For two weeks in June at Gregory-Lincoln Education Center, teachers and administrators gathered for a team building and planning event, “The 48 Hour Summer Teaching Institute.” For 6 hours a day over an 8 day period, the group participated in team building, planning, literature review, and shared vision exercises. One of the highlights of the institute was when former 8th grade students discussed their experiences with the teachers. During the student panels, administrators were able to ask the students specific questions to help gain insight about their teaching methods from a student’s point of view.
The goal of the institute was for teachers and administrators to come together to develop a better education plan for the upcoming school year. Principal Pamela Farinas hopes events like this will help teachers and faculty recognize common goals and bonds as educators. She also hopes the teaching institute will become an annual event.