For the first time since 2019, Ector County ISD is bringing instructors together for Teacher University.
The first session for elementary was Thursday and the secondary teachers will arrive Friday. Sessions are being held at Permian High School.
Director of Talent Development over Professional Learning Angela Romano said there will be 2,000 teachers total attending.
“Teachers are attending courses for new programs or district resources that they’ll be using next year. They’re also attending courses to build capacity and put tools in their tool belt, so they can hone their skills to be better for students,” Romano said.
This is Romano’s first year supporting and coordinating this event with other departments.
“But it was everyone collectively. … It was a team effort across the district,” Romano said.
She added that it takes months to organize Teacher University and she is pleased with the turnout.
“The sessions are full, even the choice sessions that are being offered. Sessions are full. Teachers are excited, smiling and happy and just ready to start the new year,” Romano said.
A varsity of departments have come together to provide teachers with what they have been asking for.
“Our theme for this year is impact and thinking of what kind of an impact do we make in our interactions with each other, with students. That’s our theme for our leadership conference, for our new teacher orientation, for Teacher University. We’re just hoping to support that and get everyone excited and be reflective of what kind of an impact do we make with our interactions, which ultimately impacts student learning and their excitement for learning,” Romano said.
She added that everyone is looking forward to the first day of school Aug. 9 (Pre-kindergarten through sixth and ninth grade) and Aug. 14 (7th and 8th grade and 10th through 12th grade).
“Everyone’s looking forward to the first day. Most teachers can’t sleep and they’re trying to figure out how they’re going to get prepared and decorate their classroom and excited to meet their students. We’re excited to support teachers to make sure that they’re ready,” Romano said.
Monica Pinson, a third-grade teacher at Hays STEAM Academy, has been to Teacher University before and has enjoyed this version.
“It’s been a positive experience. It’s been refreshing because we had several years where we have not had the opportunity to come together for Teacher University. It’s been like a breath of fresh air to bring everybody back together. … To share with each other and collaborate and grow our ideas, working with people outside of our campus, it’s always nice because there’s (such) a wealth of knowledge across the district,” Pinson said.
“I started at the end of the hallway with math this morning, and the conceptual flow of learning and how everything builds upon each other. You have to start out with that foundational level, and you can help students progress. As a teacher, I’ve grown professionally. We did a Blended Learning course, and how everybody’s learning style is just a little bit different. Same for teachers; same for kids; and how if I tap in to everybody’s learning style, and (we) share with each other, we’re able to make sure everyone’s getting what they need, right where they are,” Pinson said.
“It doesn’t have to be so much work just from me, that we really are a team and we can share what we have with each other and everybody benefits. The teachers benefit and the students benefit, so that personalized learning and that teamwork effort that goes into it is probably my favorite part and takeaway of the day,” Pinson added.
