Community embraces R-I Professional Development Day
Victoria Kemper, Democrat News Miriah Allgier and Tracy Laut teach “Exploring Canva” to a class of peers during Professional Development Day at Fredericktown R-I, Friday.
Teachers and staff with the Fredericktown R-I School District were buzzing with excitement and new-found knowledge after a successful professional development day. The event, held on Friday, brought together educators, community members, and experts to share their insights, skills, and experiences.
Fredericktown R-I Assistant Superintendent, Shannon Henson, expressed his delight at the positive feedback received from teachers regarding the sessions they attended.
“Over the course of the day, I received a lot of positive feedback from teachers in regards to the sessions they attended,” Henson said. “Several teachers said it had been a great day for them. I know we really appreciate the feedback and we hope that it was as well received as last year.”
Henson highlighted the collaborative spirit within the school community, as staff members willingly presented and shared their knowledge and skills with their peers.
“It’s great to see our staff members make the decision to present and share their knowledge and skills with other staff members,” Henson said. “We had R-1 presentations on Artificial Intelligence, Lumen, our student information system, agriculture, office equipment use such as laminators and die cut machines, science of sound, a leisure activity course, self defense and other technology tools such as Canva and Hapara. I think that’s a big part of being a collaborative school community.”
The involvement of community members was also a significant aspect of the event.
Victoria Kemper, Democrat News Gary Turner, owner of The Depot Cafe, teaches how to make a French tart.
“Gary Turner from The Depot Cafe hosted his cooking class again this year,” Henson said. “This year he taught staff how to bake a french tart called a galette. It is probably the most popular session that we offer.”
Henson said, Tom Mooney from Mooney Tax Service shared valuable insights on navigating small business-related IRS matters.
“As a former educator, it’s great for Tom to share his knowledge,” Henson said.
The event also featured an online session with the Missouri Teacher Retirement System, along with presentations from outside experts on retirement tips and estate planning. The St. Francois County Rotary Club brought its drug awareness trailer, “Hidden in Plain View,” which includes a mock student bedroom to educate attendees about the hidden signs of drug use.
Among the mandatory sessions this year, retired educators and members of the SEMO RPDC presented on “Student Voice.”
“Student Voice is giving students the opportunity to have input into their schooling in regards to goal setting and having a student centered approach to teaching and learning,” Henson said.
Additionally, there were science education training sessions and workshops specifically tailored for the district’s special education staff.
In the end, professional development day at Fredericktown R-I School District was a resounding success, leaving staff members enriched with new knowledge and a sense of camaraderie within their school and community.
“Overall it was a great day of learning for our staff,” Henson said.
