About+the+MTA

Changes in post high school employment and local school district technology infrastructure have created an increased need to provide professional development opportunities on teaching and the integration of technology into the K-12 classroom. South Dakota has recognized this need by becoming a member of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. If school districts are to create learners who will be competitive both locally and globally, we need to prepare them with the skills necessary to excel in a 21st century world. This project will focus on the following four phases: 1. Educating administrators on 21st century s kills 2. Educating teachers on 21st century skills 3. Collaborat ing with all partners to design the format and curriculum to deliver the 21st Century Master Teacher Academy 4. Training teachers to comfortably use 21st century communication and collaboration skills to prepare students with 21st century skills. Awareness sessions for administrators and teachers will be held on a regional basis and in conjunction with meetings and conferences that are currently scheduled during the fall and winter months. The planning committee with representatives from a variety of schools and agencies will seek input from administrators and teachers throughout the regions and meet on a quarterly basis. This input will assist in the design of a 5-day comprehensive institute to be held in June 2009 where 35 teachers will collaborate and learn the best strategies to train their students and colleagues. Educators who complete the 21st Century Teacher Academy will increase their technology competency and become 21st Century Master teachers who will train other teachers within their districts. This regional program will welcome educators throughout the state to apply with a recommendation from their administrator.
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