OFT President Melissa Cropper: 'Silver bullets' are not the answer
As we continue to reflect on the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., where 20 children and six adults, including AFT members, were violently killed, we need to ask ourselves one question: “What do we want as the legacy for these 26 innocent people?” Though we can never change what happened or remove the deep sense of loss, we can make sure there is a meaningful and impactful response to their deaths. To not do so would be unforgivable. Read more...
Powerful Practices half-day regional workshops for teachers
Ohio teachers who have received teacher value-added reports are invited to attend a Saturday regional workshop this month hosted by Battelle for Kids to learn about how to implement powerful teaching practices that promote high levels of student academic growth. Workshop participants will hear highly effective teachers share examples of powerful practices and personal growth, assess strengths and growth opportunities to inform their professional development, and have the opportunity to receive assistance in interpreting their value-added reports. Learn more.
Vanlue teachers use technology to improve learning, better meet student needs
As part of the Race to the Top grant, many recent improvements have made Vanlue Local Schools one of the most technologically advanced districts in Hancock County and perhaps the state. Improvements included training teachers (who are members of OFT) on technology tools, providing technology access to students, and bridging the gap between students, teachers, and the outside world safely and securely. All classrooms in Vanlue have interactive whiteboards and digital projectors, providing opportunities for teachers to create and use exciting digital lessons to reinforce education, enhance standards-based curriculum and stimulate the learning experience for all students. Find out how teachers are using technology to improve learning.
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Initiatives in Cleveland train teachers to close achievement gap
Teachers are benefit ting from the third year of the federal Race to the Top grant in many ways. In an effort to support teachers’ professional development needs, the Cleveland Teachers Union (an OFT local) and the district collaborated to produce two professional development tools to help teachers collect evidence necessary to score high on the new Teacher Development and Evaluation System rubric. PD360 and the Wizard of Ed started in September and October, respectively, for select teacher trainers and staff. Through this critical collaboration, the union continues to demonstrate the importance of teacher input. Learn more about these professional development programs.
Ohio selects Thinkgate to provide online learning, data system for educators
Ohio’s schools will have access to a state-of-the-art system that lets teachers analyze student achievement and select the best learning resources. Thinkgate, LLC has been selected to provide an instructional improvement system for schools in Ohio and Massachusetts. Both states’ education agencies agreed to create powerful online learning platforms as part of their federal Race to the Top grants and teamed up to conduct a competitive procurement. Find out what features will be offered.
Listen to OFT President's monthly radio spot
Listen to OFT President Melissa Cropper on America’s Workforce Radio Tuesday where she will talk about a comprehensive AFT effort in one community to make educational improvement the route to a brighter economic future. The show broadcasts on WERE in northeast Ohio at 4pm and is available online at www.awfradio.com. “The radio voice of the working people,” America’s Work Force is the only daily labor radio program in America supplying listeners with useful, relevant input into their daily lives.
OFT Convention registration closes Feb. 6
Registration for the 2013 OFT Convention closes Feb. 6. The reduced hotel room rate is available through Jan. 30. Delegates elected by their local unions meet at convention to discuss and set the future direction of the statewide organization as well as build their own leadership skills to benefit their locals. The event will be held Feb. 21-23 at the Sheraton in Columbus. Registration details.