Byrne
Format: Online
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
Synchronous sessions: Thursdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm ET
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $50

Refine and improve techniques relating to digital photography, expanding overall photographic competency and aesthetic sensibility. Composition, lighting and subject are discussed and critiqued as participants create a cohesive body of work with the final goal a series of project-based photographs. Some basic post-production techniques using Photoshop are introduced. Participants must bring a digital SLR camera and a portable storage device.

VPAS 616/VPAS 617/VPAS 660 - 3-D Projects for the Classroom: Tile Mosaics Intro/Advanced/Advanced II
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Matthew Courtney
Format: Online & In Person
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
In person sessions: July 11 - 15, 9:00am - 3:00pm ET 
Site: Wayne Arts Center
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $100

Create large and small-scale ceramic mosaic constructions through the use of line drawings, freehand sketches, slide transfers or with computer assistance. Learn techniques such as plaster mold castings for tile replication opportunities, the use of plastic patterns or one-of-a-kind fabrications. Mounting and hanging are covered as well. Content open to all teachers with an interest in producing tiles; application to classroom use is considered.

VPAS 626/VPAS 627/VPAS664 - Printmaking for the Classroom: Monoprinting Intro/Advanced/Advanced II
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Christine Stroughton
Format: Online & In Person
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
In person sessions: July 11 - 15, 9:00am - 3:00pm ET 
Site: Wayne Arts Center
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $100

This course addresses image-making through basic printmaking media such as monoprinting, with some relief printing techniques, that can be used in a classroom without specialized equipment or presses. Create images by drawing or painting directly on the plate or by working from a sketch; the creative process is analyzed at every point. Techniques covered printing with water-based inks and multiple colors as well as working with non-traditional presses that can be used in a variety of classroom settings.

VPAS 646/VPAS 647/VPAS672 - Visual Arts for the Classroom: Landscape Painting Intro/Advanced/Advanced II
Credits: 3.0
Faculty: Sara Hitz-Arnold
Format: Online & In Person
Dates: July 6 - August 9, 2022 (Summer 2)
In person sessions: July 11 - 15, 9:00am - 3:00pm ET 
Site: Wayne Arts Center
Tuition: MEd $2025 | NM $1050
Fee: $100

Emphasis will be on an ‘in the field’ approach to landscape as subject matter. In addition to producing finished paintings, participants will discuss this genre and the themes often illustrated in it, including the concept of place, scale, the nature of light, and the balance of man and nature. As weather permits, participants will work outdoors to address the process of working with the immediacy of changing conditions. Participants will work from direct observation and cover concepts in landscape composition that will help them achieve their desired results. Choice of media may be oil, acrylic or pastel. Topics include: proper grounds (surfaces) for oil paint, materials, mediums, and techniques for the efficient use of the time, how to use a loose drawing to form a strong composition; and making color studies. Participants will also discuss choosing a location, reading the weather, reading the light, and color mixing for landscape. This course is intended for educators with previous experience in basic drawing and painting. All course content will be directly applicable to classroom instruction and curriculum for art educators.