RBHS teachers Julie Bolton and Brooke Robbins participate in AMSTI training

By Brandi Miller

For the FCT

Summer is a time for students and teachers to take a break from the rigors of the curriculum and the daily grind of the classroom. It is a chance to recharge batteries and enjoy some much-needed downtime.

This summer, however, Red Bay High School elementary and high school math and science teachers gave up two weeks of their summer to participate in training that will enhance learning for the students of RBHS.

The teachers participated in the Alabama Math and Science Technology Initiative training at Russellville Middle School from June 25- and 8-11. To prepare for the training the teachers had to register with AMSTI and fill out extensive paperwork to be ready for the first day.

“Becoming an AMSTI school has been something we have been working toward the last couple of years,” said RBHS principal Kenny Sparks. “This is an opportunity for our math teachers to get professional development and materials throughout the year. We will be concentrating on math this year and train next year for science when science updates the course of study.”

The teachers spent the eight days preparing and learning new and exciting math concepts and ideas to implement this fall.

“I have learned so many strategies during training, and I am excited to be able to implement them in my classroom this fall,” said math teacher Julie Bolton. “I also made some great friendships with other AMSTI teachers who I look forward to networking with in the future.”
With school approaching soon, the teachers who attended the summer training will have the opportunity to finally put what they learned into practice.