AAMU/UAH Regional Inservice Center
March 2021: Leaders Are Readers
A Note From The AAMU/UAH RIC Director
Greetings #ALRegion3 Educators,
March is National Reading Month and we're joining forces with K-12 educators across the state of Alabama to help cultivate a natural love for reading! Former U.S. President Harry S. Truman said, "not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers. I love reading both because it's enjoyable and it plays a critical role in helping me become a better leader."
Did you know...
- Most leaders read 4-5 books a month. Leaders from the c-suite, the board room, political world leaders, influencers, and game-changers read about 60 books per year?!?
- Reading novels can improve empathy and understanding of social cues, allowing a leader to better work with and understand others ā traits that author Anne Kreamer persuasively linked to increased organizational effectiveness, and to pay raises and promotions for the leaders who possessed these qualities?!?
- Reading can also make you more effective in leading others. Reading increases verbal intelligence, making a leader a more adept and articulate communicator?!?
- For stressed executives, reading is the best way to relax, as reading for six minutes can reduce stress by 68%, and some studies suggest reading may even fend off Alzheimerās, extending the longevity of the mind?!?
- Adults that read for just 30 minutes a week were 20 percent more likely to feel satisfied with their lives?!?
*Adapted from Great Readers Are Leaders and "For Those Who Want To Lead, Read"
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a book, article, magazine, the AAMU/UAH Regional Inservice Center's monthly newsletter, etc., and READ! After all, reading is the lifeblood of leaders.
Happy reading,
Dr. Kisha Tolbert Simmons, NBCT
Director, AAMU/UAH Regional Inservice Center
Personal Twitter: @KTSimmonsPhDMom
Hashtag: #AAMUUAHRICWorks
Staff Book Picks
- The Multigenerational Workplace by Jennifer Abrams and Valerie A. von Frank
- The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners by TESOL International Association Writing Team
- Becoming the Math Teacher You Wish You Had by Tracy Johnston Zager
- Everything You Need For Mathematics Coaching by Maggie McGatha & Jennifer Bay-Williams
- The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell
- The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros
- Learner-Centered Innovation by Katie Martin
- Brain Words: How the Science of Reading Informs Teaching by J. Richard Gentry & Gene Ouellette
- Distance Learning Playbook for School Leaders by Doug Fisher
- Improving Teacher Development & Evaluation by Marzano, Rains, and Warrick.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
Successful Strategies for Pursuing National Board Certification: Version 3.0, Components 1 and 2 (What Works!) by Bobbie Faulkner
Successful Strategies for Pursuing National Board Certification: Version 3.0, Components 3 and 4 (What Works!) by Bobbie Faulkner
Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM)
Featured ASIM Lab --- Mrs. Meredith Mayās AP Biology, Buckhorn High School, Madison County Schools
ASIM Lab M23HNPCC: Detecting Inherited forms of Cancer
This lab will provide the student with experience in drawing a family pedigree and interpreting the pedigree with respect to a specific form of inherited colon cancer. The students will then complete and analyze a simulated DNA-based diagnostic test to identify which members of a fictitious family have inherited the cancer-causing mutation. In the labās conclusion, students will take on the role of a genetic counselor in order to discuss test results with one of the family members.
Learning Objectives for the lab
The students will:
1. Construct an accurate pedigree across multiple generations
2. Modify a pedigree using genetic testing data
3. Recommend genetic testing and lifestyle changes for individuals based on data obtained during the activity
4. Perform gel electrophoresis
5. Role-play a genetic testing laboratory technician obtaining and analyzing testing results
6. Role-play a genetic counselor communicating genetic testing results and the ethical dilemmas that arise from the results
Images are from Mrs. Meredith Mayās AP Biology classes at Buckhorn High School.
Mark your Calendar! Upcoming Science Training Events
Online Foundational Training
Registration is open for 3rd Cycle Online Foundational Training sessions. These sessions are required for new teachers but any teacher is welcome to participate. The first step in the process is requesting training using the link: AMSTI/ASIM Online Training Request
Once we have that request form, Ashlie will generate an email with the enrollment codes for these online courses and you will be contacted. The three courses are:
1. AMSTI Science Notebooking K-12 Cycle 3
2. Setting the Stage for AMSTI: Science Cycle 3
3. Getting to Know the Alabama Course of Study: Science Cycle 3
NOTE: Cycle 3 courses ends on March 31st and all activities must be completed by then.
