When students head home early on Fridays, our teachers become the learners!
Friday professional development provides dedicated time for staff to collaborate, strengthen their teaching practices, and deepen their use of high-quality instructional materials. This ongoing learning helps us provide meaningful, engaging instruction—and ensures every student has equitable access to the curriculum and the opportunity to achieve their learning goals.
Here is a look at what our staff are learning today:
Supporting Students with Significant Disabilities
Teachers who serve students with significant disabilities are learning alongside staff at the Iowa Department of Education. This session focuses on strengthening instructional practices and effectively meeting the individual learning needs of every student.
Strengthening Elementary Math Instruction
Elementary teachers are working with AEA staff and Building Administrators to deepen their understanding of the Standards for Mathematical Practice and Effective Teaching Practices embedded in our enVision math curriculum. Staff are exploring resources they can use to strengthen daily instruction and engage students in mathematical thinking and problem-solving.
Increasing Opportunities to Respond
Secondary teachers are continuing their learning with AEA Staff and Building Administrators on Opportunities to Respond. These strategies increase how frequently every student is asked to think, discuss, write, and actively participate during a lesson. Teachers are applying this learning directly to upcoming lesson plans so students have more opportunities to engage with important content.
Supporting Our New Teachers
New high school teachers are receiving additional learning on Opportunities to Respond so they can confidently use these engagement strategies in their classrooms. This helps create consistent learning experiences for students throughout the district.
Collaborating to Improve Student Learning
Staff are also meeting in Collaborative Teaching Teams to review student learning, discuss effective instructional practices, and plan next steps to support students.
This work brings our district mission and three guiding statements—Our Actions & Impact, Meaningful Learning, and Caring Relationships—to life. Just as we ask students to continue learning, practicing, and growing, we hold those same high expectations for ourselves.
Take a look at our photos throughout each week to see our Maquoketa educators implementing these strategies and learning together and investing in the success of every student!