On Monday, June 27, Amber Scott from KIPP DC, part of the non-profit KIPP network of public charter schools, will present at the 2016 National Charter Schools Conference in Nashville. Ms. Scott is the Manager of Professional Development and Certification for KIPP’s Capital Teaching Residency program (CTR). This nationally recognized, highly selective teacher training program develops aspiring teachers into outstanding educators, who are well prepared to serve in high-need schools in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Scott’s presentation will highlight how the CTR program has harnessed the power of video in their ongoing mission of providing top-quality professional development for teachers. Courtney Williams, the founder and CEO of Torsh Inc., will also be on hand to answer any audience questions. Mr. Williams is a pioneer in the field of video-based teacher professional development. The CTR program currently uses the Torsh TALENT platform as a tool for recording, uploading and sharing videos of classroom instruction, as a means to train teachers.
About Amber Scott: Ms. Scott arrived at KIPP DC with an extensive background in education. She is a former member of Teach for America and has taught kindergarten, first and third grades. She taught with a charter network in the nation’s capital, but the majority of her career was spent teaching in the D.C Public Schools. She is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta and also received a Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University.
About KIPP’s CTR program: The mission of KIPP DC’s CTR program is to provide a pipeline of high-quality teachers who, in return for extensive coaching, professional development coursework, and daily practice in a real classroom, commit to teaching in Washington, D.C. for a minimum of three years upon completion of their one-year residency. Residents are able to receive their certification in conjunction with the program.
The role of video in the CTR program: CTR has seventy pre-service teachers requiring coaching and mentorship on an ongoing basis. However, there is not an equal number of available coaches and mentors. Teacher observation and feedback from principals, vice principals, mentor teachers and peer teachers is an integral part of the program. How can this be accomplished in a way that is streamlined, effective, and yet doesn’t negatively impact the daily lives of the participating coaches?
That’s where video comes in. Residents are able to use their personal devices to record themselves in the classroom. Uploading then reviewing this “game day tape” allows them to reflect on their own practice, share their classroom experience virtually with mentors and peers, and receive valuable feedback and ongoing coaching. The individuals providing the feedback are not required to adjust their schedules to sit in on a classroom lecture. Instead, they can review the lesson when it’s convenient for them.
During her presentation, Ms. Scott will share her personal experience with using video as a teacher professional development tool, and will discuss how this has impacted the overall success of the CTR program.
For more information on the National Charter Schools Conference, click here.
