Westminster Hosting Education Seminar for Science Teachers

The Westminster College Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is hosting "Science Network-The Pittsburgh Partnership for Energizing K-8 Science: Investing in the Professional Development of Teachers" Thursday, April 27, from 4-7 p.m. in the Witherspoon Rooms of the McKelvey Campus Center.

 The presenters include: Dr. Jen Cartier, assistant professor of science and elementary education at the University of Pittsburgh; Emily Chapman, a Ph.D. student at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Physics and Astronomy, where she is currently doing research in the field of biological physics; Denis Krysinski, who earned his master's from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in elementary and early childhood education and is currently a middle school science teacher at Greenfield School; Cassie Majetic, Ph.D student in ecology and evolution program in the Department of Biological Science at the University of Pittsburgh and science teacher at Beechwood Elementary School; and Susan M. Simmers, who has been teaching K-3 science and mathematics for 19 years at Beechwood Elementary School.

 The program was conceived as an opportunity to improve science learning experiences for urban student in grades K-8, with a special emphasis on intermediate and middle schools.  At the core of the partnership is the belief that investing in the professional development of teachers is the most effective way to achieve lasting instructional improvements. 

 The presentation includes a description of the professional development context that frames the work of the fellows and partner teachers in the partnership and the tools created to support curriculum critique and planning.  This event will also address the role of the Pennsylvania Science Anchors in guiding curriculum implementation.  The fellow/partner teacher teams will share specific examples of how their classroom practices have developed as a result of their work within the partnership.  The participants will also have time to engage in a discussion about the sustainability of this collaborative model.

The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was developed to advance world-class teaching at Westminster and enrich K-12 education through outreach programs for area educators

 The seminar offers three hours of CPE credit.  Contact Carol Fiumara at (412) 648-7185 or e-mail fiumara@pitt.edu for more information.  Registration requests can also be mailed to Fiumara at 4302 Posvar Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA  15260.

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