The Harper Woods School District 20225 Beaconsfield, Harper Woods, MI 48225 — Telephone 313/245.3000 — www.hwschools.org

Harper Woods staff members become certified Apple Education Trainers Early this summer, four Harper Woods School District staff members, completed the required training to become certified Apple Education Trainers. As certified Apple Education Trainers, team members Andy Hopkins, HWSD Integration Specialist, Brenda Ban, Elementary Computer Teacher, Joe Perrino, Tyrone Elementary 6th grade Teacher, and Tanika Rucker, HWHS Digital Media Teacher, will work with other Harper Woods teachers to help them incorporate Apple devices, applications, and best practices using technology into their classroom instruction. To become an Apple Education Trainer, the Harper Woods team attended an intensive, three-day training program June 27-29 in Lansing, Michigan. According to Hopkins, the training program focused on learning effective uses of iPad/MAC as tools for learning and teaching; developing learning plans and assessments to help students develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. In addition, the training also focused on helping teachers select instructional resources to meet student instructional needs. “The training was hands-on and fast paced,” said Hopkins. “We learned how to curate, create, and publish digital learning materials using the Apple products that are used in Harper Woods classrooms.” To share their newly acquired knowledge with all Harper Woods School District teachers, the team will meet throughout the summer to develop the curriculum and upcoming training schedule.

According to Hopkins, the Harper Woods School District team was able to apply for the Apple Education Trainer Program as an additional training option through the TRIG Grant the District received last year from Apple Corporation.

As a TRIG grant recipient, the team is receiving ongoing targeted professional development training, peer coaching, and mentoring from Apple Learning Specialists. “In the HWSD we are always looking for new and innovative ways to provide students with the skills they need to be successful in school and in life,” said Hopkins. “The training we are receiving from Apple Specialists is innovative and will benefit students now and in the future.”