ACCESS Recognizes Individuals for Outstanding Commitment to Virtual Learning in Alabama
All three support centers submitted nominee applications for the prestigious, annual ACCESS awards. Winners from five separate categories (administrator, counselor, facilitator, student, & teacher) were selected and honored at the Annual Teacher Days on June 29th & 30th.
Hey Alexa! Show Me Success in ACCESS!
Winston County Schools graduate, Alexa Darty, has been selected as the 2020 ACCESS Student of the Year. Alexa recently graduated from Addison High School where she demonstrated the ability to balance traditional classes with online learning through ACCESS while working and attending the Career Academy.
Administrator of the Year
Bobby Tittle, principal at Ohatchee High School, has been named the 2020 ACCESS Administrator of the Year.
Working collaboratively with counselor, Jennifer Craig, and facilitator, Bret Henderson, Ohatchee High School improved their graduation to 98% using ACCESS through the "Catch Up" program.
Counselor of the Year Wears Many Hats
Paulette Gibbs, counselor at Ranburne High School, rushed in and added ACCESS facilitator to her list of roles during the 2019-2020 school year when a family emergency removed the scheduled facilitator from duties.
Maximizing Engagement with Authentic Learning Opportunities Earns Veronica Montgomery Facilitator of the Year Honor
Ms. Veronica Montgomery, a 19-year veteran math teacher of Hispanic descent, successfully facilitated an ACCESS Spanish I class for 37 eighth grade students at Millbrook Middle School. Through her use of student engagement techniques as well as providing students with "Culture Days" to connect their learning to authentic opportunities, 100% of Ms. Montgomery's middle school students passed this high school level rigorous course.
Jean Hicks Named Teacher of the Year
"Jean Hicks is a role model for the entire profession. She is greatly admired by both her students and other teachers. She epitomizes an outstanding teacher and person," Beth Hargrove, a twenty-year colleague exclaimed. With years of experience, Ms. Hicks continues to share her knowledge, excitement for learning, and love for students while teaching ACCESS Spanish courses.
ACCESS Offers ACLD PLU
Navigating Virtual Learning Opportunities with ACCESS is a simple, practical, and virtual three-phase learning adventure. Since educational leaders may find it difficult to navigate the waters of virtual learning, participants in this ACLD approved PLU will set sail on the USS ACCESS with members of the ALSDE Ed. Tech. section to learn best practices for ensuring student success using a virtual learning format.
6 Tips to Strengthen Your Online Learning Strategy
This article, published by eSchool News.com provides advice to teachers and students to improve the virtual learning experience.
Tips for Parents
Although most students today are digital natives, virtual learning platforms are not always a familiar territory for parents. Dr. Scherrie Pickett provides some helpful ways you can help your distance learner over the summer.
