New Beginning Teachers Lecture Series Named
Helene Sherman was honored at a reception to celebrate the newly created Dr. Helene J. Sherman Lecture at the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP). Clark Hickman, associate dean of Professional and Continuing Studies in the College, nominated Sherman to receive the honor. The lecture series will be the keynote address at the annual BTAP conference held each fall.
Sherman began the annual BTAP conference in 2005 for new teachers to meet in a supportive environment where their common issues and challenges can be discussed and addressed. Since then, more than 1,000 new K-12 teachers (in their first through fourth years of teaching) have attended the annual conferences offered through Professional and Continuing Studies at UMSL.
Sherman finds the work with new teachers rewarding. “It’s wonderful to hear that what these new professionals learned in their preparation programs is really helping them design their lessons and deal with all their responsibilities,” she said. “And of course, I like seeing that we are providing a way for new teachers to network, problem-solve and support each other in their professional development.”
Of the new lecture series in her name, Sherman said, “I am very honored and expecially grateful for Clark Hickman’s initiative in establishing the lecture series. My hope is for this program to continue, in new and interesting forms, for many years to come so that we continue making a meaningful contribution to new professionals and student learning.”
The next BTAP Conference will be held Oct. 11, and participants can be graduates of any college of education. Teachers who attend will:
- Meet in a supportive environment where both professional and personal issues can be addressed and resources provided.
- Develop professional relationships with university faculty and practicing classroom teachers to share best practices based on research;
- Reflect on current educational standards and effective classroom practice;
- Cultivate an attitude of continuous improvement through reflection and discussion;
- Earn credit for advancing one’s state teaching certificate from Initial Profession Certification to the level of Continuous Professional Certification
For more information on BTAP visit our website here.
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