FORT WAYNE, Ind.—As part of its ongoing commitment to education, the University of Saint Francis invites educators to its Teachers as Scholars program.
Teachers as Scholars provides teachers and administrators time to become students again and to immerse themselves in scholarly topics and issues regardless of the grade level they teach or their areas of content expertise. Teachers participating in the program receive release-time during the school day to participate in the program.
The seminars are conducted on the university campus. Teachers as Scholars offers K-12 teachers content-based, two-day seminars led by university faculty. Seminars at the university are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at least one week apart, with lunch included during fall and spring. Each seminar is open to teachers and administrators from any grade level or content areas. The fee for the two-day sessions (lunch included) is $75. Teachers will earn 10 Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points for participation in the two-day seminar. Registration deadline for fall sessions is Oct. 15.
Seminars are intended to promote life-long learning for K-12 teachers and administrators. Topics, facilitator and dates:
Literary Landscapes: Gardens in American Writing (Dr. Carrie Duke)
Sept. 26 and Oct. 8
The sessions will explore descriptions of gardens in American Literature, delving into our cultural and spiritual bond with the land. Participants will embark on a journey to grasp diverse cultural perspectives on gardening and nature conservation.
ChatGPT: All You Need to Know (Abigail Dutcher)
Oct. 3 and 10
ChatGPT is a resource to help educators with brainstorming, editing, grading, lesson planning and instructional activity creation. This training will go through ways to integrate artificial intelligence based on the Teacher Acceptance Model and other change theories, Acceptable Use Continuum and Khanmigo Tools.
Game Theory (Jake Nolt)
Oct. 4 and 11
An introduction to video game theory and its application in various analog game scenarios will be presented. Learn what makes a game and different player behaviors. Participants will be creating dice games and, time permitting, card games.
Shakespeare and Film Seminar (Dr. Ken Bugajski)
Oct. 22 and 29
In “All the World’s a Screen,” Dr. Bugajski will lead an interpretation of Shakespeare’s texts and view film adaptations of “Twelfth Night,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Henry V” and “Hamlet.” No advance preparation or knowledge of Shakespeare is required.
Ethical Decision Making: The Unique Parallels of Two American Tragedies (Dr. Clifford F. Buttram, Jr.)
Oct. 28 and Nov. 11
The seminar will investigate our reasoning to subliminally forego ethical decision-making processes when confronted with factual reality. Participants will learn why personal and professional ethics are critical to myriad types of simple and complex decisions.
Understanding Teamwork and Leadership Through the Study of American Heist Films (Jane Martin)
Nov. 1 and 15
This session examines the communication climate of teams and the demonstrative leadership styles that fit the narrative and thematic conventions of heist films. This session will give you a new way to look at group dynamics in film and develop strategies to use those to help make your teamwork more effective.
Unlocking Your Potential and Finding Yourself by Being Alone: The Appalachian Trail (Dr. Kelly Eckel)
Nov. 6 and 13
Discover the power of using nature and solitude to reach personal and professional goals. Dr. Eckel will discuss the history of the Appalachian Trail, a personal journey and how to explore your inner strength.
Human Strength: What is it and Why is it Important? (Janet Smith)
Jan. 17 and 31
This seminar will explore the impact of culture and lifestyles on overall human strength. Participants will practice assessing strength, and leave with physical activities for developing strength for individuals of all ages, as well as an understanding of its importance.
Gamification (Jake Nolt)
Feb. 14 and 21
An introduction to applying game design theory outside of video games will be presented. Learn the functions of video games, why they are engaging, and how different players respond to play styles. Brainstorm implementation in various scenarios, from classroom to household chores.
Team Building and Communication Techniques Using VR (Jason Johnson)
Feb. 21 and 28
Effective team performance requires good communication. Learn how teams can improve communication through a series of fun and informative exercises. See cutting edge technology and how it can be employed as an effective teaching modality.
Self-Care and Stress Management for Teachers (Valerie Powers)
March 20 and April 10
Self-care gets pushed aside for teachers who continually give of themselves to their students. Discover a variety of self-care techniques to promote overall well-being tools that can be implemented throughout the school day, and with students if you choose.
For more information or a registration form, contact Nancy Hankee at nhankee@sf.edu.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 19 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.