Background of Program | How Are Ambassadors Trained? | Sample Agendas | Professional Development Materials |
Payment
Ambassadors are highly qualified Ohio educators who are available to lead ORC professional development sessions. The Ohio Resource Center for Mathematics, Science, and Reading trains Ohio educators to provide professional development services in the use of ORC in standards-based teaching for educators in schools, districts, and other educational organizations.
These highly trained, experienced educators enhance ORC’s capacity to provide outstanding professional development throughout the state of Ohio.
Educators who have experience and expertise in one of the three ORC disciplines (English language arts, mathematics, or science) apply to become Ambassadors. Applicants have experience in the classroom and frequently in curriculum work as well as in higher education. Some Ambassadors are generalists whose expertise crosses content areas. Upon meeting the qualifications, applicants are scheduled into training.
Ambassador training includes an intensive 3-day workshop which features demonstrations of the website and projects, active engagement in using ORC and Thinkfinity, and ways to plan for workshops and presentations. Each participant prepares ORC collections for use in professional development. ORC specialists, project directors, and Thinkfinity trainers work with the Ambassadors to guide them into the many website components.
After receiving the initial training, Ambassadors participate in regular update sessions.
ORC Ambassadors present ORC and Thinkfinity overviews and lead lab-based workshops. The specific workshops that ambassadors provide may be of varied lengths and styles. The following agendas are samples of what typically occurs in a professional development session. Agendas may be customized to fit the needs of the district or group requesting the professional development.
A short ORC overview, approximately 1 hour long, consists of a presentation in which the Ambassador uses a computer and LCD projector to demonstrate features of ORC. Short Overview Agenda
A workshop (1-2 hours) in a computer lab is an interactive session in which the Ambassador demonstrates features of ORC and Thinkfinity and provides ways for participants to use the websites and locate resources. Short Workshop Agenda
A half- or full-day workshop is conducted in a computer lab. The longer sessions are made up of demonstrations and interactive engagement with the ORC and Thinkfinity websites. Longer Workshop Agenda
Ambassadors who have a strong background in a discipline may also be contracted with to provide a longer session which includes in-depth content in the ambassador’s area of expertise.
Professional Development Materials
ORC supplies some materials for professional development conducted by Ambassadors. These materials include such items as brochures, flyers, and other standard items which are generally kept in stock at ORC for use in professional development.
When copies of additional handouts are needed, the Ambassador may ask the district to make copies.
ORC Ambassadors are not employed by ORC. Districts or schools should contract with the Ambassador directly for the provision of services.
Districts are expected to pay the Ambassador directly and to provide reasonable reimbursement for expenses incurred by the Ambassador. Expenses generally include mileage and possibly a hotel and meal. Ambassadors who provide professional development in their own districts will follow district policy.
This sample fee schedule represents a range of recommended fees for standard workshops/presentations. Arrangements for the exact fees will be made by the district and the Ambassador.
| Suggested rate for one day of professional development:
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$600
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| Suggested rate for ½ day:
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$300
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| Suggested rate for short overview (1-2 hours):
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$100 - $200
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If the Ambassador provides professional development for the Ambassador’s school district or organization, the fee schedule does not apply.