JMTLI
Joseph Meyinsse Teacher Leadership Institute
Research Modeling Inquiry Science Education (R-MISE)
JMTLI In Practice
The Whitney Plantation tells the story of slavery through the eyes of a child who experienced it. During the summer enrichment program the youth were given the experience of going on a walking tour of the Whitney Plantation. Our visit to Whitney Plantation gave many of the kids we took to the plantation a true appreciation for what our ancestors endured during the American slave era. After the tour, there is a greater appreciation for things that most take for granted every day. It is a tour that needs to be taken by all.
Summer Enrichment Camp
Southern University Mini Labs
The Joseph Meyinsse Teacher Leadership Institute (JMTLI) held it first summer enrichment and cultural camp at the Southern University Mini Labs. The students participated in interactive learning activities that also incorporated learning about their rich culture. Students learned that their history began well before slavery and that much of their history has been intertwined with the development of science and mathematics. The lessons that the teachers developed were aligned with Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, as well as African Culture and History. Students were given the opportunity to investigate how the pyramids were constructed using Egyptian measurements and tools and then made their own miniature models. They also learned about gardening and cultivation of many foods that they currently enjoy that originated in Africa and created blue prints for planting gardens using mathematical skills and knowledge of African crops. The students enjoyed learning African American literature, culture dances, and how to play African drums. Students were given the opportunity to perform hands on investigations that allowed them no only work collaboratively with one another but were also given the opportunity to work individually on special projects that they presented at the culminating program.
Annual Teacher Celebration
During the spring of each year a celebration is held honoring teachers for outstanding leadership in Science and Math! Southern University’s Dr. Laura Young and Louisiana State University’s Brenda Nixon serve as co-project directors in this regional collaboration. In April of 2015, the celebration included a Lakefront Room dinner in the Cotillion Ballroom at Southern University and A&M College. An amazing balance of speakers included LSU/SU Deans, Chancellors, and Texas Regional Collaborators. Special guest speakers, Celeste Pea, Program Director of the National Science Foundation Division of Research on Learning, gave “eye opening” statistics and Dr. Leon R. Tarver, II, Chairman of Southern University Board of Supervisors, shared a passionate life story. Teachers were awarded certificates, T-shirts, gift bags, and various door prizes. As quoted by a participating teacher this was a “life changing” night of recognizing the growing appreciation of STEM education.
Presenter: Bobbie Shujaa and Emily Jackson (SMED)
Using the Inquiry Approach to Understanding the Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS
Immerse yourself in the core understanding of the eight Practices of Science and Engineering that the framework identifies as essential for all students learning and investigating of the natural world. I will describe in detail the rational for why they are essential.
Presenter: Dr. Luria Young and JMTLI Team
SHARE-A-THON: Exhibit Based Activities in Inquiry
Learn how the NGSS can be implemented into your classroom activities with research-base teaching strategies and informal learning through inquiry that will challenges you to teach more deeply and prepare students to be successful in all core areas of content.
Joseph Meyinsse Teacher Leadership Institute, 2014 Summer Institute held at
Southern University and A&M College
This year we conducted our first workshop that focused on leadership; Joseph Meyinsse Teacher Leadership Institute, 2014 Summer Institute Workshops were held every Wednesday from July 2-July 30.
Our summer Professional Development Institute immersed teachers in many topics and researched best practices. The teachers participated in an intensive training, using informal activities. They were given specific strategies such as “Overcoming the Resistance to Change”, Using Assessment for Learning” "Understanding the Format of the Next Generation Science Standards” and becoming “Instructional Coaches."
The academic year 2014-15 is filled with best practices that are necessary for leadership. “Teaching the Whole Child”, "Diversity in the Classroom", "Understanding and Using the Flipped Class”, and "Differentiated Instruction.”