ASTA 2021 Conference: "Teachers Are Heroes and Can Do Virtually Anything!" March 15-16, 2021
Come join us at this yearās ASTA conference where our very own,
Mr. Glen Fox will be presenting ASIMās new Histology lab!!!
The 2021 Alabama Science Teachers Association Conference will feature four strands:
- Tech Tools
- Socially Distant Science (how to teach science with no shared materials or labs)
- Virtual Instruction.
Learn More & Register here!
ASIM Summer Training 2021
ASIM is gearing up for summer training. AAMU Region 3 will be partnering with both Athens State University's and Jacksonville State University's Biology Specialists to provide training for our three regions. Our training will look somewhat different than before as we make the transition to becoming #oneAMSTI and #AMSTI4all.
This year we will only focus on one-two standards for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics over three days. The idea is to go deeper with the content, pedagogy, and teaching strategies than in years past. All ASIM sites will follow the same schedule for the same standard, but additional days may be added. The idea is that every teacher across the state that attends training will get the same experience no matter the site.
Biology Foundational Training will be focusing on Standard 6 and 6a. Over the past two years, ASIM has dove into Marzano's research and attended professional learning on proficiency scales. You may have seen a product of that learning on our website. Recently, ASIM created proficiency scales for each critical standard in the COS. I have linked the proficiency scale for standard 6. ASIM chose labs (which we now call lessons) that correlate with the 4 levels on the scale. Those are the labs/lessons we will train on this summer during the three days of Biology Foundational Training are:
M3CompCel (this will include some microscope training(B4/B5),
Check out training dates for each site below.
Athens
June 7: Foundational Training with AMSTI
June 8-10: Biology Foundational Training
June 11, 14-18 will be additional lab training content TBD
JSU
June 15-17: Biology Foundational Training
Mr. Glen Fox, ASIM Biology Specialist
Email: gfoxasimbiology@gmail.com or glen.fox@aamu.edu
Work Cell: (256)924-8203
Follow me on Twitter: @ASIM_BIO_AAMU
Use the hashtags: #AAMUUAHBiologyWorks and #AAMUUAHRICWorks
Technology in Motion (TiM)
Some of Your Favorite Technology Courses Are BACK!
If you have missed any of the previous region 3 TiM courses led by Aundria Campbell, AAMU/UAH RIC TiM Specialist, here is your opportunity to take them all and your own pace! Earn up to 8 credit hours per course! Remember, each course is self-paced! #AAMUUAHTiMWorks
Let's Have Fun with Nearpod
Adobe Spark Course
Gamifying Your Classroom
More Tech-y Resources
Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM)
Byte-Sized Professional Learning Menu Supporting Remote Instruction
Register here in PowerSchool
Course: 254996
Check out #ATiM's Byte-sized Professional Learning Menu for Remote Learning
Save The Date for Summer #ALRegion3 TiM Training
2021 Alabama Education Technology Conference (AETC)
Mrs. Aundria Campbell, TiM Instructional Technology Specialist
Email: techyteacher3@gmail.com or aundria.campbell@aamu.edu
Work Cell: 256-929-9009 *call or text
Office: (256) 372-4426
Twitter: @mrscamptech
Hashtag to Follow: #AAMUUAHTiMWorks and #AAMUUAHRICWorks
ON THE MARK, GET READY, SET... LEARN. TEACH. LEAD.
Mark Your Calendar! #ALRegion3 Happenings
Stay Connected via...
Twitter: @AAMU_UAHRIC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aamuinservice
Use Hashtag: #AAMUUAHRICWorks
MEGA Conference 2021
"The MEGA Conference is a week-long conference that provides attendees with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, participate in in-depth training sessions, and learn from leading experts in fields across the education spectrum. MEGA is hosted by the Alabama State Department of Education". ~ALSDE
Learn more & register here !
