Introductory Workshop:  Teacher Selection and Development Training

For over 30 years, Ventures for Excellence has dedicated itself to the study of excellent teachers by conducting in-depth research in classrooms across the United States and Canada. The findings of these studies are presented to workshop participants through dynamic action packed experiences. These experiences enable participants to share, formulate and confirm their own understandings of excellence in teacher attitudes, skills and behaviors.

Training is provided to enable participants to clearly identify the teacher’s:

• Sense of Purpose
• Human Relations Skills
• Teaching Strategies
• Intended Learners Outcomes
• Unique Facilitator Skills
   

Agenda:

Day 1: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Study of Teachers Venturing for Excellence

• The Study of Excellence in the Attitudes, Skills and Behaviors of People
• The Study of Excellence in Teaching
• The Power of Measuring Excellence in Teaching
• The Ventures for Excellence Teacher Interview as a Way of Measuring Outstanding Teachers

Lunch

The Application of Excellence: In-Depth Assessment of Teacher Candidates

• Skill Building to Screen for Excellent Teachers
• An Overview of In-Depth Interviewing Strategies to Ensure the Selection of Excellent Teachers
• Videotaped Case Studies of Excellent Teachers
• Verification of Past Performance in Teaching

Adjourn

Day 2: 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Application of Excellence: The Screening of Teacher Applicants

• Continued Skill Building in the use of the Ventures for Excellence Teacher Screening Interview
• Videotaped Case Studies in the Screening of Excellent Teachers
• Competency Testing of Participants in their use of the Ventures for Excellence Screener

Lunch

The Application of Excellence: Confirming Future Teacher Performance

• Contracting for Teaching Effectiveness
• Ensuring Teacher Growth and Progress
• Ways to Continue Skill Building in Teacher Selection
• Workshop Assessment and Action Planning

Adjourn

Note: To become certified in the use of the Ventures for Excellence selection and development interview, two additional days of Phase II training are required.

Advanced Training: Skill Building Training:

Advanced Skill Building: Phase II — Teacher Interview Form-B
During this phase of the training, participants will become highly skilled in the analysis of twenty-two questions covering eleven areas of excellence. Participants will independently study six teacher interviews, conduct an interview, study with a group of trainees for two days, and take a test to demonstrate analytical competencies in the use of the Ventures for Excellence Form-B interview.

Advanced Skill Building: Phase III — Teacher Interview Form-C
During this phase of the training, participants will become highly skilled in the analysis of thirty questions covering fifteen areas of excellence. Participants will independently study six teacher interviews, conduct an interview, study with a group of trainees for two days, and take a test to demonstrate analytical competencies in the use of the Ventures for Excellence Form-C interview.

Advanced Skill Building: Teacher Growth and Development
During this training sequence, participants will acquire in-depth awareness of excellence in teacher attitudes, skills and behaviors. Opportunities will exist for participants to take part in an assessment process to raise awareness of how they personally compare in specific areas to teacher excellence. By completing this assessment, participants will have the opportunity for self-reflection and growth planning. This workshop is conducted in three separate phases over a period of four days. Participants will acquire skills in check listing, writing analytical reports, and other strategies to support teacher growth. This training will make a profound impact upon teachers who are striving towards excellence.