Strengthening Teacher Networks

The Real World Learning Teacher Network recently completed the Client Connected Project (CCP) Apprenticeship Workshop, which was a tremendous success. There was representation from over five school districts in South Missouri and participation from 28 school districts within the Real World Learning network.

The event included a panel featuring Real World Learning Coordinators who discussed collaborating with district teams, sourcing, onboarding, and retaining community partners for specific projects. These workshops, led by Sarah Renfrow of Blue Springs School District and Stefani Russ of Raymore-Peculiar School District, reflect a valued teaching style by briefly introducing concepts, facilitating resource exploration and discussions tailored to different needs, and providing flexibility within the agenda of CCPs. Participants leave with valuable connections to mentor teachers and peers, a comprehensive workbook, access to an updated teacher network, tangible implementation strategies and examples, and the confidence to develop a CCP plan.

The approximate 120 teachers who participated in this training will now implement CCPs during the upcoming school year with the support of their CCP mentor teacher. As a result, thousands of students across the region will gain valuable MVA experiences. Additionally, each student who completes a Client Connected Project and their teachers will complete a survey developed by the Urban Education Research Consortium to measure the value of the experience by tying directly to MVA Outgrowths. UERC will produce a report from last year’s CCP pilot training program in the coming month.