TXESS Teachers

Interested Teachers (Including GeoFORCE Participants)

A TXESS Revolution academy begins at noon on Thursday, with introductions, and conversation (please bring a lunch or there is a cafeteria on the Pickle Campus within walking distance) . For the next two and half days, teachers and facilitators will be engaged in hands-on learning activities which develop content knowledge and skills. Evenings may include a special talk or a movie. There will often be side-trips to a geologic site of interest. Your time in the academy will be packed with activities, adventures, and camaraderie, culminating at 3:30 on Saturday. But it does not end there. After you return home, you will keep in touch with friends and colleagues through the virtual café, where you can blog, share, and receive new information.

What are the expectations for participants?

Attend 4 TXESS Revolution Academies over a 2 year period (2007 – 2009, 2008-2010, or 2009 – 2011).
Receive 24 hours of training during each academy, requiring absence from the classroom for a maximum of 2 days for each PDA (total of 8 days over 2 years)
Participate in the online learning virtual café by using its resources, communicating with other participants, sharing ideas, creating personal blogs, and communicating with the project investigators and evaluator
Assemble a portfolio to chart progress and demonstrate competence to teach ESS
Take assessments to demonstrate proficiency and gains in knowledge and skills

What will it cost participants?

There is no cost to teachers. Travel, lodging, meals, and materials are covered by the project.
Schools will need to cover the cost of substitute teachers.