No Cost Space Camp Academy For Alabama Educators
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has received funding from the Alabama Legislature to bring teachers from across the state to a special Space Academy for Educators.
This professional development program uses the format of astronaut training to convey new ways of teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts to the worldās future workforce. The hands-on learning activities are designed to be easily replicated in the classroom and aim to excite students about STEM education. Activities will be geared to span grade levels 4 -9.
*Trainees attending Space Academy for Educators are housed in the North Campus Residence Hall dormitory at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Transportation is provided between the dorm and camp for the duration of the program.
A Lifetime Opportunity at No Cost
This scholarship includes:
* Meals
* Lodging
* Flight suit
* Educational materials
* Certificate of earned CEUs
Not only will educators have access to NASA educational resources and training, but they will also have the opportunity to meet a real astronaut!
Alabama Space Academy for Educators
Duration: 6 Days, 5 nights
Arrival Window: Wednesday, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Graduation Ceremony: Monday, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
(Monday night accommodations are available at no additional cost.)
June 17- June 21st and June 24-June 28th. Apply for the ALSAE scholarship here . Scroll to the bottom of the page and choose ALSAE (Alabama Space Academy for Educators)
scholarship. Deadline to apply is April 3, 2021.
The Coaches' Corner
Sibme Coach Replay
"Are you an instructional coach or leader looking for tips, strategies, and tools to enhance your coaching? Are you interested in using video to support and empower those you coach?
The Sibme Coach Replay Show is designed with you in mind! This weekly web-show hosted by Sibmeās Director of Professional Learning, Cory Camp, features expert coaches to break down classroom instruction, coaching moves, and strategies and discuss important topics in education, instruction, and leadership. Each episode is accompanied by downloadable Coach Also, don't forget the 'notes and takeaways' with episode highlights and additional resources. Find them at ā”ļø https://learn.sibme.com/courses/sibme-coach-replay-notes-and-takeaways "
A few of Dr. Kisha's Sibme Coach Replay Favs!
Returning from Pandemic PD to Personalized Professional Learning
Bilingual Education: Maximizing Transferability of English Language Learners Reading Skills
#ALRegion3NBCT (National Board Certified Teacher) Support
The AAMU/UAH Regional Inservice Center is proud to partner with and advocate for educators currently pursuing NBCT status or interested in pursuing NBCT status. For more information about NBCT mentoring support and opportunities offered through the AAMU/UAH Regional Inservice Center, please complete the Region 3 NBCT interest form and someone from our team will be reaching out to you soon!
Congrats to the new #ALRegion3NBCTs who certified in late February 2021!
Alabama NBCT Scholarship
Celebrate Alabama NBCT Week!
Save the Date! Alabama Summer NBCT Boot Camp
The Alabama Summer 2021 NBCT Boot Camp-- July 20-21.
Location: Most likely it will be hosted via a virtual platform. More info to come closer to the date.
Sessions will be offered to candidates, scholarship winners, MOCs, candidate support providers (mentors), and those seeking to advocate for NBC.
ALERT: NBCT 2020-2021 Registration, Payment & Submission Extensions
#RaiseYourHand Initiative: An NBCT Scholarship Opportunity for Madison County Area Educators
EL Support & Resources
#ALRegion3 AMSTI-UAH (Alabama Math, Science & Technology Initiative at the University of Alabama at Huntsville) Team
K-12 Mathematics Resources
K-12 Science Resources
Check out what AMSTI-UAH is reading!
AMSTI-UAH's Read Across America STEM Resources
Hudson Alpha Summer Offerings for Middle & High School Educators
Summer Life Science Academy "At No Cost" To Alabama Educators!
Save the date July 12th -16th (Essential Biology) & June 21st-25th (Advanced Concepts)--- Residency-based GTAC Academy: Professional Learning for High School Life Science Educators
***Registration opens March 15, 2021. First come, first serve basis
Save the date June 14th-18th--- Residency-based LifeScience Links Academy: a professional learning experience that provides seventh-grade life science teachers updated content knowledge, engaging strategies, and authentic lab experiences.
