Page 40 September 2016

Page 41 September 2016  Carpet Cleaning  Fire, Smoke & Soot  Water Removal  Dehumidification  Move Outs and Contents Restoration  Air Ducts & HVAC  Upholstery and Drapes  Ceilings, Walls & Hard Floors  Deodorization  Contents Claim Inventory Service  Documents Drying of Phoenix Serving Arcadia and Biltmore Residents (480) 503-2090 SERVPROPHOENIX.COM ( ( ) ) Like it never even happened. ® Come and see our NEWLY RENOVATED PRESCHOOL... home to our ALL-NEW 3’s and EXPANDED Pre-K Programs. • Indoor and Outdoor Spaces Inspire the Imagination • Hands-On Learning Centers Teach through Play • 'FWECVQTU'PEQWTCIG)TQYVJCPF%QPƂFGPEG TUESDAY & THURSDAY TOURS BY APPOINTMENT (602) 954-9088 or visit us at www.staphxschool.org By Rachael Bouley Teachers and educators from across the state came together for the Arizona K12 Center’s Summer Math Institute at the Westward Look Resort in Tucson, including two administrators and 18 teachers from Tavan Elementary School. The three-day conference gave the teachers and staff the special opportunity to learn from experts in their field, develop new skills and explore improved instructional methods. Teachers spent the three days collaborating with their team members to develop strategies to improve students’ understanding of the main concepts of mathematics and prepare for the upcoming school year. Teachers and math coaches from kindergarten through fifth grade joined Tavan Principal Margaret Serna and Vice Principal Julie Ballard. Shelly Rose, a fifth-grade teacher at Tavan, said it was a great opportunity to learn from other professionals and prepare for a bright future with their students. “Because many of us were there with our teams, we were able to collaborate with each other to make sure we are ready and trained to use the newest strategies to help our students be the best they can be!” The Arizona K12 Center organizes a variety of conferences and events like this one to support teachers throughout the state in continuous learning and improving their teaching methods. The Summer Math Institute featured presentations by experienced professionals from around the country. Tavan teachers and other participants were guided in developing units, lessons, activities and assessments for their math classes. On the final day, teachers used the concepts they learned from the conference to develop action plans that they can implement in their classrooms. During the conference, teachers across all grade levels compiled common math vocabulary and designed curriculum that will improve critical thinking skills and comprehension for students. This is especially beneficial because the AZ Merit Assessment requires students to analyze and provide evidence through their math applications in their responses, and teachers are learning better methods of teaching students how to do so. The event gave Tavan teachers the chance to spend time together in pursuit of their common goal: achieving even greater student success. “Teachers were busy participating in meaningful conversation that increased their knowledge of teaching math and also provided them the opportunity to share their experience and successes with their colleagues,” said Principal Serna. “Teachers are the best teachers of teachers.” It was helpful for teachers to be taught by people with the same passion for learning and education. “I am a firm believer that teachers should be lifelong learners,” said fourth-grade teacher Sindy Salgado. “I can serve as an example for my students that you never stop learning.” Tavan teachers and staff look forward to implementing their new plans and strategies in the upcoming school year. The Summer Math Institute garnered excitement and enthusiasm for the future. “The K12 Center truly knows how to treat teachers. In a society where teachers are sometimes underappreciated, they treated us like celebrities,” said Sindy. The collaborations that occurred amongst my fellow colleagues and teachers from around the Valley were priceless.” Tavan math teachers expand their knowledge at special event Math teachers at Tavan Elementary School traveled to Tucson for a training session to strengthen their skills.