University of Missouri-St. Louis, Division of Continuing Education

• When: October 13, 2012 | 8:00AM-2:30PM
• Where: UMSL, J.C. Penney Conference Center

Teachers who attend will:

• Develop professional relationships with university faculty to share best practices based on research
• Reflect on teaching practice 
• Cultivate an attitude of continuous improvement through reflection and discussion 
• Meet in a supportive environment where both professional and personal issues can be addressed
• Receive two professional books 

First through fourth year K–12 teachers are invited to participate in BTAP for the academic year. Participants can be graduates of any college of education.

Attendance at the conference satisfies the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Beginning Teachers Assistance Program requirement for participation in a university/college-sponsored mentoring program. The program is required for advancement in state certification. Certificates of attendance will be provided at the conclusion of the day.

For more information about BTAP, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it associate dean for undergraduate education at (314) 516-6710.

Registration

This conference is limited to 150 participants; register soon to reserve your seat.

Deadline:TBD

Fee: $19 (includes lunch and two books)

Register:

• Online
• By Fax — Complete a Beginning Teachers Assistance Program Conference Registration Form and send by fax to (314) 516-6414
• By Mail — Complete a Beginning Teachers Assistance Program Conference Registration Form and mail to the address indicated.
• By Phone — Call (314) 516-5655 or TDD (314) 516-5961.

Cancellation Policy:

The University reserves the right to cancel any program. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified immediately, and all program fees will be refunded or applied to a future program at your request. If you must cancel a registration, you are entitled to full refund only if you cancel prior to the first class meeting.

• When: September 18, October 23 and November 13, 2012 | 4:30-7:00 PM
• When: January January 15, February 12, April 9, 2013 | 4:30-7:00 PM
• Where: St Louis Charter School TBD (Sessions will be held in the downtown area on a school night. No long drives or loss of your personal weekend.)
• Registration Fee: $40

This Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP) addresses specific issues faced when teaching in an Urban Charter school. Topics covered include: Classroom Management, Communicating with Constituencies, and Data-Driven Instruction.

Separate groups will be created for Elementary and Secondary teachers in order to target the specific classroom strategies used to truly make a difference. You will cultivate an attitude of continuous improvement through reflection and discussion over the duration of the program.

Teachers who attend will:

• Receive the book The First Days of School by Harry Wong.
• Develop professional relationships with others to share best practices based on research.
• Be instructed by teachers who have first-hand experience within charter schools.
• Be in a cohort for three classes with other charter school teachers from around the St. Louis area. This will allow for an exchange of information outside of the individual school building.
• Have the ability to ask the tough questions from a variety of educational backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Attendance at BTAP is required by DESE for any first through fourth year teacher in order to upgrade certification from a PCI to a PCII. Participants can be graduates of any college of education. Certificates of attendance will be provided at the conclusion of the program.

For more information about the Charter School BTAP, contact Mrs. Brie Nelson, Charter School Coordinator University of Missouri-St. Louis, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (314) 608-6039.

Session Descriptions

Classroom Management - This isn't your grandmother’s classroom anymore! The charter school classroom consists of multiple types of diversity. Learn, share, and explore management techniques for the modern day student and teacher. These techniques will allow the teacher to be more efficient and effective in the classroom and bring a focus on content instead of behavior. A review of procedures, effective discipline plans, daily maintenance, how to increase positive student behavior, as well as continuing to hold positive and high expectations will be discussed.
 
Communicating with Constituencies - Ever wondered how to talk with that "difficult parent?" What about the bus driver? Learning ways to communicate with all of the school constituents, regardless of their roll, will aid the teacher in building relationships individually as well as with their students. When you understand how to diffuse the anger and get to the real reasons, development for the individual as well as the student can begin. Don't let a lack of knowledge stand in the way of personal and professional growth!
 
Data-Driven Instruction - Are you looking at each piece of the weekly, monthly, and quarterly data to examine your teaching practices and drive instruction? If you're not quite sure how to really accomplish this with valid results and solid outcomes, don't worry! This session is focused on arming the individual teacher with a strong arsenal of data weapons! Don't waste another day of valuable time, energy, and resources without really diving into the "hidden" information at your fingertips. Drive to be the best teacher you can be!