ALAMANCE SCHOOLS TO GET TRAINING FUNDS THANKS TO COBLE
Washington,
Aug 15, 2008 -
School principals and teachers in Alamance County will soon be getting state-of-the-art training thanks to federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC). Congressman Coble announced today that the Alamance-Burlington School District will receive $143,449 from the U.S. Department of Education to expand and enhance its Teacher Professional Development Academy.
“We had requested this funding in the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill,” Rep. Coble stated. “In talking with school officials, I was convinced that this was an outstanding training program that could become even better with some additional funding. I am pleased that the Department of Education agreed with our assessment.”
Rhonda Schuhler, Director of Personnel Support Services, stated that the training would occur during the next two school years. “We are excited about the positive and profound impact that this additional professional development will have in developing leadership capacity at every level within our system,” Schuhler noted. “Our school system’s focus on providing engaging work to our students will be enhanced through this additional funding.”
Schuhler said the training will focus on building leadership capacity through professional development at all levels. Over the next two years, principals will receive extensive training through McREL’s Balanced Leadership Series, which examines the critical aspects of quality school leadership. This research-based approach to leadership development is directly aligned with the state board’s new standards for School Executives in the 21st Century.
Schuhler also noted that professional development for teachers will focus on improving student achievement through systematic vocabulary instruction, examining student work, and providing differentiated instruction. A “train the trainers” model for in-house support of the National Board Certification process will provide opportunities for teacher leadership and enhanced teacher capacity.
