Genetic Resources to Empower Alabama Teachers designed to meet future needs

Scientists are constantly making discoveries that impact how life and life processes are understood and addressed.  This perpetual influx of information makes it challenging for life sciences educators to sort, select and assimilate current discoveries into meaningful content for life sciences students. The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, with support from the state of Alabama, has a GREAT solution to help Alabama’s life sciences educators.
 

“Genetic Resources to Empower Alabama Teachers” is a two-day teacher workshop to highlight recent scientific findings,” said Neil Lamb, Ph.D., director of educational outreach for HudsonAlpha.  “Teachers attending the GREAT program will be given applications based on discoveries that correspond to the mandated course of study.”  Lamb added that current, relevant information and hands-on exercises relating to health, agriculture and the environment, give educators increased opportunities to engage students in science.
 
GREAT is available at no cost and is open to teachers at Alabama accredited, public high schools. Teachers who complete the two-day workshop scheduled for October 17-18 at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, will return to the classroom with lesson plans and hands-on materials that are student tested.  
 
“This workshop is a unique opportunity for teachers to learn the cool new things happening in the science world, learn how they relate to Alabama course of study, while giving teachers the materials they need to drop this content into their lessons,” said Madelene Loftin, education specialist at HudsonAlpha.  “This content applies not only when students take high stakes assessments, but will impact their lives in terms of career opportunities and decisions about medical care.”
 
Teachers completing the GREAT program will also receive substitute teacher cost reimbursement of $70 per day.  Registration is available online at www.hudsonalpha.org/GREAT.