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Blended Learning

BLENDED LEARNING SUMMER INSTITUTE

WELCOME

Blended Learning combines the best of effective classroom practice with online learning, and establishes an environment where students can, in part, control the time, pace, and place of their learning. It is a way of educating students in which the teacher weaves both traditional, face-to-face learning with digital content and resources in a meaningful way. Allowing the classroom teacher to integrate online tools and resources to not only complement, but transform and enhance the teaching and learning process, helps to reach and teach students more effectively.

BLENDED LEARNING ACADEMY

The Sevier County School System's Blended Learning Academy is a year-long district-wide collaboration of teachers that supports high-quality instruction through an embedded professional learning series. Teachers are supported with the pedagogy surrounding research-based instructional strategies and the integration of technological resources that serve to maximize student outcomes.

There are five district-wide blended learning coaches that plan relevant content and facilitate academy days along with a summer institute. They also support the improvement and reinforcement of a blended learning environment in classrooms across the district. The goal of the Blended Learning Academy is to build internal capacity for establishing effective classroom instruction, expand the district’s teacher leader pool, and provide support for all teachers in their blended learning journey.

2019 Blended Learning Summer Institute

The first annual Blended Learning Summer Institute for teachers and administrators employed by the Sevier County School System was held in June, 2019. We were fortunate to have Weston Kieschnick, author of Bold School, as our keynote speaker. He also provided great breakout sessions during the day for both teachers and administrators.

Sessions for the day were divided into two tracks, one for teachers and one for administrators. Sessions for the day were facilitated by our very own Blended Learning Academy members and other teachers across our district who are effectively utilizing technology to enhance learning.

ACADEMY LEVELS & MEETING DATES

  • Academy Level 1 is designed for educators who are participating in their first year of the Blended Learning Academy.

    Teachers selected for the academy:

    • receive training and support in teacher leadership,
    • explore resources to organize their content for differentiated lessons based on student levels or interests,
    • identify tools that allow students choice and interaction in demonstrating their learning,
    • build understanding around the continued influence of best practice in educational pedagogy while using the technology as a tool to enhance learning.

    Level 1 Blended Learning Academy Meeting Dates

    • September 22, 2020 (full day)
    • October 21, 2020 (full day)
    • December 14, 2020 (half-day a.m.)
    • February 11, 2021 (1/2 day a.m.)
    • March 19, 2021 (full day)

  • Academy Level 2 is designed for educators who are participating in their second year of the Blended Learning Academy.

    Level 2 Blended Learning Academy teachers will meet:

    • September 17, 2020 (full day)
    • October 9, 2020 (full day)
    • December 15, 2020 (half-day a.m.)
    • February 17, 2021 (half-day a.m.)
    • March 18, 2021 (full day)

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Blended Learning Academy applicants must:

    • have at least five years of teaching experience;
    • have served in the Sevier County School System for at least one year;
    • be a K-12 core content subject area teacher
    • have a desire to grow professionally while increasing understanding around how blended learning can improve student learning outcomes.