Summer Institute

THE SUMMER INSTITUTE
Our Summer Institute is offered to alumni of the CCSSO Teacher of the Year program and takes place at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. With its awe-inspiring collections and access to subject matter experts, the Smithsonian is the ideal place for discovery-based, authentic learning experiences and breeding ground for innovative learning projects. More specifically, the rich variety of objects, artifacts, and experts within the Smithsonian provide a springboard to other ideas, including connections to students' lives and current events. The Summer Institute workshops are called “Mission Possible: Reimagining the 21st century classroom.” Designed as a mission that teachers must complete, teachers work in teams to solve mini-challenges throughout the week. Much of their time is spent outside the classroom’s four walls exploring Smithsonian resources and talking to experts. Teachers are encouraged to use mobile devices and team collaboration to solve problems and think of the wider world as their classroom. As the week comes to a close, teachers use design-thinking strategies to design a 21st century project for classroom implementation.
	It wouldn’t be fair to ask teachers to design and innovate for their students unless we allowed them to fully be students- and learners- themselves. Our workshop gives teachers the time to experience problem-based 21st century learning firsthand, before they apply the experience to their own project.

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What Teachers are saying about our PD

“This was one of the best workshops I have ever attended.”

“I learned that I don't need to be a technology expert to integrate technology into my classroom. I also learned to leave more of the process open for my students to develop and create - it is about the process, not necessarily the product!”

“The environment in which we worked was the most helpful aspect of the week. We were provided so many opportunities to get outside of the classroom and experience new adventures. We were then challenged to DO something with what we had experienced, along with constantly thinking through how we can take it back to our students. So, it really wasn't one thing, rather the culture of learning that you provided, which was extremely motivating to me.”

“One of the best professional development opportunities I have ever had! Participants were knowledgeable and eager to create remarkable projects. All those in charge of the program went above and beyond to make this program successful. Their expertise is unmatched and they are eager to create critical thinking opportunities for all participants to grow as educators. “

“The greatest benefit for me was seeing how a lot of diverse elements of 21st Century Learning (mobile devices, social networks, texting, etc.) can be incorporated into both a learning environment and a lesson. One of the introductory videos mentions that we need good examples of advanced learning that uses collaborative tools, and this workshop does that. Kudos!”