Changes in the real world happen fast. Now, those who teach the teachers have another tool to keep up. A new web-based content library helps keep lesson plans fresh and current in the ever-changing field of education.
The University of Washington's College of Education recently released Teacher Education by Design. Known as TEDD, the resource provides practice-based tools that help education coaches and instructors teach the teachers.
Both novice and experienced teachers continue their own education by attending classes and professional development events. This program contains training guides and videos that allow teacher educators to custom design development training to accommodate current questions and needs.
This is not intended to stand alone as a support for teachers, says Sarah Kavanagh, who helped develop TEDD while a doctoral student at UW College of Education. However, teacher educators often lack tools and resources to make their support relevant to the every day practice that takes place in the classroom.
Morva McDonald, associate professor of education at UW and another creator of TEDD, agrees that traditional teacher preparation programs fall short during translation into the classroom.
This resource seeks to change that by providing customized learning tools that teachers can directly implement into their curriculum.
Bryan Street appreciates the program's flexibility, which is a critical component in continuing education for teachers. Street, a math coach at Seattle's South Shore K–8 School, says TEDD allows for quick access to teaching resources.
For example, Street was able to quickly shifts gears during a teacher training meeting. The teachers asked for assistance with a counting collections activity. Thanks to the TEDD program, Street scrapped his original agenda and pulled up appropriate information to assist the teachers with their current curriculum dilemma.
"That wouldn't have been possible without TEDD," Street says.
The resource's library of content contains resources for mathematics, English language arts, science, english language learners and teacher education.
Teacher Education by Design was launched by grant funds awarded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Teacher coaches and leaders in Seattle, Federal Way, Sedro-Woolley and Kent are using the resource. Over time, the developers hope it will become a national resource.
