State Seeks 100 Educators For 'Connecticut Dream Team'

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The State Department of Education (SDE), in partnership with LearnZillion, a Common Core digital curriculum and professional development provider founded by two former teachers, is seeking 100 teachers from across the state to join the Connecticut Dream Team. This opportunity is one initiative of the State's overall training and coaching program designed to provide support to school districts in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards.

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"In order for our students to succeed, we must provide the supports that will enable our teachers to succeed in the transition to the new Common Core Standards. We are pleased to launch this innovative training opportunity for teachers regarding the implementation of the new college- and career-ready standards," said Commissioner of Education Stefan Pryor. "The Department is grateful to the Governor and General Assembly for their decision to allocate the resources necessary for us to support educators in carrying out this critical work."

The Connecticut Dream Team will be selected through a statewide application process to participate in a 2.5-day intensive Common Core professional development event known as "Connecticut TeachFest" this April. In the months following the event, teachers will return to their districts to work in virtual learning groups with peers and coaches. Every Connecticut Dream Team member will produce high-quality Common Core resources for teachers to use in the classroom and lessons that will be shared to support teachers throughout the state and the country.

In July, the Connecticut Dream Team will also play a leadership role at "Common Core Fest," a hands-on Common Core training day for hundreds of Connecticut teachers.

"We are honored that the SDE has chosen to partner with LearnZillion to provide best-in-class Common Core professional development to their teachers," said Eric Westendorf, LearnZillion CEO. "We are excited to create a powerful learning experience for the Connecticut Dream Team, and for those teachers to 'scale their impact' by creating high-quality Common Core resources for the benefit all of Connecticut's teachers, students, and parents."

Bristol, Connecticut, elementary math teacher, Debra Vitale, who was a member of LearnZillion's national 2013 Dream Team, notes, "The positive energy and camaraderie I experienced as part of the 2013 Dream Team was a highlight of my professional career and has energized me throughout this year." She encourages all Connecticut educators to apply by March 17, saying: "Connecticut TeachFest offers us an opportunity to work together to increase our professional learning and create materials that can be used across our state with students, teachers and parents."

Interested K-12 teachers should go to ctdreamteam.fluidreview.com to learn more, sign up for an informational webinar, or start their application.

SOURCE LearnZillion