Center for Learning and Teaching in the West-
Professional Development Program for Colorado

The Colorado Center for Learning and Teaching in the West (CLTWest) invites you to participate in an exciting professional development opportunity for middle and high school science teachers and middle school mathematics teachers. The summer of 2004 will be the start of the third year of this grant partially funded by the National Science Foundation and is a partnership among the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University, Montana State University, University of Montana, and Portland State University. One of the four components of the grant provides professional development opportunities for Colorado teachers focusing on integrating high quality content, pedagogy, and assessment plus the use of new technologies to enhance classroom teaching and student achievement. Content will focus on core concepts in district and state standards. There will also be a component of leadership development embedded throughout the program.

The Colorado CLTWest Lead Team is accepting applications from middle and high school science teachers and middle school mathematics teachers to participate as a member of Cohort 3. This will involve participation in a June 2004 institute, opportunities during the school year that include online aspects and in-person meetings, and a wrap-up institute during the summer 2005. See the packet of information that follows for details and the application form. Teachers participating in Cohort 3 may earn science or mathematics credits leading to licensure or endorsement in a particular content area such as life science or geometry. Participants will receive a stipend during the CLTWest program which is intended to cover expenses while in the program including mileage, child care, home internet coverage and/or graduate level credit. Participants may also request the loan of a laptop computer for one year.

To participate in Cohort 3, one must complete at least 120 hours of contact time. The center is designing the Cohort 3 program to deliver nine graduate-level credits over 3 courses. The focus for mathematics will be in the area of geometry for middle level mathematics (appropriate for grades 6-9). Science content will address the nature of science and life sciences. Special attention will be given to using life science examples to support other core concepts including the physical and earth sciences.

If participants wish to take additional CLTWest courses after completing the requirements for Cohort 3, they may do so but will not receive an additional stipend. Participants are welcome to begin the program at the start of any new cohort for the next three years. Different content areas will be offered for each year of the grant. For example Cohort 4 may focus on algebra or physical sciences. This is a great way to gain additional content expertise.

CLTWest is accepting applications immediately with an April 20th deadline. For Cohort 3 priority will be given to applicants from Northeast Colorado and the Denver metropolitan area. Priority will be given to teams of teachers from the same school except for small rural schools. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance no later than May 15th. If you cannot participate in this cohort, consider joining us in future years.

If you have any questions visit our website: www.csmate.colostate.edu/cltw or contact:

Dr. Nancy Kellogg, Colorado Professional Development Coordinator
Phone: 303-499-1174
Email: nancy.kellogg@comcast.net

Click here to download the application.

Cohort 3 Timeline

Summer and Fall 2004 (3 credits) There will be a five day summer institute for science and mathematics teachers in June. Each institute will be followed by online course work.

Winter and Spring 2005 (3 credits) There will be three or four in-person meetings plus online work. The actual schedule configuration will be based upon the needs of the group. The online work will be related to classroom applications and will likely require at least 3 hours of work per week over 18 weeks.

Summer 2005 (3 credits) The dates will be determined for this five day institute with input from Cohort 3 participants. This institute will include new science and mathematics content and reflection on classroom and leadership experiences over the year.