Sparta student teachers meet to learn about best practices

Student teachers in the Sparta Area School District are meeting for lunch bi-monthly to learn about best practices.

Eight Brown Bag Lunches highlight topics aimed to improve their teaching and build relationships in and out of the classroom. Student teachers are released to attend these sessions through a partnership with university representatives.

“Teachers need to be able to identify and have a relationship with the community and building they work in. By coming in during their lunch, the student teachers are getting a jump start on a crucial role of a teacher,” said Tom Steward, director of instruction for Sparta schools.

Brown Bag Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at locations in Sparta. Each session counts in their hours and professional development. Supervising teachers are encouraged to attend. University and district personnel will be in attendance at the professional development programs.

Upcoming Brown Bag Lunch Dates include:

Sept. 26: Knowing your community with the Deke Slayton Museum staff at the museum

Oct. 10: Parent-Teacher Conferences with a principal and parent at the Sparta AEC

Oct. 24: Technology with the Sparta Area School District director of technology at the Sparta AEC

Nov. 21: Grading versus Assessing with the Sparta Area School District director of instruction at the Sparta AEC

Dec. 12: Student engagement at the Sparta Area School District AEC

Jan. 9: Special Education Primer with Pupil Services at the AEC

Jan. 23: Curriculum of 2014 with a DPI Representative at a location to be determined.