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ALABAMA SCHOOL JOURNAL JANUARY 2022
Teachers honored at NBCT pinning ceremony
Teachers who achieved certification by the National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in 2019 and 2020 received their pins in a ceremony held at the Governor's
Mansion in December. The achievement can take up to two
years to complete and the challenge was made even more difficult by the pandemic, but the process is easier when you have support from other
people getting their national board.
When asked about the NBCT process, newly pinned Boaz City educators shared they were relieved to have completed the process. "The process is rewarding," said Boaz City
teachers in unison. They encouraged
other educators going through the
process to "keep trucking, keep working
because it's worth completing." Also
these educators supported each other through the NBCT process and all of them agreed, having a cohort is helpful.
Sharon Freeman, a teacher at Riverton Elementary School, completed her NBCT certification in 2019 and said, "The national board certification helps me think outside
the box. I feel like my children make better gains." Northridge Middle School teacher
Ashley Farmer earned her National
Board Certification for the first time. "It's nice to be back in the classroom, face to face with students. Through the
process the Tuscaloosa City Schools NBCT cohort provided tremendous
support which made it easier," Farmer said.
To help teachers achieve national board certification, AEA has created a NBCT Cohort for teachers as they navigate their way through the certification process. Every Tuesday beginning January 18, 2022, this
journey to National Board Certification
will continue to explore the four
components and provide strategies and resources to achieving this prestigious goal, sessions included: NBCT Jump Start Tuesdays for
Advanced Candidates
will begin
Tuesday, January 18th from 4
pm-6 pm. NBCT Jump Start Tuesdays for
NEW Candidates
will begin
Tuesday, February 8th from 4
pm-6 pm.
Register for NBCT Jump Start
Tuesdays by visiting myAEA.org. Amy B. Skoglund being pinned. Onetha Bethel - Rutledge Middle NBCTs from Boaz City Schools after receiving their pins. Brad Lett Guntersville High School Ashley Farmer Northridge Middle Sharon Freeman Riverton Elementary
Local partnership creates music lab for Gulf Shores High School
Partnerships between schools and community groups provide benefits such as enhancing learning opportunities to provide students with resources and experiences they could not have access to otherwise. The partnership between Gulf Shores City Schools, the Dolphin Education Foundation for Education and Arts, and the Hangout produced the Hangout Music Lab at Gulf Shores High School. One year before Gulf Shores City Schools was established, the vision for a music lab started with a conversation between the current Superintendent Dr. Matt Akin and Gulf Shores High School Music Appreciation, Music Tech, and Guitar teacher Timothy Simmons. Gulf Shores High School had an existing music lab and music technology course taught by Simmons. The classroom had a small stage and sound and lighting equipment where students learn the basics. But when the dream of a state-of-the-art music lab was discussed - and when the Dolphin Foundation for Education and Arts heard of the schools need, they made a vision become reality through school and community partnerships. The Dolphin Foundation reached out to the Hangout - a popular local restaurant and music venue - and they invested $100,000 toward the project. The Hangout's investment provided a redesigned classroom with a state-of- the-art recording studio, musical instruments, and a fully equipped stage with lighting and sound equipment which provides students a hands-on setting with equipment used in the music industry. The grand opening of the Hangout Music Lab was held in November 2021. It's the first classroom of its kind in Alabama (at least at the secondary level). In class, students are allowed to learn through hands-on exploration and curiosity. It's a classroom where Simmons tells students to "push all the buttons, you can't break anything." When students were asked about their first time walking into the room, students shared, "It's like a spaceship." Emilie Rattner, an 11
th
-grade music tech-1 student said, "I was amazed at first. The room is comfortable and I like learning about lighting and mixing music. I'm excited about learning." "It's the best environment, it's cozy, and Mr. Simmons connects with us - the students - on a personal level. Since I started this class, I learned how to play the bass guitar as well as mix music and I have started working the sound board at a local church. I plan to go college for music," said Jonathan Shufflebarger, 12th-grade music tech-II student. The Hangout Music Lab also provides a space for vocal and instrumental students to practice their skills. "One of the cool things we do is a visiting song writers series. We will have local artists or groups traveling through come in and play for students, talk about songs they wrote, and share how they got involved with music." said Dr. Akin. As partners in student success, Gulf Shores High School sends Music Tech students to intern and work with the Hangout during festivals or music events. Gulf Shores City School Assistant Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Harrison said, "Now students can learn to use the tools in the classroom, so when they go work music events they can be more prepared and productive because they are going in with more skills and knowledge to help." Gulf Shores City Schools understand the importance of school and community partnerships and the Hangout Music Lab is a main example. "On the Gulf Coast the music industry is big. This partnership is an example of the Hangout stepping up and seeing the benefit for students. It has given our students opportunities, but could also give the Hangout future employees," said Akin. Students who take music and tech courses not only receive training but are also given the opportunity to build mentor relationships with members of their community and be exposed to different opportunities in the community. "Students need to be exposed to the opportunities that are right here in our area. We certainly would love for our students to stay here and work in our own community. We really want to see our community thrive," said Dr. Harrison. The partnership between the Hangout and Gulf Shores Schools has "spurred interest among other businesses in the community. Us getting the word out about the Hangout's commitment to the schools has led to others asking how they can be involved," shared Dr. Akin. The Hangout Music Lab is one of many partnerships between Gulf Shores Schools and the community that has happened largely due to the work of the Dolphin Foundation for Education and Arts. If there is a need made known, the Dolphin Foundation works on a solution to find the means and opportunities to provide enriching educational experience possible for students.
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