Benefits for and Expectations of GEMS Teachers
Benefits for GEMS Teachers:
- Improved content knowledge, an increased ability to apply this knowledge in the classroom, and an improved ability to teach using inquiry-based learning.
- On-going content resource support from GEMS Fellows, faculty, and JCPS specialists throughout the year.
- Opportunities to become PD (Professional Development) leaders in their schools and in JCPS.
- Opportunities to have funded travel to regional professional meetings related to GEMS.
- Earn 18 hours of PD Credit for part of the summer workshop, and receive up to two days of release time (funds for substitute provided) to meet GEMS responsibilities such as travel, evaluation, or reporting.
- Receive a total of $3600 in stipends (for the part of the summer workshop not covered by the PD credit, working with the Fellows during the school year, and participating in the GEMS seminars (see below).
Major Expectations and Responsibilities of Teachers:
- Actively participate in a two-week summer workshop on the specific inquiry-based mathematics and/or science curriculum materials used in their school (Investigations in Number, Data, and Space, Delta Science Modules II, Full Option Science System, and/or Science and Technology for Children), and on team building with Fellows, mathematics and science faculty, and education specialists. (July 26 - August 6, 2004).
- Teach cooperatively with assigned Fellow an average of five hours per week during the school year (UofL or JCPS school breaks negate this requirement).
- Participate in 15 two-hour seminars (about every other Monday night) during the school year discussing lessons and/or teaching challenges or expanding content knowledge, and performing occasional evaluations.
- Make entries in the Fellow’s classroom journal concerning teaching activities and student interactions.
- Meet weekly with the assigned Fellow to jointly plan inquiry-based activities and discuss journal entries.
