Teachers took a running start on getting ready for school to start in just a week by attending a highly motivational, week-long class offered by USD 428.
Forty-four teachers from USD 428 and USD 112 school districts gathered last week for a five-day Kagan Cooperative Learning workshop. The workshop teaches educators how to boost engagement and achievement of their students, regardless of grade level.
“It was a good opportunity for teachers from the two districts to network and make connections,” said Ruth Heinrichs, USD 428 curriculum director. “We will be there to support each other.”
Sarah Ziebell-Backner, who works for Kagan and is from Nevada, presented the program. This is the fifth year the class has been offered.
“The Kagan Cooperative Learning workshop has been very popular among our teachers. The strategies are researched-based and align with the way students learn,” Heinrichs  said. “The real benefit is to our students because the strategies contribute to them learning more in less time.”
“This training came at the perfect time of the year when all teachers are beginning to think and plan for the upcoming year,” said Kara Potter, Central Plains Middle School teacher. “Cooperative learning will definitely be a part of the planning for many of us.”
“This training has refreshed and re-energized me for the school year,” said Jamie Weil, Wilson High School teacher. “I can’t wait to get back. It’s going to be an awesome school year!”
“As a first-year teacher, I am getting some amazing ideas on ways to give the kids at Riley a quality education,” said Jestin Blake, Riley School teacher. “It has been a great week of learning and getting resources.”
Another first-year teacher at Riley concurred.
“If Kagan training kept the teachers on task and engaged, then it must work on students,” said Parker Gross.