Open to teachers in their first, second, or third year of teaching, this program supports motivated beginning teachers by strengthening their knowledge base and classroom expertise. Through experiential learning, teachers will explore pedagogical concerns including differentiated instruction, brain-compatible teaching, assessment, the effect of poverty on achievement and behavior, and classroom management. Come prepared to build professional competence and confidence, improve student achievement, and reinforce your commitment to this critically important profession.

The NCCAT Solution and Planning Teams program offers educators an opportunity to meet in a residential setting devoid of distraction to create and advance departmental, school, or district-wide projects. These projects might consist of new programming, research, planning, or curricula. Gather a team together to create or refine your own innovative solutions. Early grades literacy or digital learning projects will be given preference, however, all project proposals will be considered. Single rooms, meeting space, Internet access, and meals for the participants will be provided by NCCAT. Travel and the cost of substitute teachers are not covered. Teachers, administrators, central office personnel, and district coordinators are encouraged to apply.

NCCAT schedules Solution and Planning Teams programs throughout the year. If your team is interested in a date that NCCAT has not already scheduled, contact Teacher Services to see if we can accommodate the date you prefer.

Designed for educators teaching students in 6th through 12th grade

200-word essay required for placement (see below for details)

This program offers teachers an opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge of the historical context of the Holocaust. Focusing on best practices, appropriate strategies, and meaningful resources for instruction, you will gain an understanding of the precursors, events, and consequences of the Holocaust. Teachers will also have the unique opportunity to collaborate with veteran Holocaust educators from across the state, drawing on years of experience and expertise. Learn how best to convey this history and the meaning that it can have in the lives and civic practices of students.

Four days of substitute teacher costs are covered. Applicants must exhibit a seriousness of interest in the subject matter as expressed in an essay that is reviewed by NCCAT staff as a part of the application process.

The study of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—stimulates children to think critically and problem solve. STEM skills are crucial to building workforce readiness. Purposeful integration of tools found in the workplace can make STEM learning more authentic and relevant. Explore various types of technology and tools that can be incorporated into these existing lessons to make them even better. Maximize classroom time by integrating technologies that can make data collection and analysis easier. Experience lessons that give students a desire to ask questions and engineer solutions. Various technologies will be explored including Vernier sensors, coding software, design software, 3D printers, web 2.0 resources, mechatronics and more. Join us as we make messes, break things, fix things and create minds-on STEM learning environments.

Students are engaged when they are involved in their work, persist despite challenges and obstacles, and take visible delight in their accomplishments. Solving student engagement issues is complex. What works in one class may be a failure in the next, with every year presenting new challenges for engaging students in various lessons. This program will review and evaluate strategies for motivating disengaged students and will prepare you to implement them upon your return to the classroom.

The 21st Century has revealed a rapidly changing and evolving world that has affected teaching and learning. With advances in technology, teachers and students have instant access to vast amounts of information. What literacy strategies do teachers employ to help today’s learners process, critique, and analyze this endless stream of data? Participants will investigate information literacy, intentional questioning, and dialogue. Using informational text, teachers will explore how intentional questioning can foster student dialogue and effective communication. Additionally, teachers will examine how current events and technology can be used to foster critical thinking skills and collaborative problem solving.