• Institutes that are at least one-week in length,
• Workshops that typically last one to two days, and
• Instructional coaching, which is generally sustained over a longer period of time.

The specific form of professional development is determined by what is most appropriate for addressing the needs of a given group of teachers.

What are your group’s needs?

Skill-based training, such as how to use a particular type of software or instructional tool, can be accomplished in the shorter workshop format.

Deep intellectual engagement with subject area content requires a greater time commitment and is more suited to the longer format of the institutes.

The strengthening or changing of pedagogy may occur during an institute but is most effectively addressed through coaching or mentoring over a sustained time period, such as a school year.

For more information on determining your group’s needs, contact the Center for Math/Science Education.