It’s a misconception to think educators take the summer off from work. This week is the perfect example to disprove that myth.

Earlier this week in Orono, more than 200 professionals who work with our students attended the Positive Youth Development Institute: three days of workshops focused on brain development, 21st-century survival skills and classroom practices designed to keep students engaged with their learning.

At Bowdoin College in Brunswick, participants in the Maine Learning Technology Initiative Summer Institute today are going through their third day of exercises aimed at integrating technology in all aspects of learning.

And at Sugarloaf Mountain, the professionals charged with safely transporting our students to and from school and elsewhere are meeting for four days of sharing best practices and sharpening skills. The State Transportation Safety Conference began Tuesday and wraps up Friday.

While this week is packed with professional development, it’s no anomaly.

Next week, arts educators will gather at the Maine College of Art in Portland for the four-day-long Arts Assessment Institute. And later in the month, our food service professionals will convene at Sunday River.

Continue reading “Commissioner’s Update – July 28, 2011” →