Teacher Training

Board member Elaine Chagnon again traveled to Nigeria this past summer.  Prior to the trip, she attempted to determine topics that would be most beneficial to teachers.  Making arrangements through email is dicey at best, so flexibility is key. Elaine knew teachers would come but made the assumption that there might be as many as 6, similar to last year. To her surprise, she was greeted by 12 educators from Graceland International, including the young principal! Teachers represented a range of grade levels from kindergarten through high school. She taught for two days.

1. Training began using Recipe for Reading as a method of teaching phonics. Teachers also worked in groups making reading games and planning reading lessons. In addition, teachers learned how to use Cornell notes and provide writing instruction.
2. Nearly 200 pounds of school supplies were disseminated among the teachers. The supplies were donated by staff and students from the Granby Public Schools, along with books for the young children written by Granby kindergarten students. The book-writing project, now beginning its third year, was embraced by kindergarten teacher Betsy Wilken and has spread to other class-rooms throughout the district.
3. Training continued the second day, with time interspersed for conversation. Discussions included shared stories, dreams for the school, and “shop talk”- the outcome being a prioritized list of needs. The principal presented this list formally as a written document prior to their departure.