Subject: Inspired Teaching's Dec. 2012 Newsletter: A "Bar Exam" for Teachers?
From: "Aleta Margolis" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:10:03 -0500 (EST)

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Instigator of Thought
December 2012

In This Issue

From the Blog
Letter from Our Executive Director
Philanthropy Spotlight
Inspired Teaching in Action

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From the Blog

Have you been reading our blog [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR2uokOjdQ1qdTcHMQfrSy8235K--MbfpixACpGeGMBMIBxrEaDPDTGsuknCRyUjD0SJF8etkRfw8NaZ3c_INMoI3KbsSIz8voJAfUmJZVpbJ6YzYtImnRX6]?
Our goal is to create a go-to space for examples of and discussions about what constitutes
good teaching and learning.

Here's a roundup of some recent posts:

Transforming Education One Question at a Time [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR1WlFk6hlf0mDRz0flS2ZFvkxWxljxJlb5dt3jXGJQGmBpVsAJQ1A11pZwbBjbRC5zdXATtpCSdRyVwjGjzPYJdNUvJYi_nrYabDDdtTguvdRkqvj46rrDAjsquzY6FiOSZvGpvvLkDk8w9K-mWwVi99JDbRI0sTvYHL0cLGQcpmBJ3Gax7la4bLLTsiuIK8j8IA8BqGRXPvaZP-3Jfkk3-]

The Value of Inquiry-based Teaching [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR0-P4kxmBTxFsy8Rph13td9jDwyItqdzCvpLMUM1_wIrCrnLhNCUSbsv4CohgM8lPaKIGvL3DemZyzhcKPfB7AK7BFHzyHtUwAlrq03uGSrf9j5YBjGRTs457OlCIXzWCLy0pstYyqIJ0LoXT6QgVrrGogqXKPeB8NjAlmN1DhJfLiajkjQUy_fl9nB-K57xTbQkj_qo-oCuw==]

Alternative Certification: the Inspired Teaching Way [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR3HK6KrbTybj8z3I_r3bvkILVN2MENfovmsmiehHGwHT2IhUCkqfeqjAn08bvTYvWf4K5bB9DCQg9ca0N5vV_Sa2kXR3YERcbxw524Pj-qfpLPsmQZuWXQ-0UD7IKRcu_IIeMETQY-Yq3Cz1Qtw83QTVzqQj9DDFxkSoQGLj36PIkAEoWQ_LSJjATKgWNrSqzulLpDRnSuqgAOIv-hyjErZ]
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Center for Inspired Teaching is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to
 building a better school experience for children by transforming the role of the
teacher from information provider to
Instigator of Thought.
Like us on Facebook [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR2wk5j3EOoOg28eo-NkAeUaLwsBSqz5MTs8B6PH0gXC0Z79SY7jsMigkRVVsXYisnBgD4fMLFDseuSnng-RhLRk3eOofKiYPPfUuKvfumkwgY8RD73ztdXkLffBhLnDJ8A=]
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Letter from Aleta Margolis, Executive Director

Should states create a "bar exam" for new teachers to demonstrate that they possess
the content and clinical knowledge required to teach? Raising the quality of teacher
training and readiness should be a nationwide priority. Through the Inspired Teacher
Certification Program [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR0Cw-R8fSm_2ysTrX3odnKOL0A0piYFZ1NE5ZOOtuKfNjiNRuisjECwNjoxRuhY8RY0MoR30BDuzMzYiQ3nSk7M_7D0C5iHBC56GUbBmtI6DXak6m9lrGNwm13SfWZK--NjjIAsna9skJr363zneCMujKFm5kn8bfNhjZJt4o9AR12-Yxpqe04N],
we're focused on ensuring that all teachers are prepared to succeed in their first
year in the classroom.

