Below are some ways you can support educators in earning units and courses.
Meet with participants early in the year to define individual goals.
- Getting Started: Work with participants to create a plan for earning courses based on areas of interest, goals, areas of growth, upcoming PD, campus initiatives, etc.
- Backwards Plan: Help participants review the course requirements and create a timeline for when they will collect evidence throughout the year.
- Lend an Ear: Teaching is complex and trying something new can be difficult. Ask participants where they think they’ll need support or where they’re struggling. BloomBoard Support (support@bloomboard.com) is also a great resource!
Check-in and engage with participating educators throughout the year.
- Creating Evidence: Offer help with creating and capturing evidence (recording lessons,
collecting data on student engagement, etc.) - Provide Feedback: Offer to provide feedback on evidence before the educator submits
for review. - Make Connections: Having a partner in this work can be motivating. Connect educators
who are working on the same micro-credential(s) and encourage them to hold each
other accountable.
Embed courses in existing Professional Learning offerings.
- Leverage PLC Meetings: Remind PLC Leaders to review their courses and collect evidence during their PLC meetings.
- Mentors & Mentees: Mentors can support Induction teachers working on courses. As mentors work with mentees throughout the year, they can collect evidence towards their own courses.
- Embed Courses in Existing PD: Are there micro-credentials that align to PD you are already offering (TLAC, for example)? Embed thecourse(s) in your PD as a way for educators to continue their learning and demonstrate their competency.
- Collaboration Time: Is there a common time for participating educators to collaborate, share
experiences, and work on courses together? If not, consider establishing such a time and/or offering office hours. - Coaches: Coaches can support teachers in learning more about the competency, practicing the skills, and collecting evidence.
Leverage BloomBoard Reports.
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Use BloomBoard Reports to see an overview of progress or to discover detailed information as you support educators in their coursework. Here are some recommended actions you can take to support educators based on their unit submission status. Using BloomBoard Reports to Support Educators
Recognize efforts big and small and be a cheerleader.
- While it’s great to celebrate educators who earn courses, it’s also important to celebrate educators for their efforts along the way (getting started, uploading evidence, collaborating with peers, etc.). Find a list of suggestions here! Celebrate the Accomplishments of your Educators
Communication is Key!
- Use email, newsletters, in-person meetings, PLCs, coaching conversations, existing PD, webinars and any other tools at your disposal to communicate with and support educators in earning courses.