Foundations of Advanced Independent Curriculum™ for Teachers

Course Dates Announced Soon
DESCRIPTION
This course is for teachers who are curious about exploring the potential benefits of designing advanced courses that are rigorous and mission-aligned. Participants will take a deep dive into the principles of independent curriculum and engage in discussion of why these principles have value in independent school programs. Teachers will spend time evaluating the fit of the principles and standards with their curricular goals and aspirations. Interaction in interdisciplinary groups will help participants consider how they might leverage different principles of course design in building their own rigorous advanced courses in alignment with their school’s mission and values. 

In this course, teachers will: 
  • Explore the rationale for and benefits of an independently designed rigorous advanced course.
  • Examine the philosophical and practical underpinnings of independent curriculum course development, 
  • Consider how an independent curriculum might serve your school and students
COURSE FORMAT
Teachers will be guided through a two-week online course, which will take about four hours to complete per unit. The weeks/units of this course are asynchronous, but class-paced. There is no fixed time for participation, but assignments are due each week. Throughout the course, participants will connect and collaborate with each other through interactive media, including short videos and discussion boards. Participants will have access to the course and materials for one additional week beyond the posted end date.
COURSE FACILITATORS
Peter Gow -- Peter Gow became Independent Curriculum Resource Director at One Schoolhouse after a forty-plus-year career as a teacher and administrator. Peter is a prolific writer and presenter and author of multiple books on independent schools and independent school teaching and leadership. Above all, he is passionate in his belief that connection and collaboration are essential if independent schools are to live up to the promises made in their statements of mission and values and fulfill their public purpose. 
Sarah Hanawald -- Sarah serves as One Schoolhouse’s Assistant Head of School for Professional Development and New Programs. She has been a classroom teacher, a technology director, and an academic dean at three North Carolina independent schools. Sarah’s work has focused on the intersection of technology, curriculum, and pedagogy in defining the future of education.
TUITION
​$250 for consortium schools; $395 for all other participants. Use the link above to register.

Q​uestions?
Peter Gow, Independent Curriculum Resource Director, reflects on how these principles and standards help educators design more mission-aligned courses.