Developing Our Minds
STEWARD NEWS
Developing Our Minds
Professional development for faculty and staff is an integral component of Steward ’ s mission . Funded as part of our research and development budget , the grants are meant to help our faculty stay current on technology , coding , innovation and design , and best teaching practices in order to deliver the education of the future to our students . Professional development opportunities also support employee satisfaction and retention , which leads to a better experience for everyone .
BY THE NUMBERS
$ 78,500
Total grant amount approved for summer 2016
|
SUMMER 2016 GRANT USAGE
$ 40,625 : conferences not at Steward
|
16 % |
62 |
Number of teachers who completed at least one grant |
$ 13,050 : curriculum development $ 12,480 : conferences at Steward $ 7,185 : degree programs $ 5,160 : program planning , student life |
52 % |
7 % |
9 %
16 %
|
22 |
Number of teachers who used their grants in a location outside Virginia ( including one other country ) |
Course Connections : Upper School History Department
The history of the world isn ’ t the easiest subject to teach in four years , so Steward ’ s Upper School History Department decided to change the way Steward approaches the topic .
Originally , ninth graders took World History I and tenth graders took World History II , followed by U . S . History for juniors and U . S . Government for seniors . The problem , however , is that teachers were unable to go in-depth on most topics in an effort to cover all of the curriculum .
“ If a student was excited about a certain topic , we got to spend maybe a few days on it , and that ’ s it ,” Upper School History Department Chair Elizabeth Simpson ( pictured ) said . “ We decided we wanted to restructure the courses so students would get the most out of their history education .”
Several years ago , Upper School Academic Dean Carrie Vandervelde initiated the restructuring process , during which it was decided that World History I would be taught in eighth grade , World History II would be taught in ninth grade , and sophomores would have a selection of seminar topics or they could opt to take AP World History ( junior and senior courses remained the same ). The semester-long seminars include six topics : Upper School teacher Sarah Dwelle teaches a course on revolutions followed by contemporary diplomacy , Dr . Vandervelde teaches a course on the Roman Empire followed by world religions , and Ms . Simpson teaches a course on the Cold War followed by a study of sports in society .
“ All of the teachers sat down and decided what topics we feel are most important for students to learn and will make them into more wellrounded , empathetic adults ,” Ms . Simpson said . “ We also chose topics that we have vast personal knowledge of — it ’ s great when teachers are so passionate about what they ’ re teaching , and the students have really enjoyed it so far .”
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