What is the Program Design?

TeacherAcademy is a replication of the very successful Leadership Academy Satellite Program, which has been fundamental in providing professional growth for school leaders. The TeacherAcademy is designed to provide participants with an intellectually stimulating opportunity to learn new teaching strategies and collaborate with other highly committed teachers in the region. Although not designed as a preparation program for National Board Certification, graduates of the TeacherAcademy will find their experience to be a natural springboard into the National Board preparation program offered by the RPDC.

Participation requires monthly release days for regional meetings to allow teachers time to discuss educational issues, deepen content knowledge, and network with other highly committed educators from the area. Transportation, food and substitutes will be the responsibility of the school or individual.

Our work will include a study of issues such as instructional strategies, literacy, assessment, closing the achievement gap, and others as determined by the participants.

Who Qualifies to be a TeacherAcademy Fellow?

  • A current classroom teacher with three completed years of classroom experience
  • A teacher with demonstrated classroom effectiveness
  • A teacher with a Master’s degree or significant professional growth
  • A teacher with a commitment to sustained professional growth

How are Academy Fellows selected?

Fellows are selected from an application process which requires a narrative response to a set of questions and two letters of recommendation.

What are the costs and deadline?

The program fee is $500, due after acceptance. Application deadline is 6/01/10.

Enrollment is limited to 20.

Regional Kick-off is in August 2010. Travel, food, and substitutes will be the responsibility of the school district or the individual.

For further information, contact:

Jill Baker, FacilitatorSandy Wood, Practitioner Facilitator

Northwest RPDCMaryvilleHigh School

800-633-3348660-562-4822

Application to the NorthwestTeacherAcademy

Name of School District:______

Name of School:______

School Address: ______

Home Address: ______

School Phone Number: ______Home Phone Number______

School E-Mail: ______Home E-Mail: ______

Recent Educational Experience: School District/School Name / Grade Level and/or Content Area / Years in District

Write a short narrative answering the following questions and attach to your application:

What educational issues/challenges most concern you in your classroom?

If selected, what do you hope to gain from your experience in TeacherAcademy?

What is your current involvement in school reform or in professional development?

Fee: $500

Applicant’s Signature:______Date:______

The building principal must sign below to indicate their willingness to support your participation in the Northwest Teacher Academy.

Principal’s Signature: ______Date:______

Application deadline is June 1st.

Attach: Narrative response to the questions.

Letter of recommendation from school administrator

Letter of recommendation from teacher colleague

Return to: Jill Baker

Northwest RPDC

800 University Drive

Maryville, MO64468