***Registration opens March 15, 2021. First come, first serve basis
Ongoing Professional Resources & Learning Experiences
Check out Beacon virtual professional learning opportunities-- "These virtual opportunities provide teachers with a variety of genetics and biotechnology content, along with technology integration and best practices for virtual delivery. Experiences include unique webinars along with multi-day online sessions that combine synchronous and asynchronous learning."
NEW! Hudson's Alpha Resource Hub --- check out these high-quality, vetted resources, courtesy of Hudson Alpha Education
"Caught Being Awesome"! #ALRegion3 March '21 Highlights
Ideas We Can Use to Strengthen "Engagement in the Ether"
Ideas We Can Use to Strengthen "Engagement in the Ether"
by Jennifer Hutchison, Professional Learning Specialist, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Congrats to all the #ALRegion3 AHSAA Basketball Champions!
Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering
Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering mapping ice formations in the artic with Northrop Grumman.
AAMU/UAH RIC Spring 2021 Governing Board Meeting
Time: TBD
Where: Virtual Session via Zoom
AAMU/UAH Governing Board Members
Mr. Jason Hass, Principal, Scottsboro City Schools-- Governing Board President
Ms. Betty McIntire, Teacher, Jackson Co. Schools--- Governing Board Secretary
Dr. Kisha Tolbert Simmons, Director, AAMU/UAH RIC-- Governing Board Executive Secretary
Mr. Travis Cummings, School Board Member, Madison City Schools
Ms. Catina Hamilton, Instructional Coach, Boaz City Schools
Dr. Johanna Massey, Professor, AAMU
Ms. Tameka McGill, Teacher, Huntsville City Schools
Ms. Jennifer Taylor, District Administrator, Madison Co. Schools
Ms. Kimberley Tucker, Secondary ELA Instructional Coach, Arab City Schools
Ms. Porshe Chapman, Teacher, Huntsville City Schools
Ms. Shundra Morris, AMSTI-UAH STEM Specialist
Ms. Rachel Gibbs, Teacher, Madison City Schools
Ms. Jodi Jacobs, District Administrator, DeKalb County Schools
Dr. Elisabeth Davis, Assistant State Superintendent of Student Learning, ALSDE
Mr. Sean Stevens, Instructional Services Program Coordinator, ALSDE
Meet the #ALRegion3 Dream Team!
About the AAMU/UAH RIC
The Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University/University of Alabama at Huntsville Inservice Center (AAMU/UAH RIC) is located on the beautiful campus of the historical Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University. The AAMU/UAH RIC partners with administrators, teachers, instructional/content specific coaches, counselors and media specialists in 13 school districts, across 4 counties in ALSDEās region 3---- Albertville City Schools, Arab City Schools, Boaz City Schools, DeKalb County Schools, Fort Payne City Schools, Guntersville City Schools, Huntsville City Schools, Jackson County Schools, Madison City Schools, Madison County Schools, Marshall County Schools, Scottsboro City Schools and the Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering--- to offer high-quality professional learning experiences to support educator growth.
AAMU/UAH RIC Team
Dr. Kisha Tolbert Simmons, NBCT
Ms. Jacqueline "Jackie" Rogers
Administrative Assistant
Mr. Glen Fox
Biology Specialist
Mrs. Aundria Campbell
Instructional Technology Specialist
Start Here. Go Anywhere! #AAMU
Alabama A&M University (AAMU) is a collegiate university that balances the personal attention of a small traditional land-grant college with the academic vitality and broad opportunities of a research university. AAMU has a diverse faculty and student body, state-of-the-art facilities, and top-notch resources, programs, and services.
Earn Your Graduate Degree at AAMU!
Check out the AAMU's graduate degree programs here
Let's Connect!
AAMU/UAH Regional Inservice Center
Email: jacqueline.rogers@aamu.edu
Website: https://www.aamu.edu/academics/colleges/education-humanities-behavioral-sciences/research-outreach-centers/regional-inservice-center/index.html
Location: 4900 Meridian Street North, Huntsville, AL, USA
Phone: 256-372-5771
Facebook: facebook.com/aamuinservice
Twitter: @AAMUUAH_RIC