January 1999,
John XXIII Pastoral Center, Charleston, WV

The January Teacher Partner Meeting was scheduled as a follow-up to the summer math manipulative training. Sessions specific to lower and upper grade levels were planned. Mother Nature had some plans of her own . . Five inches of snow dropped over night. The Teacher Partners were already in Charleston for a Thursday meeting but the snow packed, icy roads prevented many others from attending.
 

This was the scene as participants arrived at the rural center Friday morning.

Carolyn found her car buried under several inches of snow.

Watch out, Danny! That branch is really loaded!

These four, dedicated teachers came to the meeting - even on a snow day when they would have been out of school and sleeping late. WOW! Dedicated teachers - Scott Wilson, Susan Kessler, Terri Duty, and Yuvonne Priestly.

The scene was beautiful - if you didn't have to worry about traveling.

MU Resource Collaborative Director explained the day's agenda. Oh, Oh! Look at those snowmen on her vest. It was all Lynda's fault!

LOWER GRADE LEVEL SESSION
 

Teacher Partner Susan McGlothen, Logan Elementary, focused on geometry for the lower grade teachers. Susan's sense of humor adds a relaxed atmosphere to any session.

Teacher Partners Carolyn Falin and Linda Richards are exploring symmetry using hinged mirrors.

Pattern blocks are a versatile resource for teaching many concepts. Duvall Middle School teacher, Yuvonne Priestly, is taking notes on their uses.

The math manipulative meeting was co-sponsored with RESA II (West Virginia Regional Education Service Agency). Curriculum Specialist, Barbara Maynard, braved the elements to attend and participated too. (Barb SAYS she's not a math person - but she kept up with the rest of the group!)

"Experience is the best teacher" and ARSI Teacher Partner, Greg Miller, shared his experiences as he team taught a session on Algeblocks.

Teacher Partner, Danny Dailey, worked with Greg on the session and shared his insights.

Sharing successes and failures of implementing new strategies is a part of every ARSI meeting.

Teacher Partners Jo Hendricks and Nancy Booth discuss the strategies.

There's alway someone to help you at an ARSI meeting.

Teacher Partners Joe Gilbert and Greg Miller assemble a four pan algebra balance.

Lewis County teacher, Paula Lewis is trying to understand the directions. . "You want me to put it WHERE?"

Nancy Henson, Math Specialist for the Kentucky Regional Service Center VII, continued the higher grade session in the afternoon. Jo is offering assistance using the balance

Good advice, Jo. SUCCESS!

Nancy also discussed how conic section models could help student understanding of difficult concepts.

Teachers usually have little time for professional sharing. Teacher Partner meetings provide that opportunity.