Well-known teacher and author Tom Wells will be the keynote speaker at the fourth annual S-T-R-E-T-C-H Your Teaching Strategies workshop, to be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 20.
According to workshop co-director Elaine Hendrickson of Presque Isle, four more sessions will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on March 24, March 31, April 7 and April 14.
Wells is the author of the recently published book, “Dear Mr. Wells: His Students Speak.” After 41 years of teaching English at Cony High School in Augusta, Wells and his students explore the teaching profession and its contribution to the development of meaningful, confident individuals in his book.
His own students, along with some interesting anecdotes, prove that an effective educator is a world-changer. Wells, who is preparing to write his second book, will help participants capture their stories about how they have navigated the pandemic to help their students.
Educators from all parts of Maine are invited to attend this free workshop.
Hendrickson, who was Maine’s 2001 Teacher of the Year, said she is excited to offer eight sessions from which participants may choose. 1.5 contact hours will be awarded for each session attended.
“Our goal is to help teachers S-T-R-E-T-C-H their thinking by learning new strategies to help students be successful. Many sessions will address the challenges educators are facing with virtual, hybrid, or in-class learning,” Hendrickson said.
Experts in the fields of resilience, chronic absenteeism, and place-based education will present strategies to help teachers encourage students who need extra help to be successful. Others will center around reading and writing in a virtual classroom, creating exciting STEM projects, fostering creative thinking in the classroom, and even how to make natural cleansers and home remedies.
Ali Stone, the Kesler Science Representative who resides in Houlton, will present, “How to Design a STEM Project that Leaves Spaghetti and Marshmallow in the Dust.” In this session, Stone will identify key components of a STEM project that not only reinforces science and engineering concepts, but is also fun and exciting for students.
The workshop is sponsored by the Maine State Organization of DKG International, a world-wide professional organization dedicated to providing professional development and personal growth for educators.
For further information or to register, contact Hendrickson at elaine.hendrickson@gmail.com or go to the group’s website to download the registration packet: https://dkgmaine.weebly.com/pd-opportunities.html.
