My son and I were watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and our sides were splitting as the teacher was droning on and the kids were drooling, popping gum, and generally out of it. Oh my!!! Why is it soooo funny? Because, we have all had teachers that bored us to tears!!! Where was WBT when I was in school?

Today, I had the opportunity to do a professional development seminar for the K-3 teachers at my school. By learning "The Big Seven", our teachers will be equipped to engage their students, rather than bore them. After the training, one of my colleagues stopped me and thanked me for renewing her outlook this year. She was ready to give up and leave teaching at the end of last year, feeling defeated. This summer, we met and she began learning WBT principles and we PRACTICED! We are five weeks into the new school year, and this colleague is elated, energized, and enthused as she enters her classroom each day. Our director asked her, "What made the difference?" Her reply was, "The difference is ME!" She went on to explain how she feels confident, less stressed, and better prepared to deal with the daily challenges, due to WBT. The bottom line is...WBT works! Try it...let's defeat boredom one classroom at a time!
Deb Weigel
WBT Intern 2010

Let's do it!

dsweigle,

Your post was about two months ago, enough time to check on implementation results. How many of the teachers, by numbers or percentage, do you think are actually using WBT in the classroom. Are they using it because of the training or has there been other support for WBT at your school?

Jason

Jason,
Thanks for the follow-up question. When I presented the WBT training a few months ago, 2/3 of our K-3 teachers, plus a few interventionists, resource, and reading staff attended. At that time, one teacher from each grade level fully implemented everything s/he had learned. As time went on, others jumped in, beginning with "class, yes", the rules, and the scoreboard. A huge turning point for us was attending the WBT conference in Phoenix in October. We brought one teacher representing each grade level, plus resource, reading, and our school director for a full day of WBT Reading and Math. The commitment was huge-preparing for a sub to cover our classes and leaving campus at 4:45 AM for a 3 hour ride to Phoenix. But, this was a key to our upper grades becoming a part of WBT on our campus. Since attending the conference, other teachers are now on board with WBT. I am conducting another training this week for teachers who missed the first one. Teachers are seeing that WBT works, and that classes are having fun learning. The teachers that are using WBT are relaxed, happy, and ready to learn and implement more. The beauty is that WBT is not a system that squeezes teachers into a "one size fits all" mold. Rather, it provides tools and strategies for teachers and encourages them to shine!
So, in answer to your question, at the present time, 100% of our K-3 teachers who attended the first training are implementing WBT in the classroom. Plus, 6 additional teachers are now using WBT as a result of learning from his/her peers.
WBT works!

Deb Weigel
WBT Intern, Level 1

Deb,

The response from your school and teachers is very encouraging! Also encouraging are your comments about the teachers using WBT are relaxed, happy and ready to learn and implement more. I'll pass that along to the teacher at our next training later this week!

Nest question - unrelated to above.

You stated that you did the training, then others went to a conference for more training. Does that mean that you are a recognized EBT trainer? Is there such a thing as a recognized trainer? If so, what does that entail?

Thanks for the help.

Jason

What does it take to do trainings for WBT?

I am serving as an intern for WBT this year. I videotape trainings that I do for teachers at my school, and get constructive criticism and advice from my mentor, Andrea Schindler, and Chris Biffle. Each training I do, I am able to refine and improve my presentations. Being an intern is a wonderful experience for me!
The leaders in WBT are always ready and willing to give help, advice, encouragement, and strategies for success for anyone who asks. We are in this together to empower teachers to effectively direct students in learning. Plus, it is so much fun!

Deb Weigel
WBT Intern, Level 1