Professional Development

In an exemplary science learning environment the teacher must understand both the science behind the curriculum and how the students learn. This project coordinates and provides substantive initial and sustained long-term professional development. The program also develops scientific leadership among teachers and school administrators.

The VAST Center is committed to providing support to all teachers using the science kits by offering quality introductory inservices to all teachers using the kits. These workshops are designed to provide the background needed to effectively implement these research-based elementary science kits. The workshops will focus on the key concepts in the unit as well as provide hands-on experience with all the unit activities. Practical teacher tips will be offered by experienced teacher facilitators to help with the management of hands-on materials. The introductory inservices are required for all new teachers and teachers new to the grade level prior to the implementation of each kit. Generally each kit class will be held twice, once in September and then again in January.

Ongoing inservice for the VAST project is one of the most critical components for a successful elementary science program. Therefore the VAST Center is committed to providing support to all teachers using the VAST kits by introductory inservices to all teachers. The introductory inservice and ongoing support from the kit specialist(s) and VAST Center staff will lead to successful implementation. The introductory inservices are required for all teachers prior to the implementation of each kit.