2008-2009 Application: Due July 1, 2008

Improving Student Learning through Professional Development

Join Us for Teachers' Academy! You'll Find...

Renewal of your passion for teaching!

Empowerment through new knowledge and skills!

Networking with other area educators!

Energizing strategies and techniques!

Ways to motivate reluctant learners!

Adding technology to your classroom can be powerful!

Learning as teachers impacts student achievement!

What is Teachers' Academy?

Teachers' Academy is a replication of the very successful Leadership Academy, which has been fundamental in providing professional growth for school district administrators. Teachers' Academy provides an intellectually stimulating and nurturing environment for both personal and professional growth through collaboration and action research. Academy Fellows are involved in a year-long commitment to the program.

The program begins in late July with an orientation meeting and dinner held on the Missouri S&T campus. A statewide Teachers' Academy meeting is held in late September at the Lake of the Ozarks with a nationally known keynote speaker. Monthly evening dinner meetings are planned for August through May. A two-day statewide graduation retreat is held in the spring.

Why Participate in the RPDC Teachers' Academy?

• It's an opportunity to collaborate, learn and network with other highly committed educators from the region.
• It's an opportunity to develop the skills and strategies necessary to lead your school or district in the challenge extended through No Child Left Behind.
• It's an opportunity to deepen existing content knowledge and pedagogical skills necessary to meet the requirement of being a “highly qualified teacher."
• Teachers' Academy provides an excellent orientation to the five core
• propositions for those teachers wanting to pursue certification by the
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
• It provides an opportunity to increase teachers' knowledge of effective instructional strategies and to reflect on practice, developing a greater sense of efficacy.
• All participants will have the opportunity to earn college credit.

Who Qualifies to be a Teachers' Academy Fellow?

• A classroom teacher with three years of teaching experience
• A teacher that demonstrates effective classroom practices
• A teacher with a sustained commitment toward professional growth

How are Fellows Selected?

Academy Fellows are selected from an application process. Priority is given to teachers whose staff is involved in school reform and teams of teachers from one district. The academy fee is $500. Additional expenses include substitute fees and transportation and some hotel costs at statewide meetings.

Scholarships are available on a limited basis for the academy fee.