RCS Wraps Up High School Summer Summit

Rutherford county’s two-day high school summer summit wrapped up today at Siegel High School.

Principals and teachers returned from summer break eager to develop professionally and connect professionally before the new school year begins.

A group of people sitting at tables in a classroom.

Description automatically generated“This is an opportunity for our high school teachers to come together and have an opportunity to receive professional development specific to their content and needs for the upcoming school year,” said Dr. Kay Martin, secondary education coordinator. “It’s an opportunity for them to come together, learn from one another, and collaborate together to be more prepared for their students.”

The summit offered more than 100 professional development courses, everything from social studies to instructional coaching to fine arts. Everyone will be able to find their content represented and professional development needs met.

“Instead of a generic professional development event, it’s something very specific to their content and their classroom. Teachers can sign up for anything they want to attend. They can come to one session, or if they want, they can do eight hours both days,” Martin said.

Summer summit sessions are encouraged but optional for teachers. However, many teachers showed up ready to get started and push their professional growth to the next level. RCS held summits for elementary and middle school educators last week.

One of the largest sessions covered this year’s math curriculum change. Teachers reviewed the changes, as well as received instruction from textbook representatives on how to use the new materials.

Kyle Prince, Rutherford County’s 9-12 math specialist, assisted with the training.

“We’re training on the new standard and on the new textbooks,” Prince said. “With the changes we have, it’s a great opportunity for teachers to be more prepared and more comfortable executing the curriculum.”