Summer Institute offers proffessional development, workshops
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 2, 2017 5:50 AM
The 12th annual Summer Institute is more than a professional development opportunity for educators in Wayne County Public Schools -- it's also a chance for parents to attend workshops on a variety of topics.
Sponsored by the curriculum and instruction department of Wayne County Public Schools, the three-day event will be held Aug. 8-10 at Raper Hall on the University of Mount Olive campus.
This year's event provides an opportunity for parents and teachers to hone their skills toward equipping students to handle 21st century challenges, says Kim Copeland, director specialist of the arts, second languages and special projects.
Admission is free, but there is a $6.50 charge for those wishing to purchase lunch in the UMO cafeteria.
"We just are excited that we can bring this to attendees at no cost," Mrs. Copeland said. "The C&I department has worked diligently all summer to recruit highly qualified presenters that will have sessions focusing on rigor in the classroom.
"All of the directors and lead teachers have been working since even before the summer began, I think we began working on it in February or March."
While the summer months offer a break for many, it can be an intensive time for teachers and administrators, readying for a new school year.
"This is a time of the year that we really get excited," said Mrs. Copeland, explaining that the rigorous sessions are designed to meet the needs of the students returning to the classroom. "It's something that will benefit all teachers, whether you're beginning or veterans."
Topics covered in this year's sessions range from pre-K, literacy, writing, math and science, to such areas as exceptional children, English as a Second Language, family engagement, instructional technology and STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math.
Sessions kick off each day at 9 a.m. and run throughout the day, with the exception of Wednesday, when things will convene in the auditorium of Raper Hall for the keynote speaker at 8:30 a.m.
Principal Baruti Kafele, award-winning educator and author, will share strategies for maintaining strong leadership habits, collaboration with others and engaging the school community.
The popular Summer Institute has grown in numbers over the years, drawing an average of 250 to 300 a day.
"We really would encourage them to pre-register online," Mrs. Copeland said. "They can go to the WCPS website and click on the link for Summer Institute.
"We would request if you could, go online and register but we welcome you to come each day if you have not had a chance to register."
The advance notice allows officials to have a head count for the sessions, as well as those planning to purchase lunch.
Attendees are also urged to bring their own devices -- cellphone, iPads, laptop -- as the event is going digital this year, she said.
Tuesday will be "parent day," with several non-profit agencies on site for parents to visit with and obtain useful information.
Thursday morning there will be more educational vendor exhibits featured.
For a complete schedule and list of sessions, visit the WCPS website, waynecountyschools.org.