Summer Teacher Training

The Cedar Park staff made good use of the summer to take numerous STEM related classes. Twenty-four staff participated in the week-long Science Museum of Minnesota Summer Institute designed specifically for Cedar Park. This was the third summer Cedar Park has worked with the Science Museum to offer this special institute on teaching STEM subjects.

Kelli Ellickson was the Lead Instructor at the University of Minnesota's Summer Biology Class held at Itaska State Park. Monica Vanderborght, Lori Stevenson, Mary Packwood, and Claudia Braun took the two-week class, which had them conducting numerous field studies on insects, flora, water, and environmental issues.

St. Catherine University is offering a new Engineering and Invention graduate certificate program and six Cedar Park teachers signed up to participate in the year-long classes. Ann Bernard, Betty Jo Bishop, Monica Foss, Amy Griglak, Katie Kersten, and Christy Nelson completed their first intense week of training in August.

The Jeffers Foundation sent Sil Pembleton to Cedar Park to offer a workshop on Minnesota Weather and Phenology. She brought Minnesota Weatherguide calendars and shared numerous science lessons demonstrating cloud formation and thermometer concepts, among many others.

Early this summer, a number of Cedar Park teachers worked with Joyce Tatum, a curriculum specialist, to support our work in writing integrated science curriculum using the state and district standards and best practices in teaching. The staff will continue to work with Tatum throughout the year.

Teachers also took Responsive Classroom training, Math classes, and Afterschool Universe training through NASA. The staff is invigorated and excited to being the new school year.