BT Matters Overview
What is BT Matters?
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BT Matters Overview
How to Use This Program
This program is designed to work with any existing beginning teacher program or as a stand alone program. It should be noted that it is not necessary to complete or use every activity within a module in order to be successful with this program. Users are encouraged to review all activities and select the ones that best match their requirements and time options.
The program has been designed as a series of modules and activities. All of which can be used together or separately.
Users are encouraged to merge the content of these modules with content from their own beginning teacher preparation program.
Each module focuses on research based issues that are common to all beginning teachers. These do not cover all issues that affect beginning teachers. Facilitators are encouraged to provide additional resources applicable to their unique situations.
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BT Matters Overview
Program Topics
BT Matters has been designed as a series of modules and activities. All of which can be used together or separately.
Classroom Management - A teacher’s ability to manage their classroom can often be a large indicator of their future. In this module we will determine your classroom management style and the implication to change yourself to adapt to the needs of your learners. We will consider how physical space, routines, and procedures proactively engage student learning. Participants will consider how curriculum and instructional decisions influence classroom management. Also included in this module is a look at how motivation serves as a foundation to build nurturing relationships with students.
Parent Communication - Parental involvement is a necessity in almost any area of teaching. Parents can be huge supporters and they also can provide challenges. In this module we will examine ways to have crucial conversations with parents and guardians of students.
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BT Matters Overview
Program Topics Continued
BT Matters has been designed as a series of modules and activities. All of which can be used together or separately.
Avoiding Burnout - Teachers fulfill many roles in their jobs and in their own personal lives. Sometimes they can take on more than they can handle. Over time what they once could handle becomes too much. If not addressed, burnout can occur.
However, as a teacher, you are not alone. You are surrounded by a network of valuable resources. People, places, media, and groups. It’s up to you to choose your own path and decide which resources work for you!
Technology - Technology is all around us. We see it everywhere in our normal daily activities. In recent years, teachers have used technology in some amazing ways to engage students and enhance their curriculums.
However, as a teacher, you will need to make the best choice when it comes to technology integration in your classroom. It is not always best to use technology just to because it is available. The best uses will be when you are using the technology to do something you would otherwise not be able to do. In this module we will take a fresh look at the use of technology in the classroom
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BT Matters Overview
Program Topics Continued
BT Matters has been designed as a series of modules and activities. All of which can be used together or separately.
Workload - We all have many things that fill our time and demand our attention. Being a new teacher adds many new and very demanding tasks to our life. In this module we help you to identify some of these tasks and develop strategies for managing them.
Teacher Leadership - Teachers are leaders. Regardless of your title or position, you are a leader in your classroom and in your school.
There are many definitions of leadership. Teachers demonstrate leadership when they prepare their students to graduate, become globally competitive, and prepared for a life in the 21st century and beyond.
Teachers are advocates. They advocate for change in policies or procedures that undermine allowing their students to be a successful as possible. They also advocate on a regular basis for the students placed in their care to ensure they have the environment needed for success of all students.
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BT Matters Overview
What Can You Do To Help?
BT Matters has been designed as a series of modules and activities. All of which can be used together or separately.
Inquire - Ask your beginning teachers how they are doing on a regular basis. Inquire about the BT Matters program and what part of the program that they are currently working on.
Support - By making a point to regularly communicate with your beginning teachers you have taken a first step toward helping them to feel supported.
Continue that support by recommending resources that you know might be helpful to the beginning teacher.
Discuss local resources. Think of resources in the community, the school, and the area that might provide some support to a beginning teacher. The more involved and connected to a community a beginning teacher feels the more likely they are to feel supported.
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BT Matters Overview
Recommended Implementation
As noted earlier, this program is designed to work with any existing beginning teacher program or as a stand alone program.
When used as a stand alone program a recommended staffing and roles of each staff position has been developed.
Recommended Staffing for Full Implementation:
Facilitator - will organize meetings and coordinate communitybased activities and/or presentations. Community meetings will be designed specifically to meet the needs of the participating local area and may include, for example, an introduction to resources available at the local library, after school programs, financial consultants, city council, law enforcement, church groups, chamber of commerce, local businesses, and possible regional field trips.“
Master Teacher - Master teachers will help lead face to face meetings and provide mentoring support to participants through the program. They are responsible for ensuring that participants are moving through the actives in a timely manner. They are available if participants have questions about a module or activity whether it a classroom or online based activity. It is recommended that there be at least one master teacher for every ten participants.
Mentor - Each beginning teacher should have a mentor. It is the mentors job to monitor the beginning teachers progress at all times, not just during activities related to the program. Mentors are encouraged to participant in the program with their beginning teacher, but it is not required.
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BT Matters Overview
BT Matters is a grant program made possible by:
•The Institute for Emerging Issues http://iei.ncus.edu
•NC State Employees Credit Union http://www.ncsecu.org
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Gallery”. All rights reserved.
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Factory”. All rights reserved.
Photos from UNC Wilmington Marketing and Communication Unit.
All rights reserved.
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