Inspired Teaching employs a residency model [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR0gJ2naIfY_9QGl2aHNLCnANzdeSf_FRnru8sp9fJp4apMz7-8UN_Nt5nu39pNhWIrZMYbuAVeaduWGAKxwPxnVpqE39zzPNOzPjpYxsmx0BOCcKxAGwfxoWu3XnpnJZqg1zfEfi7jpLT6iUdfYmyt36NoxgCfNNNWRCXx4UHCbVolrTTiJyUrb9L6yNDHYxiAuIJJNyCs5dZfzcD0l5pCy]
to certify teachers. Teaching Fellows [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR2gzeJVhYqni7x2mRSUc8yvJEyITGa7CKOgPa7Jas1qRHyAy5c9-xBjUrD1swbcnVgGWgs631kxlK-zlO81-8YDYch1aBG3Hl4efMrpJRwyABN0fNZDUSacjqYpgyXKxfZFdM0vge2AX9RUZPVGNwsyNLUlhijeJ1Q7qIsoCnpzrYEduN7qX7rOnm7NpSPrFp6tak576PQ8LXCAPLfrdToOvWS0RXVjHK2Pp0yBOFrltg==]
in our Inspired Teacher Certification Program spend a full year working alongside
an experienced Lead Teacher [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR1jGsg62BZ51hvuu428TYqyRu-L15XOMSbp5V3o8J0asrnouQTiLvW4MdtF1iTp3JkaL22mOAClqONmAU0KyTG032Y_1ClzNn1qfutQXAvRbEtYfqX0RcD_SA8WBXseONo9Oz91MQm7LHa1pTuuX3oKT4w9CzmrzShTGJclZRgtdJ9wY16wZ1U2NWR-NX166VT-NsLipx77GCaKi7HtudRHR32qrYn7QzrcKOGQ74PKtBl86I7kapMHNV6nNxN5D5k=]
to develop the skills of planning effective lessons, engaging students in intellectually
rigorous activities, and building productive and joyful classroom environments. 
Instead of being fast-tracked into the profession, our Fellows are well prepared
 for the challenges of teaching in an urban, high-poverty classroom. A full 93 percent
of our program alumni are still working in education, with 75 percent working in
 DC public and charter schools.

We know that students thrive in classrooms where instruction is inquiry-based and
student-directed--and when their teachers are Instigators of Thought versus mere
 information providers. Wouldn't it be great if every student had an Inspired Teacher--and
every teacher had the professional growth, advancement opportunities, and recognition
they deserve?

How can we work together to ensure this happens? Do you know individuals who are
 committed to being education changemakers? If so, encourage them to apply [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR2Dvq__zIYlaZEryzo2PYBGLpdKipVoJ108yxlHA4sLU_6NgndCEbhcxuPwsK6hDfjivJwmNZlsUGYPcfnNMh9ewo_LHoUgCaZjfnbR3LlvOS6cF80VCZoES0eNvfKuCQ3YCnzB3pyAVcPO3Q4hetcTrZT0-akwoEnPNONTO7tOYxQlWFo5pvqIYlNxhluGJYKnaRgU_ooeplOXPAP6CmMRseK1OYuuLpMV_U4n9xuOLpS58Z1HwFox]
for our 2013 cohort.

All the best,
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Philanthropy Spotlight

Inspired Teaching is fortunate to partner with philanthropic organizations such 
as the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR07N8Bh-CUb2jzWtZJNq30r-ZNUB8RojVlkjkeCo4xgARXIHnID4TYCyi0ckqF_lZs70mRURGCSssalkSVlaGsNt7Dm94RY35L1ks8zWismRyQoaZci_98V]
whose mission is to promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance, global understanding,
free enterprise, and to enhance the quality of life by supporting the arts, education,
health advancements, and preservation of the environment.

Education is central to the Foundation's strategic vision, and elevating the quality
of education in Washington, DC "is of paramount importance," says Foundation President
Diana Davis Spencer [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR3r_j_-vlczV7HLXFI3MSG3tEfMN0Fm4bXxlpuzDSOdZniKpEfEsy7KZ-4mLYInHCoEcyGkmq6UaqUfzS86mLf8RppJp4AidFxPCxGNX5U0L-3RLJDILTnY8draUZL2EFI=].

Davis Spencer added that the Foundation has promoted many initiatives for early 
childhood education, school leadership, entrepreneurship education, mentoring, and
mental health intervention--and that they are focused on growing and advancing these
critical areas.

When asked why the Foundation chooses to invest in the work of Inspired Teaching,
Davis Spencer said, "We've observed how effectively your teachers engage students
in the learning process, stimulating inquiry and imagination. Kids love learning
 in this setting; it's a great dropout prevention!"

