Courses for 2013
Below is a list of the Summer 2013 courses we are offering for professional educators. Tuition will remain the same this year at $190/credit hour, unless otherwise indicated. If you register and pay for a class prior to May 15, 2013 you will receive a 10% discount on the $190/credit hour tuition.
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iPad Basics for Beginners
Instructor: Keri Dornack, Adjunct Faculty; B.A., Hiram College; M.A. & J.D., U. of Akron
Dates: June 4 & 5, 2013 (8:30am-3:00pm)
Graduate Credit Hours: 1
Target Audience: K-6 Teachers
This course is an introduction to the iPad and will emphasize applications that can be easily incorporated to enhance classroom instruction. Basic iPad skills will include settings, organizing and utilizing apps, iTunes, iCloud, and much more. Participants will be guided through a wide range of applications and have opportunities to create and share documents and media. Classes will be held at James A. Garfield Elementary School, Garrettsville, Ohio.
Wetland Ecology Studies
Instructor: Forrect Smith, Adjunct Faculty; B.A., Hiram College; M.S., Kent State University
Dates: June 10-14, 2013 (9:00am-4:30pm)
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Target Audience: 6-12 Science Teachers
Middle and High School science teachers will be introduced to the fascinating ecology and biodiversity of wetland habitats and explore strategies to integrate wetland studies into their curriculum. The importance of wetland habitats in the water cycle and in species diversity will be explored. Participants will learn how to identify wetland characteristics of lakes, ponds, floodplains, drainage ditches, retention ponds and bioswales, as well as determine areas that are not considered wetlands. Each teacher will receive a wetland determination kit and many ideas and suggestions to involve students in analysis and exploration of these unique habitats. The course will be held at the Hiram College Field Station with field trips to local wetland areas and schoolyards.
iPad Summer Workshop
Instructors: Charmayne Polen, NBCT, Adjunct Faculty; BA, Hiram College; MA, Walden University
Dates: June 12-13, 9:00am-4:00pm
Graduate Credit Hours: 1
Target Audience: K-12 Teachers
The new Common Core Standards being adopt-ed by the State of Ohio require students to become proficient in technology and digital literacy as well as become independent, critical-thinkers as they develop 21st Century skills. By implementing iPads in the classroom curriculum, students have the opportunity to foster these abilities and to get a head-start as they continue in their schooling and career paths. Learn how to start an iPad pilot program,including the writing of a proposal to receive iPads in the classroom; create a Personal Learning Network; and use apps in the class-room such as FlipBoard, QuickOffice Pro, Phoster, iMovie, iTunesU, and Story Starter to enhance student engagement and learning. Participants will have the opportunity to use an iPad for the duration of the class, but it is preferred that you bring your own.
Creating Classroom Partnerships with Parents & the Community
Instructors: Kristine Pagsuyoin, Adjunct Faculty; M.A., DePaul University
Dates: June 18-20, 2013 (9:00am-1:00pm)
Graduate Credit Hours: 1
Target Audience: PK-12 Teachers
Teachers will gain knowledge about ODE Parental Involvement Policy and discuss how new mandates will impact school districts and the classroom. Teachers will research, discuss, and develop strategies to recruit, motivate, and effectively utilize parent volunteers and community stakeholders in the learning process. Upon completion of this course, participants will have the knowledge and expertise to influence and advocate for best practices regarding parental involvement in their school districts.
American Sign Language for Learning in the Classroom
Instructor: Kim Bass, Adjunct Faculty; AAS, University of Akron; B.S., Lake Erie College; M.S., University of Arkansas; National Interpretation Certification; Ohio Department of Education; World Languages-American Sign language Certification
Dates: June 17-21 & 24-28, 2013 (6:30-9:00pm)
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Target Audience: PK-6, Special Education and Home School Teachers
Gain classroom attention without raising your voice. As a teacher, you do not need to be fluent in sign language to reap the benefits of American Sign Language in the classroom. After learning a few basic signs, teachers can control class noise levels, disruptive student behavior, handle discipline problems and reinforce positive behavior without yelling. Incorporate American Sign Language into your elementary school, home school, special education and preschool lesson plans. Course activities will utilize "Signing Time Classroom Edition" (optional purchase) to get participants comfortable with sign language and ready for the new school year. Classroom resources and tips for signing in the classroom, lesson plans, and activities are included.
Current Issues in Developmental and Educational Psychology
Instructor: Ryan Honomichl, Assistant Professor of Psychology; BA, University of Redlands; MS, PhD, University of California, Davis
Dates: July 8-10 & 17-19, 2013 (9:00am-1:00pm)
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Target Audience: PK-6 Teachers
In the early 21st century, teachers are faced with an increasing number of new concerns in the classroom. From psychotropic medications, to social media, to bullying, the modern teacher must navigate a variety of new challenges. This class will address important topics related to the classroom and the child develop-ment. With a focus on ages 5-12, we will explore new research findings, in an attempt to separate fact from fiction, reality from myth. Participants will analyze case studies of related issues and will research best and promising practices.
Portage County Crisis Intervention Team Collaboration
Dates: July 15-19, 2013 (8:00am-4:00pm)
Workshop Fee: $100 (optional 2 Graduate credit hours available for $300 through Hiram College)
Target Audience: Teachers, Administrators & school staff members (bus, custodial, secre-tarial, cafeteria)
Location: Streetsboro Police Department
Workshop Registration: Contact Joel Mowrey at 330.673.1756 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This five-day program is designed for school personnel to increase awareness of mental health issues and develop crisis management skills. Topics include crisis with kids, depression & suicide prevention, child abuse, bi-polar disorder, bullying, substance abuse, domestic violence, de-escalation principles, stress management and much more.
Real Communication in Your Foreign Language Classroom Through Art
Instructor: Rick Painley, B.S., M.Ed, Kent State University
Dates: July 23-25, 2013 (9:00am-1:00pm)
Graduate Credit Hours: 1
Target Audience: K-12 Foreign Language Teachers
As teachers of foreign languages, we desire to have our students embrace the culture. One of the difficult areas to grab and hold students’ attention can be the paintings of the great masters. It can be challenging for students to connect to artists so far removed from their lives. However, when we focus on interpretation and communication, we can create an atmosphere designed to produce open-ended discussions and engaging activities, yet, grounded in syntax and grammar (and they will learn a few facts about history and artistic technique along the way!). In this course participants will experience how to use art in their classrooms in imaginative ways. Through art we will demonstrate how to introduce grammatical ideas, reinforce concepts, and use the interpretive and communicative techniques in a field trip situation.
Classroom Management: Skills & Strategies
Instructor: Pamela Kennedy, Solon City Schools; M.A., Ashland University
Dates: July 30-August 1, 2013 (9:00am-1:00 pm)
Graduate Credit Hours: 1
Target Audience: PK-5 & Special Education Teachers
As demands increase on classroom teachers, there seems to be no time to set class culture or address behavioral disruptions without sabotaging lessons. What if we gave the task to the students? As they become responsible for their own learning, we will be able to continue teaching and meeting the needs of ALL students. Participants will gain experience in various forms of creative class management techniques as well as develop effective strategies to extinguish behavioral issues before they rob the class of valuable learning time. Emphasis is on building students' confidence, self-monitoring skills, and problem solving abilities. This class takes a collaborative approach to design and develop activities specific for each participant.
