Proposal

//4.21.2008//
=PROPOSAL=

//Professional Learning Community COHORT//
Vicky Abney, Joel Adkins, Janet Espinosa, Carolyn Foote, Cristina Hladish, Bill Martin, Valerie Taylor, Mitch Lasseter, Eric Martin, Kris Phelps Our vision is through readings and online conversations, to explore work that others are doing on constructivist/connectivist learning. And as part of that, through reflection and conversation, explore the changes to our own practices as educators. **Purpose:**
 * To create a self-sustained creative professional learning environment on campus
 * To promote active and engaged student learning
 * To rejuvenate teaching and encourage teachers as learners
 * To b reak down the walls of classroom and across curriculum areas for teachers and students
 * To create a sustained conversation about teaching on our campus

Requests:

 * Time to meet regularly:
 * Full day summer (stipend attached)
 * One day per six weeks (all day with subs provided)
 * IAs-coordinate either a lunch period or IA so group can meet weekly

> > **Expectations of Participants**
 * Option for group to attend conferences (NECC, Educon in Philadelphia or EduconWest; others)
 * Laptops for all participants (incentive)
 * Consultant (speaker) … one per semester/possible fee
 * Funding for reading materials (journals, books)
 * 2 year commitment
 * readings
 * committment to attend all meetings
 * collaboration
 * peer sharing

Things for more exploration:
Investigate coordinating with UT or TSU to partner with education technology departments Work with similar group at another school out of state or globally

What it might look like: The group would meet periodically for workshop/discussion forums. Readings would be introduced or guest speakers included remotely or in person, as well as technology tools which could be helpful in constructivist teaching methods. There would be time during sessions for reading, reflection, discussion, and evaluation of applications to our own classrooms or teaching practices.

Other means of reflection might include blogging, writing articles, or sharing with other faculty.

Bill will send a short email inviting teachers to a morning or afternoon information meetings: Upcoming Meetings, staff is invited: May 6, 8 – 8:30am, WHS 374 (Bill Martin) May 13, 4:25 – 4:55pm, NGC Library Commitment date: May 20, 2008
 * Steps for beginning:**