After school Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM (ACRES) is a fully virtual, FREE, training funded by the National Science Foundation. The aim is support informal educators (librarians, after school providers, museum educators, etc) in skills that expand their confidence and competence guiding STEM experiences for youth. ACRES is research-based and provides a $100 stipend to participants who complete short, pre/post surveys and complete a module. The foundational module, Asking Purposeful Questions, sets the stage for other ACRES modules: Science Practices, Engineering Design, Youth Voice and Choice, Math Practices, STEM Identity and Career Connections among others
The professional development takes place online and is highly interactive. The program occurs LIVE and in real time – it’s not a ‘sit and get webinar’ but one that puts you in an active, fun and safe learning environment. The program occurs over three, 2-hour sessions and focuses on building your STEM facilitation skills, starting with an examination of the ‘STEM-readiness’ of your program. After the workshop, you will practice the skills introduced and capture this ‘homework’ by making a short recording using a phone, camera or tablet. The recordings are shared during the coaching session. During coaching sessions, you work with your peers to receive compliments, coaching and feedback on your facilitation of STEM learning.
Our next cohort begins soon! This is cohort will include library and after school staff from across the country – and is a great opportunity to network with others outside of your region!
Registration Deadline: February 7, 2020
Visit www.mmsa.org/acres to register (use code MX14SR) or learn more from this flyer.
Topics Covered over the course of the 3 Workshops
Session 1: Virtual Workshop: February 11, 2020 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm EST
Discuss what purposeful questions are and how & why to use them to drive STEM learning?
Session 2: Virtual Coaching Session: March 24, 2020 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm CST
Reflect on the skill of Asking More Purposeful Questions by looking at videos of other
Session 3: Virtual Coaching Session: April 28, 2020 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm CST
Receive coach and peer feedback on a video recording of yourself engaging youth
Not ready to enroll, but interested in learning more? Join us on on Thursday April 2, 2020 at 2pm CST to learn how Texas library staff have implemented what they learned at ACRES. Webinar registration is here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1749921538524494082
