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Carl Junction teachers had a chance to hone their skills and learn new techniques during the annual Professional Development, Monday, Jan. 18. This year’s professional development day was unique, thanks to the efforts of the Professional Development Committee.

Carl Junction assistant superintendent Kathy Tackett said Lauri Mead, committee chairperson, approached her last year with an idea to change things up a bit. In the past, explained Tackett, the certified staff took part in a group presentation. This year, teachers were given the option of different classes, covering a full range of topics.

Tackett said teachers inside the district were chosen to teach classes in their areas of expertise. A few teachers from outside the district also helped with the training. Tackett said 28 different classes were offered. Both one and two-hour training sessions were available. Teachers chose a total of four hours worth of training.

Tackett said the teachers had expressed an interest in receiving training in different areas. The teachers pre-identified which sessions they would take back in November. In addition to the classes, the entire group met for a presentation by Dr. Karl and Shannon Wendt at the beginning of the day. The two spoke on motivating teachers and students.

Tackett said a wide variety of subjects was taught during the day. She explained that classes were offered that appealed to teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels. Although non-certified personnel were not required to take part in the training, Tackett said some chose to take the classes.

Tackett said the committee put in a lot of work to organize the training. She said Mead heard of the different approach to professional development during a 2009 workshop. Tackett said the committee had been working on organizing the event since last April, dividing up the duties to keep the tasks from becoming too overwhelming.

Tackett said the new training received good reviews. Teachers are asked to fill out a survey at the end of the training. According to those surveys, teachers like having the option of choosing subjects that applied more to their individual situations. Tackett said the school plans to continue the new format next year.

Tackett said the committee put together workshops covering a range of topics, from improving computer skills to dealing with “mean” students and bullying.

Members of the committee are: Mead, Tackett, Carrie Pence, Carol Clark, Becky Kerr, Vana Buckland, Millie Campbell, Kathy Morton, Connie Baird, Marsha Simmons, Teresa Wilson, Janet Voltz and Gretchen DeMasters.