Preparing Teachers for New Realities of K-12 Learning Amid Pandemic
More than 500 teachers representing every Educational Service District across Washington have participated in ISB Education’s “Systems Are Everywhere” workshops.
TThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on K-12 education. In response, ISB Education stepped up with a series of interactive virtual workshops to provide much-needed support for student learning amid the pandemic.
The “Systems Are Everywhere” workshops resulted in about 2,000 learning hours that will impact tens of thousands of students around the state. More of these popular workshops will be offered this fall and winter.
“School districts are looking for assistance with distance learning and incorporating science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) into their lesson plans,” said Caroline Kiehle, who co-leads ISB Education. “In early March, we realized preparing our educators for a new reality of teaching and learning was a critical need, and we were well positioned to provide these important resources. Our education team is acting nimbly to teach K-12 educators how to build systems thinking into their science units.”
The teachers participated in engaging learning activities and developed plans to translate their experiences with their own students. Additionally, 34 scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals interacted with the teachers to discuss how systems thinking plays a role in science and in science classrooms.
“These workshops are in demand and are clearly providing beneficial training and information to educators who are facing a new classroom reality,” said Kiehle. “We are thankful for the funding we have received to provide these resources, and we welcome all financial support that will enable us to keep providing these resources.”