Most Colorado schools schedule field trips to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) to expose students to remarkable learning opportunities. WPS, however, has found a unique way to double the impact of their visits. While students are downstairs taking full advantage of the museum, teachers are upstairs engaged in professional development to help them become better teachers.

 

This fall, the district has once again entered into a partnership with DMNS that brings the entire school to the building. “It’s an ideal program for us, because there is only so much time in the school year for teachers to engage in PD,” said Superintendent Jeni Gotto. “This allows students to continue learning while teachers get the support they need as well.”

 

Last week, many of the district’ s principals attended a planning session at the museum to get a better feel for the professional development the teachers will be receiving. It’s all based on the notion that good teachers, just like their students, are constantly learning. This commitment to continuous improvement is a cornerstone of the Westminster Instructional Model.

 

What’s up WPS plans to join one of the schools on their visit later this year and we will bring you the story.