Each summer, Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) hosts a New Educator Summer Institute (NESI) designed to orient its new teachers and staff to the BCP mission for its network of neighborhood conversion charter schools, its use of Direct Instruction, and BCP’s culture and community support.
Organized and presented by Maura Farrall, BCP’s Lead Academic Coach, and other BCP leaders, the five-day NESI gathers all new teachers and staff from across the six BCP schools to deepen a sense of collegiate and BCP-collaboration. The 2024 NESI, held the week of July 29th through August 2nd at City Springs Elementary / Middle School, offered the 74 new teachers and staff workshops on Restorative Practices, Managing Your Classroom, Direct Instruction Reading and Language, Math, Lesson Planning, and other related topics.
Just as important, new teachers get hands-on practice and expert coaching at the NESI. Seasoned DI instructors from across BCP provide guidance and offer tips and tools on how to provide the most effective educational experience for students.
“What makes our training unique are the presenters and the depth of learning and practice offered to content teachers,” Ms. Farrall explains. “Education professionals from all over the country teamed with our local education leaders to train teachers. Our trainers, all former teachers, have the wealth of knowledge that comes from working with and learning from hundreds of schools. Even more important, they also work in Baltimore, so they know our students.”
We talked to Jared Brewer, new 2nd grade teacher, Govans Elementary School and a seven-year veteran of the classroom, about the NESI:
I learned about the importance of why BCP uses DI. In my [NTI] group, I got some much needed practice on how to successfully and efficiently implement DI with fidelity. I am overjoyed that I was able to get all of this practice. I’m walking into the first day knowing that I’m prepared. I’m not nervous about reading the DI script because I know there’s the support behind me at all times.
This is intention of NESI’s thorough program. Says Ms. Farrall, “Whether training is with a consultant or a coach from our schools, participants learn about the curriculum they teach, but they also plan and practice teaching it.”
What is Mr. Brewer most excited about? “Because my students are still learning how to be little members of society, I’m excited to see how they grow in the 180 days that we’re all together!”
Welcome to every new BCP teacher and educator!
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