The After-School Teaching Seminar

When
The after-school teaching seminar is held once a month on Mondays during the school year. Cohorts of teachers meet at locations throughout Fairfax County Public Schools for the monthly, two and one-half hour sessions.

What
Seminar sessions provide support and training on topics identified by teachers as building on the knowledge learned from their first year of teaching, including:

• Designing lessons
• Meeting the needs of all students
• Sharing video-taped lessons
• Standards-based instructional planning and goal setting

In addition, differentiating instruction and modeling good human relations skills are integral parts of the entire seminar. The instructional emphasis is on language arts and mathematics.

In the specific special education seminar, teachers focus on the state required alternate assessment for eligible students. In some teaching areas and grade levels, other specific training may be required during the school year to meet state and county requirements.

How
Outstanding veteran classroom teachers who have empathy and specialized skills working with teachers during their early years of teaching lead the seminar. Known as Continuing the Journey coaches, these teachers are paired to lead each cohort group of about 20-30 teachers organized around grade level assignments. Seminar coaches also visit the classrooms of second-year teachers to provide job-embedded support at the beginning teachers' school site.