On Monday, August 8, 2022, hundreds of educators from Wythe County Public Schools (WCPS) attended the EduPrep conference held at Wytheville Community College (WCC).
EduPrep was designed to provide professional development opportunities for WCPS teachers and to create a venue for local educators to share new perspectives and discuss challenges and solutions. More than a dozen administrators and faculty from WCC and teachers and administrators from WCPS facilitated an all-day conference with subjects ranging from “Creating a Science Learning Community” to “Creating Authentic Writing Tasks.” Teachers in attendance earned professional development points toward license renewal.
Ewell Vernon, WCC Dean of Health Professions and Medical Services, gave teachers a “Moving” experience as he showcased “Activities Using a Goniometer – The Angles of Movement” where-in he introduced math, science, health, and physical education teachers to tools and techniques for the use of a goniometer to teach students about human movement and biomechanics.
Another topic for the day addressed the need for rethinking classroom management for a changing audience of students. Mrs. Shannon Vaught, WCPS Director of Middle Schools, spoke to an audience of teachers from all grade levels as she addressed “Classroom Management for the Next Normal.”
The fourth consecutive year of EduPrep featured the popular session led by Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President, “De-Stressing with Progressive Muscle Relation,” where-in Dr. Sprinkle led educators through a step-by-step guide to Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR).
“WCC is pleased to have hosted this event for our Wythe County Public Schools partners in education,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle. “I was happy to participate in a session that may help educators with coping skills for day-to-day stress.”
Dr. Barry Miller, Virginia Tech Director of Outreach Helmet Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, provided a session for all coaches, PE teachers, and administrators about the newest updates in concussion protocol. Miller discussed the major aspects surrounding the continued study of concussions along with new and exciting developments from Virginia Tech Helmet Lab.
The professional development day ended with a Vendor Fair where multiple businesses provided information and door prizes for teachers. WCC Coordinator of Dual Enrollment Josh Floyd said, “WCC greatly looks forward to hosting EduPrep each year. We are excited to have all WCPS educators on our campus for a full day of professional development and important learning prior to the start of each academic year. This year’s Vendor Fair featured over 25 local businesses who gave valuable time to support these educators. Additionally, these vendors provided valuable resources from their businesses for future collaboration towards these hard-working individuals.”
Dr. Wesley Poole, WCPS Superintendent stated, “We are most appreciative of our partnership with Wytheville Community College. WCC is a valuable resource for both WCPS faculty and students. In addition, Mr. Josh Floyd has been instrumental in the planning and implementation of the EduPrep sessions which have proven to be a wonderful opportunity for our teachers.”
School starts for Wythe County Public Schools on August 15.
Wytheville Community College Fall Semester begins on August 22. There is still time for students to register for Fall classes at WCC. Visit wcc.vccs.edu to find out more or call (276) 223-4700.