More information on the work of the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation can be found 
at www.ddsfoundation.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR07N8Bh-CUb2jzWtZJNq30r-ZNUB8RojVlkjkeCo4xgARXIHnID4TYCyi0ckqF_lZs70mRURGCSssalkSVlaGsNt7Dm94RY35L1ks8zWismRyQoaZci_98V].

Also, learn more [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR3gkBbe3fX0dNQQrpqDwh31kzKWe__Osw5szRkOL-18CdXXj9DumK4OEdPfkhSooHVySsVFTVm38qH0C-JaVuu8qHi_e4JCnbr7rzVl3JOyDC1quPpJtNNKdRsOUlqFVQThcREWSP5w4sYA1LKnWQAx]
about the institutional funders that support Inspired Teaching's work to improve
 teaching and learning outcomes, especially for students in urban public schools.
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Inspired Teaching in Action

Teachers in states that have adopted the Common Core State Standards [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR1tgemDaMcBs-hOtwPA32-m6xFeH9io9gEf-y465NW43idZNiirAKvGVru_hYx8-QTrxzMzwBE9WAw1PR9Ta2rmr15o6RfD-v5WP1BUxDLX3g==]
(a state-led initiative to develop higher, clearer standards for what K-12 students
need to know and be able to do) are now using the standards to guide their classroom
instruction. At Inspired Teaching, we believe that for the Common Core to succeed,
teaching and learning must become inquiry-based and student-led. Teachers who are
participating in our Common Core-based trainings [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR097If6bvLHJKdVuHd1pVh8qQQgsjZzp4VX2V69KmCv89sa9PNnjZpOiVjst-NQ7lP9SDC-2k3IAEJh7pie_oMimIYp0Z7U90ao1SqY6dLAcX2lS8Ekj01JTRJZPHpWa2bn-vbzFdoYuRFqG1QIYmWpLMXB6khp5L0=]
report that Inspired Teaching is well preparing them for successful implementation
of the new standards.

One Inspired Teacher wrote about her experience in the December/January issue of
 Educational Leadership [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR3xM6mgfMsIYZrYWkNoqW_-Tp_1s7JIqZIxfcScceP-0oUZWnG5tM2i9sMkiPFmgM82WwGRwj9ez8OduWtkkAhPKKk-bV3sTUe0UzcNKejHWb2YI-Bz0z-pGON3j2x8f9GDPC_pD45i0hTPDbu-MXer7CIjsXVYL4yHzNJNcG8rlKpNfVtHrdydAJp5IM7Zkl1wB5wReQRG9KFLWqXJfyBJ6vGhuudirhqXQrtJet-Ziw==].
Jessica Hiltabidel, a Baltimore City middle school teacher and a Teacher Leader 
in our Inspired Teaching Institute for Mathematics Teachers [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR0-zd_RhXYYtKlWaCbs508KOqLz0dgkkThrqQZKns-70vStNv2CbR24o98jwWqZPCTcbX262iGp9raWHfVGNrdHXwayp3RAWmGOXySAvfqML6vMT1tMlyk4TVjjK0_JPuI_5EbgX98HBppqw14gy0HwN2gtKB4EbXalb90TJIitJg==],
described her experience with implementing the Common Core in an article, "Instigating
Thinking in Math Class" [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=00135EIjTx-cR3xM6mgfMsIYZrYWkNoqW_-Tp_1s7JIqZIxfcScceP-0oUZWnG5tM2i9sMkiPFmgM82WwGRwj9ez8OduWtkkAhPKKk-bV3sTUe0UzcNKejHWb2YI-Bz0z-pGON3j2x8f9GDPC_pD45i0hTPDbu-MXer7CIjsXVYL4yHzNJNcG8rlKpNfVtHrdydAJp5IM7Zkl1wB5wReQRG9KFLWqXJfyBJ6vGhuudirhqXQrtJet-Ziw==].

Hiltabidel writes that inquiry-based teaching, the strategy she learned through 
the Inspired Teaching Institute for Mathematics Teachers, is benefiting the academic
performance of her students. Overall, her students scored better on test items assessing
skills she'd taught through inquiry than they did on test items assessing skills
 she'd taught traditionally.
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