SEPTEMBER 2016
Aligned to the latest Georgia standards for science with embedded 
science & engineering practices and crosscutting concepts

We are thrilled to announce that our new digital series,  Chemistry Matters , is now available at  gpb.org/chemistry-matters.  The series is a free resource for teachers and students across the state of Georgia just in time for the 2016-2017 school year. The series consists of 12 units, each comprised of different segments, with downloadable resources created specifically for teachers, as well as toolkits with supporting materials and "Closer Look" videos designed to support each student's individual pace of learning.  Chemistry Matters  helps students learn important chemistry concepts while also demonstrating real-world applications. Teachers and students will be able to follow along as the Chemistry Matters crew conducts interactive, hands-on labs and experiments  in the studio and in actual Georgia classrooms. The series also features professionals in various career fields who utilize chemistry every day. 


A special week of programming  focused on education

As a  trusted source for educational content and a key partner with parents and educators, GPB will pre
s ent Spotlight Education, a special week of primetime programming examining the challenges facing today's students and America's education system. Spotli ght Education begins Monday, September 12, and will feature reports from today's classrooms, examining how creativity and dedication to teaching all children, eve n the most challenging and at-risk students, is making a real difference in communities. With specials from POV, Frontline, TED Talks, and NOVA, this week of programming underscores GPB's dedication  to learning and the critical importance of convening a dialogue around education. 

Spotlight Education also kicks off a year-long, teacher-support campaign, "Teach Boldly", led by PBS and local member stations across the country. The "Teach Boldly" teacher-support initiative will include a series of virtual and community training events and the launch of the new PBS Teachers' Lounge, a creative digital space where teachers can share ideas, learn from peers, find daily inspiration and access the tools and resources they need to enhance their work in the classroom. Click for Spotlight Education teacher resources from PBS LearningMedia and use #TeachBoldly to join the conversation on social media.  Click for TV listings and more information. 
Enter the Innovation in Teaching Competition
School and district leaders can make 
recommendations t hrough September 20

The Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) has opened recommendations for the 2016- 2017 Innovation in Teaching Competition! This year, GOSA is looking for teachers that excel in one of the following priority areas:
  • Applied Learning with a Focus on STEAM Education;
  • Blended Learning; 
  • Innovative Practices to Close the Achievement Gap; and
  • Kindergarten through Third Grade Language and Literacy
From now until September 20, principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, GOSA Language and Literacy Specialists, district staff, and GaDOE staff can recommend teachers here. Winning teachers will receive a $3,000 stipend for serving as a model educator, and their school will receive a $4,000 grant to support innovative instructional practices.  In addition, Georgia Public Broadcasting will film the winning teachers in action, and GOSA will make these videos, along with their lesson plans and supplementary materials, available to other educators on online.
New courses start September 14

There's no time like the present to learn new skills and enhance your career! PBS TeacherLine provides both facilitated and self-paced courses, so you can decide how, when, and where you want to complete your professional development. PBS TeacherLine is the premier, award-winning research and standards-based resource for PreK-12 online professional development! PBS TeacherLine offers more than 80 facilitated courses that include graduate credits, and more than 40 self-paced courses, just right for anytime learning. GPB is your partner for local course support, along with SCETV in South Carolina and UNC-TV in North Carolina, together known as TeacherLine Southeast . Teachers have many course options from which to choose, including reading,  science, math, technology, social studies, and instructional strategies. New facilitated courses start September 14.  Check out the list of courses available for enrollment.  

The Georgia Council for the Social Studies (GCSS) is gearing up for its annual conference on October 13-14 at the Classic Center in Athens, GA. The theme this year is Change. Challenge. Opportunity. The conference is a great way for social studies teachers to network, collaborate, and learn. GPB Education will have an booth in the exhibition hall and we will lead two sessions on our resources:

"Going Digital in the ELEM Social Studies Classroom"
Friday, October 14
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Room: Empire 1

"Get to know GPB's Georgia Studies Digital Library"
Friday, October 14
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room: High Shoals 2

Make sure to stop by and see us if you attend!  To register for the conference, click here.
 
Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]