Time For Teachers is a unique program at Kings Park School that encourages teachers to develop 3-6 week multi-disciplinary units of study, incorporating technology. Constructivist learning theories are the basis for design. We believe that our students become engaged learners if they are motivated to solve authentic problems, have an opportunity to learn interactively and share their newly formed understandings. Even though we acknowledge these theories, as educators we often feel constrained by time. Time for planning and time for teaching.

It is felt that if teachers are given additional planning time (Time for Teachers), dedicated to working on developing these units, it is more likely to happen. In the Time For Teachers program, pairs of teachers work collaboratively with the School-Based Technology Specialist to design and deliver two units per semester. Each unit includes authentic learning activities and addresses student learning objectives of the Fairfax County Public Schools Program of Studies and the Virginia Standards of Learning. An authentic, motivating idea/problem is the kick-off for each unit. Multiple opportunities to share their newly formed understandings leads to an increase in enthusiasm and takes into account the multiple intelligences found in our student population.

Time For Teachers participants are granted one hour of extra planning time every two weeks. With this hour added to an existing hour, each pair has a two hour planning block to work collaboratively with the School-Based Technology Specialist. The SBTS guides the teachers in their effort to integrate authentic technology activities and ensures that the teachers have the opportunity to "play" with new technologies (hardware and software.) The SBTS also coordinates efforts between teachers and other specialists in the building, plus keeps the group on task.

Each pair of teachers agrees to participate in the program for one semester and to write up their units and share them with other staff members. 2001-2002 was the first year of implementation of this program. In the Fall of 2001, eight teachers participated representing grades 3, 2, k-1 and kindergarten. Eight units were developed. In the Spring of 2002, six teachers participated, representing grades 3, 2 and kindergarten. Six units were developed. During the 2002-2003 school year an additional 11 teachers participated and 12 units were developed that year despite many snow days!!

We have found that this extra collaboration time has led to superb multi-disciplinary units being developed by the teachers and engaged learning by our students. Teachers have been able to integrate all areas of the curriculum into their units and the additional input from specialties such as music, art and physical education have been an added bonus. Technology is used authentically and does not drive the unit. Many teachers have been surprised to find that they can allow their students to form groups and make choices in their learning which they found difficult before.