Seminar Descriptions

Spring 2005

English Literacy for Spanish Speakers
Presenter: Jere S. Beard
As the Latino population continues to increase in the U.S. and Georgia, more Latino students are entering the classroom, making it essential for all teachers who may work with diverse populations to learn some of the characteristics of the Spanish language in order to better assist these students. This session will begin with a presentation covering common errors produced in written English by native Spanish speakers and some of the differences between the Spanish and English languages. A brief discussion with ESOL experts will follow the presentation.

Co-Teaching with Special Needs Students
Presenter: Molly Efland
In this seminar, participants will be presented with information on the basics of co-teaching—what it is, and what it is not. The benefits of co-teaching and what roles the general educator and special educator play in the classroom will be defined. Examples of different types of co-teaching situations that can be used in the classroom will be given and suggestions for co-planning will be discussed. The session will conclude with a brief question and answer session with Ms. Efland, National Board Certified Special Education teacher, and other professionals experienced in working with special needs students.

Online and ‘Real Live’ Tools for Professional Growth
Presenters: Julie Moore, Thomas Van Soelen, Melissa Brown and Mark Roper
This seminar will incorporate many of the tools that new teachers will find helpful as they begin, and grow, in their profession. Online tools such as the BRIDGE (www.teachersbridge.org) will be featured. “Real live” tools for professional growth, including learning communities for new teachers and effective mentor/mentee relationships will be discussed. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session with all of the presenters.

See Presenter Bios for more information about seminar presenters.