ERG and Murphey Traditional Academy are working together for the 5th consecutive year. ERG recently sat down with Vanessa Thomas, Curriculum Facilitator at Murphey, to talk about how the ERG service has benefitted Murphey.

What have you liked best about the ERG service?

I like the fact that it is hands on…it’s on-site training and it's ongoing.  It’s not 4 hours in a workshop and then go fend for yourself.  There's formal training up front if you want it, then there is follow through.  And, there’s always assistance available…whether you are asking the coach questions while she is on campus or touching base via email.

What positive changes have occurred because of your relationship with ERG?

I think we have a better understanding of guided reading and I really do think it has helped us with reading instruction.  For me as a coach, it has helped me see where we needed to focus.  We knew we needed to do something to change our approach to reading instruction and this relationship has helped us through that. 

What part of the ERG process has been most effective for you, your teachers, and your students?

As a CF, I actually heard about ERG when I was at a reading conference.  I was a new CF and I was trying to learn about how to coach.  Working with ERG has helped me think about how to respond to teachers’ questions.  I have learned about ways I can support the teachers and what kinds of materials I can get into the building.  I also like having my coach on speed dial so we can bounce around ideas.  And I have realized I still had some things to learn about reading.

For the teachers, I think having someone in the classroom is key.  I know that can be uncomfortable, but teachers often say, “I need someone to show me how…” To have someone who will model a lesson or help plan a lesson…but someone who is not an administrator or evaluator...is important.  And the feedback that is specific, but not evaluative, is great.

If you had to describe the ERG service in a single word, what would it be?  Why?

Awesome, because I love it.  I just remember feeling as a teacher that I'd go workshops, listen, get materials, watch slides and listen to someone talk...but then there was no follow up.  The difference I see between that and ERG is how ERG keeps coming back and we can have conversations about what teachers need next.  Well, that's more than one word isn't it?

ERG has already lined up some of the nation's leading educational experts for Summer 2014. Details about each workshop are shared below. 

We anticipate high demand for these events so we have set up a pre-registration process to secure your spot.  Visit this link to download a pre-registration form. 

You can email the form to amanda@myedresource.com or fax it to us at 336-725-8143.  This will secure your place and we won't bill you until January 2014.

July 22, 2014 - Guided Math with Laney Sammons.  Winston-Salem, NC

Laney Sammons is the author of Guided Math: A Framework for Mathematics Instruction.  Sammons developed the Guided Math framework while teaching at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels.  The framework helps teachers meet the needs of diverse learners--from those who struggle to students who need additional challenges.

Join us to learn how to get guided math up and running or to refine the guided math framework you already have in place.  Pre-register today to save your spot!

July 24, 2014 -  Cultivating Balance in the Common Core with Jan Burkins and Kim Yaris.  Raleigh Area, Final Location TBD

Jan Burkins and Kim Yaris are the writers and thinkers behind the popular Burkins & Yaris blog. 

Since the early stages of Common Core development and implementation, these educators have been at the forefront--helping teachers navigate, understand, and implement the standards.

Remember to pre-register to hold your spot!  You will not want to miss learning from these dynamic educators. 

As we visit classrooms and talk with teachers and administrators this fall, we are clearer than ever on the importance of quality teachers.  ERG is committed to staying focused on instruction in a supportive way!  No matter what your data said, no matter the proficiency or growth, ERG can help you reach your goals in reading, writing, math, and with exceptional students.  We would appreciate the opportunity to support you and your students in a way that has lasting effects.